End rot or blossom end rot is a physiological condition that affects vegetable fruits. It can affect both raw and ripe fruits. You will know your crops are affected by this disorder when you spot a brown, leathery rot developing on or near the blossom end of the fruit. The rot begins as a small brown lesion that widens as the condition worsens. Secondary infection may attack the rotting end, creating a black mold.
What Causes End Rot
Some farmers associate end rot with fungal infections or conditions managed with fungicides or pesticides. Such farmers spend a lot on chemicals, with little or no success. The only good thing about the condition is that it does not spread from one plant to the other. So what causes end rot?
As mentioned earlier, end rot is a physiological or environmental disorder caused by calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. In short, end rot is a calcium deficiency condition. Plants affected by this condition either receive an inadequate calcium supply or have absorption problems. That explains why the condition is related to inconsistent watering or drought.
Plants may also suffer from the condition due to root damage. Damaged roots impact calcium intake, leading to this physiological disorder. Acidic or waterlogged soil may also lead to blossom end rot.
Plant Issues Similar to End Rot
Several plant issues can be mistaken for end rot. Proper diagnosis is required to establish whether your plants suffer from end rot or other conditions. Some conditions with almost similar conditions include.
Sunscald
You can confuse sunscald and end rot as both conditions have almost similar symptoms. However, the brown patch in sunscald infection appears on the side exposed to the sun.
Blight
It is also possible to confuse blight and end rot. However, blight attacks the entire plant, while rot affects only the fruits. Blight is a fungal infection, while blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency condition.
Anthracnose
Another fungal infection that can be confused with end rot is anthracnose. Anthracnose starts with tiny dark sunken lesions that widen and merge, causing the fruit to rot.
Vegetables Impacted by End Rot
Most fruit-bearing vegetables are susceptible to end rot. However, the condition often affects tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. The condition only affects crops with calcium deficiency or those growing in acidic or waterlogged soils.
How to Prevent Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot occurs when your plants do not get sufficient calcium or experience watering issues, where plants get insufficient excess water. You can prevent this physiological condition from affecting your plants by;
- Ensuring your plants get enough calcium from fertilizer and foliar
- Adopting a consistent watering schedule that ensures the soil is not waterlogged or dry
- Applying mulches to prevent excessive moisture loss
- Avoiding activities that injure plant roots
- Test and manage soil PH to reduce acidity
Reversing Blossom End Rot
You may want to reverse the effect of end rot and save your crop. However, the affected fruit cannot be treated. You only prevent the condition from affecting subsequent fruits. Luckily, the condition does not attack the entire plant. With sufficient calcium supply and a consistent watering schedule, you can be assured of the next harvest.
Learn More About End Rot from Nick’s Garden
Blossom end rot can impact your yield if not managed effectively. However, you can reduce its risk by providing sufficient calcium and maintaining a consistent watering schedule. You can also prevent this condition from attacking your crops by ordering a soil PH and nutrient test from Nick’s Garden. Contact us today to learn more or speak to an expert.
