Blossom End Rot.

Gardener John

Hello for the first time in years I have noticed some fruits on my tomatoes have developed
blossom end rot. They are in the greenhouse so I would like to know what has caused this
and whats the best way forward. So far I have removed the bad fruits which are on three
plants. I open the doors daily and water nightly. The plants are in pots with drip mats below.
Like everyone else we have had very high temperatures, I would love to know if anyone can help as I do not count myself as an expert in growing veg.

Jason milly

It's down to lack of watering, just keep a eye on the pots if they are dry water them, you did the right in taking the fruits of, not end of the world it happens to the best of us . 

Gardener John

Thank you Jason , will keep a close eye on pots in future.

Lily Pilly

GJ I have had this before and have been meticulous with the watering however there is one plant (I think it’s Alicante) that has some fruits affected 
I can’t for the life of me think why. I must have got tired when I reached that pot!

Redwing

I am pretty careful with watering too and of the six varieties I'm growing this year, only one, Black Russian, has had BER.  I think some varieties are more susceptible than other.  It is also I understand, a calcium deficiency. 

pansyface

I only grew Moneymaker, Sungold and Gardener’s Delight this year. Only the Moneymaker were the only ones to get it and they only got it on the upper trusses.
Anybody else had similar problem with upper trusses?

Fairygirl

Pansyface - I've personally never had a problem with my upper trusses....
My understanding is that it's not a calcium deficiency, but an inability of the plant to take up calcium, mainly due to inconsistent watering. 
Watering at night can mean the plants are sitting in that water overnight, which isn't as good for them. Morning watering is usually better. I appreciate that overnight temps in many areas have been very high, but it's something to consider for future planting, GJohn   

BLT

This year I only grew the two varieties Gardeners Delight, my fav for taste andMarmande.. The Marmande has been disappointing as I havehad to pick off and discard about a dozen decent sized Marmande.. I too have been careful over the watering but it happens some times..

Italophile

Fairygirl said:

My understanding is that it's not a calcium deficiency, but an inability of the plant to take up calcium, mainly due to inconsistent watering. 

It's the plant's inability to distribute calcium to the fruit. It's believed to be caused by plant stress. Irregular watering patterns can be a factor but it's not the simple answer. Many things can stress a plant - too much water, not enough water, excessive heat, strong winds (when the plant is outdoors), fluctuating temperatures, and so on. You need to look at the overall growing conditions. And sometimes, frustratingly, there is simply no obvious answer. Even more frustrating, for the most part, not every tomato on the plant is affected.  

And it's true that some varieties are more prone to BER than others. The plum shapes - San Marzano, Roma, etc - are famous for developing BER. No one knows why beyond some sort of genetic predisposition to the problem.

Gardener John

Thankyou so much for your help its nice to know I am not alone.
My plants are Moneymaker and the B.E.Rot was on the lower trusses.
now the temperatures have dipped slightly I will water in the morning and see how
I get on. I also grow Tumbler toms.in a hanging basket and they as usual are fine.
They ripen quickly so we are cropping now, its always good to have a backup.
Again thankyou.

pansyface

Fairy, I’m sure your upper trusses are splendiferous.😊