Tomato Blossom End Rot in the Low Desert

PLANTS MOST SUSCEPTIBLE: Tomatoes (though this disease may be seen on the fruits of other vegetables as well)

SYMPTOMS:

A small, water-soaked lesion will appear at the blossom-end of the fruit. This spot will grow larger, turning dark and sunken.

CAUSE:

Calcium deficiency and water stress resulting from irregular watering. Organisms often invade this area, but are not the cause of the problem.

MANAGEMENT:

• Apply gypsum to the soil
• Improve water management through regular deep watering.
• Use a mulch to reduce evaporation.
• Space tomatoes adequately to avoid water stress

To Gardening and Landscaping in Maricopa County, AZ