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market-farming - Re: Tomatoes: bottom rot

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  • From: "Bill Shoemaker" <wshoemak AT inil.com>
  • To: "market farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Tomatoes: bottom rot
  • Date: Wed, 24 May 2000 12:38:18 -0500




>How do I prevent against bottom rot on my tomatoes? I've had it before --
>rather, my tomatoes have had it -- but that's when the fruit was actually
in
>contact with the ground. This time, they are well above ground level
>(6"-12").
>
>Brian
>


Sometimes a rot forms where the tomato sits on the soil. A number of
organisms can contribute to that problem. Putting down a thick layer of a
well-aerated mulch, such as straw, can prevent this. Also, as you suggest,
training tomatoes on stakes or in cages can do the same.

Blossom-end rot (BER) is a calcium disorder that is related to fluctuations
in moisture availability. Keeping soil evenly watered helps prevent this. In
hot, stressful summers it can be difficult to avoid seeing some BER. Good pH
levels are important in avoiding BER as well.

Bill Shoemaker
Sr Research Specialist, Food Crops
Univ of Illinois - St Charles Hort Research Center





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