Cultivation conditions do not apply to tomato gluten
A farmer from Daxing District recently asked: "What causes tomato blossom end rot and how can it be prevented?"
Mr. Cao, from the City Agricultural Technology Extension Station, explained that tomato blossom end rot is a physiological disorder rather than a disease caused by pathogens. It has become more common in recent years, significantly affecting tomato quality and requiring close attention from vegetable growers.
This condition typically occurs during the early stages of fruit development, especially when the first or second set of fruits begin to turn red. The main symptom is uneven coloration on the fruit surface. In mild cases, the shape of the fruit remains normal, but in severe cases, the fruit develops a raised area on the surface where the placenta is located, turning red, while the part near the seed cavity remains hollow and green. Some fruits may also show dark brown spots. When cut open, the vascular bundles in the fruit skin appear dark brown, hard, and unmarketable.
Several factors contribute to this issue. First, insufficient sunlight—less than 7 hours per day—increases the risk. Second, an imbalance between nitrogen and potassium in the soil can worsen the problem. Overuse of human manure or fresh organic fertilizers also raises the incidence rate. Third, excessive soil moisture over a long period increases the likelihood of the disease. Lastly, larger tomatoes with thicker skins are more prone to blossom end rot.
To prevent and manage the condition, farmers should focus on enhancing photosynthesis by ensuring proper light exposure. They should carefully manage irrigation and fertilization to maintain optimal soil moisture levels. It’s important to use well-decomposed farmyard manure and adjust the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium according to the plant's growth stage. During the early fruit development phase—when each fruit reaches about 2 cm in size—farmers should apply potassium nitrate fertilizer at a rate of 7-8 kg per acre. Avoid excessive nitrogen, especially urea, which should not exceed 10 kg per acre at one time. Using composted organic fertilizer mixed with potassium nitrate is recommended. Alternatively, applying a balanced compound fertilizer with higher potassium content than nitrogen can also help. Foliar applications of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, 3–5 times, can further support plant health. Additionally, using carbon dioxide enrichment and ensuring good ventilation can reduce the occurrence of the disease.
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