BLOSSOM END ROT OF PEPPER AND TOMATO

Blossom-end rot is a physiological disorder of tomatoes and peppers. It is a disturbance in the normal physiology of the plant. It is non-infectious
disease that is associated with environmental conditions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
• The first evidence of blossom end rot consists of a brown or water-soaked
discoloration near the blossom end (opposite the stem end) of the fruit (marked)
• Over time the area turns dark brown or black and may become sunken or leathery.
• Sometimes an internal black rot will develop in the center of the fruit with little
or no external symptoms.
• Tomatoes affected by blossom end rot grow slowly and often ripen prematurely

Causes of Blossom-End Rot
 Failure of sufficient calcium to reach the blossom end of the fruit early in fruit development causes the cells in this area to die.
 The most common cause of blossom-end rot is fluctuating soil moisture.
 Blossom end rot occurs more frequently when plants grown under favorable
conditions early in the season are subjected to long periods of drought during the early stages of fruit development
 Excessive applications of fertilizer containing ammonia can also result in symptoms.
 Less frequently, an actual deficiency of calcium in the soil may cause this rot.

Management Strategies
 Maintain even soil moisture. Water regularly during dry periods
 Use mulches that conserve soil moisture to avoid fluctuating moisture levels in the soil especially during the flowering and fruiting stages (organic mulch is recommended)
 Soil containing high humus will retain moisture during dry periods
 When adding nitrogen, use calcium nitrate rather than ammonia or urea forms.