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What is it?
There are many members in the curcurbit family including cucumbers, gourds, muskmelons, summer squash, pumpkins, watermelon and winter squash. Although blossom-end rot can occur in any of these members of the curcurbit family, it can also affect tomatoes and peppers.
What does it look like?
Blossom-end rot develops on the blossom ends of plants, the area opposite the stem ends. A spot occurs that begins as a sunken, water-soaked area that turns yellowish, turns to brown and then black. Mold may also be apparent on the spot where blossom-end rot has occurred. The area that is affected gradually grows and can encompass the entire developing fruit of the plant.
How does it manifest?
Blossom-end rot can be caused by several different factors. It can occur when the soil has excess salts in its composition. Blossom-end rot can also occur when there are extreme fluctuations in the amount of water in the soil surrounding the curcurbit family plants. Additionally, this plant disorder can occur when excessive rain occurs and smothers the root hairs of the plants, or when there is rapid growth early-on in the growing season that is suddenly abrupted by an extended period of dry weather conditions. The rot always begins at the blossom-end and the mold which often accompanies this disorder is caused by any variety of fungus or bacteria which takes uses the beginning blossom-end rot as a condition for entry and breeding within the fruit.
What can you do about it?
Blossom end rot can be prevented or controlled, but once it has begun measures need to be taken or you will lose fruit and have a poor harvest. A prime means of control is mulching with metered watering to keep the soil at a consistent water level so that extreme conditions do not occur. Additionally, you can plant in soil that is well drained and leach excess salts by watering effectively. You should also avoid using fertilizers which have a high-ammonia content such as fresh manure.
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