![]() Be sure to provide mulch around the tomatoes to protect the roots. The best way to reduce the chance of wilting is to mulch around plants.īER can be especially problematic to tomatoes grown in containers because they have a tendency to dry out more easily. So, don’t let plants wilt between waterings. Without a steady supply of water, the tiny root hairs dry out, which limits the amount of calcium the plants can absorb and supply to developing fruit. While low calcium in fruit is the cause, the real culprit is often drought. It’s common to see BER on the first tomatoes of the season. Most Mississippi soils have enough calcium for tomato fruits to develop properly, but it is a good idea to have the soil tested to make sure. It is a physiological disorder caused by lack of adequate calcium in developing fruit. Sometimes the spot is sunken, and these tomatoes often ripen before all others.īER is not caused by an infectious agent (pathogen) and is therefore not a disease. BER can sometimes occur on the side of fruit, and occasionally only on the inside of fruit, so the BER is hidden until the tomato is sliced open. ![]() It appears as a dry, leathery (not mushy), dark brown or black area, usually at or near the bottom of the fruit. Blossom-End RotīER is probably the most common problem in tomatoes (home garden, field, and greenhouse). Fruit of the larger beefsteak types as well as many of the older heirloom varieties are commonly misshapen. Some varieties are more prone to produce misshapen fruit. Planting a little later, when temperatures are higher, will avoid some of these problems. Lower temperatures cause ridged fruit (a bumpy shoulder) and catfacing (ugly bottom of fruit see below). Tomato fruit will develop the best shape if the temperature is above the mid-60s. There are several factors that cause misshapen fruit, but the most likely cause is low temperature. Misshapen fruit are common in home gardens. ![]() Hopefully you will see very few, if any, of these situations in your own tomato plants this year. This Mississippi State University Extension publication discusses some of the most common problems, methods of prevention, and sources of more information. Not surprisingly, many questions arise from gardeners and commercial growers about various problems that occur during the season. Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable to grow in Mississippi in both home gardens and greenhouse hydroponic production. ![]()
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