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Blossom end rot

Blossom end rot is a frustrating condition that affects tomatoes, peppers, summer and winter squash, eggplant, pumpkin, and melons. It shows up as a drying, decaying spot on the blossom end of the vegetable which is the end opposite the stem. The cause is a lack of calcium in the plant.

The conditions which cause this calcium deficiency are the same as those that cause Physiological Leaf Curl. These are hot weather, lack of water or irregular or excess water. They all interfere with the plant’s ability to take up calcium evenly from the soil. There are also differences between vegetable varieties with some more prone to Blossom End Rot than others.

The big question is what can be done? There are a number of “home remedies” that people use and some feel they help. These include putting ground egg shells or ground antacid tablets in the hole when setting out transplants or seeding. There is no proof either way that these methods do or don’t work. There are also liquid products that are high in calcium which are to be sprayed on the plant leaves to help prevent/treat the condition. Again, I have seen no research confirming or denying these properties. It may be worth your while to try them as the investment is low, and it may answer some questions you have on these methods.

What will work is keeping the soil water available to the plants more evenly. This is best accomplished by a good mulch around the plants to cool the soil, allow more root growth, and hold down water evaporation. This will allow the plant to take up water and calcium evenly and prevent the problem. It might seem too simple, but it works. Our soils have very high calcium levels, so helping the plant take up this mineral is the best prevention.

Ken Eraas is the Ward County Extension Horticulture Assistant. You can reach him by calling 857-6444 or emailing kendell.eraas@ndsu.edu.

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