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Controlling Tomato Problems
Protect your prize
winners
It takes skill and ingenuity to raise blemish-free, flavorful tomatoes and
protect them from insects, diseases and other pests.
Here’s how to handle existing problems prevent new ones.
Controlling
blossom-end rot
This is a common problem, so we’ll deal with it first. The first sign is
watered soaked spot near the blossom end of the fruit.
This spot becomes brown or black and may enlarge until
it covers a third to a half of the fruit. As the spot
goes, the tissues shrink and the surface becomes dark,
leathery and often sunken.
Sometimes the blossom-end
rot occurs when tomato plants have grown rapidly during
the early part of the season and then are subjected to
prolonged dry weather as the tomato fruits are
developing. Other times the damage occurs after long
periods of extra rainfall. Research also indicates that
extreme fluctuations in soil moisture and excessive
applications of high nitrogen fertilizer aggravate this
disorder.
The basic cause of
blossom-end rot is a lack of calcium, so ensure an amble
supply. Test your gardens pH before planting. If less
than 6.8, spread ground lime before setting out the
tomato transplants. Some gardeners even mix a handful of
lime in the whole at planting time.
Water regularly so tomato
plants receive a uniform supply of moisture. Keep the
soil evenly moist but not extremely wet. Spread a 2-inch
blanket of mulch over the roots to conserve moisture.
Use grass clippings, compost or weed free straw,
replenish as needed. If blossom-end rot is already
occurring, mix one tablespoon of calcium chloride per
gallon of water and spray the foliage 2 or 3 times a
week as the tomatoes are developing. Do not spray for
the entire season, as it may injure the foliage.
Other Common Tomato
Problems
Cracking
Tomatoes often crack after rainy periods and high temperature that favor
rapid growth. They are most likely to crack when they
have reach full size and are turning color. Cracks
blemish the fruit and often create points of infection.
The best way to avoid cracking is to plant resist
varieties as Early Girl, Jet Star, Roma, Pilgrim and
Heinz 1370. Also water regularly to keep soil moisture
uniform throughout the growing season.
Blossom Drop
Tomato plants often develop beautiful blossoms that
mysteriously fall off. This problem is often
temperature-related. Some varieties may drop their
blossoms when night temperatures fall below 55 degree,
while high day temperature above 90 degrees and night
temperatures above 75 degree may also cause blossom
drop. To prevent it plant resistant varieties, keep the
soil evenly moist and avoid using high-nitrogen
fertilizers during the early stages of plant growth.
Also watch for signs of early blight or bacterial spot
that may cause blossom lose.
Sunscald
Tomatoes get sunburn just like people. At first a
yellowish-white batch appears on the side of the tomato
facing the sun. The damaged area gets larger and becomes
grayish-white as the tomato ripens. Prevent sunscald by
training tomatoes in cages where the leaves shade the
fruit (which delays ripening). On staked plants, leave
some foliage to protect the ripening tomatoes. Also,
control early blight and other diseases that cause
tomato plants to lose their foliage.
Pests
Watch carefully for problems and always identify the
pest before attempting to treat it. For help, take a
sample to your Agway store for identification and advice
on control measures. See your local Agway Store for all
the seeds, seedlings and products you’ll need to grow
healthy, delicious tomatoes.
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