BER - Blossom End Rot
Type: Physiological Disorder
Blossom End Rot is a physiological disorder that affects tomatoes. As tomatoes begin to ripen, black spots on the bottom of the tomato appear. The tomatoes affected by blossom end rot should be picked and discarded. The cause is a calcium deficiency. The condition is not caused by a lack of calcium in the soil, but because the plant is unable to take up the calcium that is already in the soil because of drought or erratic watering. It is most common when the growing season starts out wet and then becomes very dry when tomatoes are setting. Plants are unable to absorb calcium because the soil is too wet or too dry, there is excessive nitrogen in the soil, roots are damage during cultivation, soil pH is either too high or too low, cold soil, and high levels of salts in the soil. Keep consistent levels of moisture in the soil throughout the growing season. Allow soil to warm before planting. Use mulch, such as Red Tomato Mulch, to minimize evaporation and to help maintain consistent moisture in the soil. Test soil so pH is at 6.5. Use Tomato Rot Stop to prevent calcium deficiency. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.
F – Fusarium Wilt (Race 1)
Scientific Name: Fusarium oxysporum
Type: Fungus
Fusarium Wilt, Race 1, is a fungal disease that affects the growth of tomatoes. It is one of the most devastating of all soil-borne diseases. Race 1 is the most widely found throughout the United States, especially in warm regions of the country. It attacks the roots of the plants and moves up the stems. Symptoms include yellowing and browning of the older bottom leaves, stunting, and wilting. Often the entire plant will die. Usually little or no fruit develops. The infected plants will produce inferior and unmarketable tomatoes. It can cause significant yield loss and even total crops losses. If you stick with Fusarium Wilt Resistant tomato varieties you don’t have to worry. Many of the older heirlooms don’t have any resistance to the disease, so if you grow these then you should keep an eye out for it. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 5 to 7 year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year, as the disease can survive in the soil up to 10 years. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.