Google Images of Blossom End Rot
Physical Description
Blossom end rot in tomato
Brown or tan spots on the blossom end of tomatoes or on the underside of peppers.
Blossom end rot results from calcium availability problems when the fruit is forming. Calcium availability is affected by irrigation levels (both too much water, and too little water), as well as by the amount of calcium present in the soil.
Plants Affected
- tomatoes
- peppers
- zucchini
Plants Unaffected
Signs & Symptoms
Whole Plant
Leaves
Flowers
Fruit
- Brown or tan spots on the blossom end of tomatoes
- Brown or tan spots on the underside of peppers
- fruit is still edible – just cut off the damaged parts
- brown and rotting zucchini at the blossom end
Roots/Tubers
How to Positively Identify
Treatment
- make sure soil is kept evenly moist (not too wet, not too dry)
- add calcium
- crushed oyster shells
- crushed egg shells
- calcium supplement for plants
Prevention & Control
Cultural Controls:
Habitat:
Temperature & Humidity:
– irregular water & heat cause blossom end rot by preventing the plant from getting enough calcium from the soil
Mulching & Cultivation Practices:
- use automated drip or in-line irrigation to keep soil moisture consistent
- make sure calcium levels are kept up in soil
