Plant disorder caused by Calcium deficiency.
Blossom end rot is a fruit rot commonly seen on peppers and tomatoes, caused by calcium (Ca) deficiency. It typically appears as sunken, dry, decaying brownish areas on the fruit that grow over time. It typically appears furthest from the stem (hence the name) but can also appear on the sides. fruits can still be picked and eaten if the rotten area is removed, and if the fruit is picked before the rot becomes too large.
Ca deficiency can occur due to the natural soil conditions (e.g. acidic soils tend to have low Ca content), an over-use of fertilizer, or an uneven watering regimen. A soil can also have a high Ca content that is insoluble and hence inaccessible to the plant, causing the rot to occur - this often occurs in high phosphate soils.
Treatments can include the addition of agricultural lime to acidic soils. If water of fertilizer misuse is the cause, then fixing this is the best remedy. Existing rot cannot be cured, and treatments aim to stop future rot or to avoid rot occurring.
In addition to peppers and tomatoes, blossom end rot are also observed with apples ('Bitter pit'), cabbages (internal browning), carrot ('Cavity spot'), and celery (stunted growth).
Use this tag for all questions about blossom end rot, or diagnosing/correcting suspected cases.
