Blossom end rot is one of the common tomato problems in this area. The disorder first appears on green fruits as a water soaked spot on the blossom end of the fruit. This spot enlarges in size and is sunken, dark brown to black in color and has a leathery texture. Blossom end rot is not a disease and is not contagious. It is caused by fluctuations in soil moisture, excessive nitrogen fertilizer or root damage. Blossom end rot can be controlled by using a balanced fertilizer, hoeing carefully to avoid root damage, regular watering in dry weather and by using mulch to help maintain a more uniform soil moisture.

Sunscald is another tomato fruit problem. The first symptom is a light spot on the side of green fruits facing the sun. Later the area blisters; and finally a large, flattened, grayish-white spot develops. The surface of the spot is dry and papery. Other diseases may invade this area, causing it to darken. Sun scald is caused by a sudden loss of leaves or any other change that suddenly exposes the fruits to the sun. Leaf spot diseases frequently cause a rapid yellowing and loss of leaves. Tying up plants to stakes may also cause sudden exposure of fruits to the sun.

Early Blight can also cause a fruit problem. This disease causes dark, sunken, leathery or velvety spots on the stem end or upper surface of the fruits. These spots often show concentric rings arranged in a target pattern. Early blight develops first on the leaves, where it forms large dark brown spots with the same target pattern. Early blight can be controlled by using a recommended fungicide.

This page was last updated May 2003

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