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  • From: EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] tomato questions
  • Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:56:02 -0400

Sorry, I got 'send happy'.

Leslie wrote:

THE UGLY

I threw Roma tomato seeds in the ground right next to the 4 purchased
plants. Those also grew, have lots of thick foliage (no yellow
leaves, no spots, no tan, nothing - the plants look very healthy) and
the first of the tomatos are starting to ripen. This is on the same
timed irrigation line as the other Romas. I haven't used any
chemicals, and the only fertilizer was well composted horse manure
that I worked into the ground last year.



1. What causes the blackend /browed distal end?

Blossom end rot. Sometimes, the first tomatoes will have this and the later ones will be fine. The blossom, instead of falling off as the tomato grows, clings onto and eventually rots the fruit. It can affect peppers and squashes, too. It is caused by low calcium in the soil(or sometimes the calcium levels are okay, but it is locked up and not bioavailable). Liming will help. Also, certain fertilizers high in ammonium ions(NH4) will bind the soil calcium, so the horse manure is probably a contributing factor. I would not change the manure, but just add lime for next year, if it were me. Save your eggshells and compost them-they will also add calcium. Increase phosphorus levels, too, that also affects the bloom set. If you could find some chicken manure to compost with the horse manure, that would help balance it. Rabbit poop is also pretty good.

Other factors that affect BER is planting too early, which I don't think is applicable to you since you are in a warm desert, and inconsistent water, which I wouldn't think would be a factor cuz you have it on a timer.


2. Can I can the good part of the tomato after cutting off the end?

If the rot doesn't extend to the tomato's core, sure. I do.


3. If this is some kind of virus or disease do I need to remove the
affected plant(s).

4. If 3 is a yes........ is this something that will affect the
seeds in the Walmart plants (since I want to save seeds for next
year).

Blossom end rot is not contagious. No need to remove the plants, and if you fix the soil, the problem should not occur again. However, it may take some tweaking every year.

Bev

--
Duct tape is like The Force: There's a Light Side, a Dark Side, and, of
course, it holds the universe together.
EarthNSky Farm, NW Georgia, USA




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