EN 
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FR The blossom end rot It represents one of the most widespread and damaging physiopathies in tomato cultivation. Those who grow vegetables know this problem well: the fruit appears healthy during the early stages of development, but as the days go by, a characteristic dark spot appears on the lower part, which gradually tends to widen until it completely compromises the quality of the harvest.
Besides the aesthetic damage, blossom end rot can lead to significant economic losses due to increased waste and a reduction in the commercial value of the produce.
Understanding the causes of this physiopathy is fundamental to adopting a correct prevention strategy.
Blossom end rot
The blossom end rot It is a physiological disorder mainly linked to insufficient availability of calcium in the fruit tissues during the growth phase.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses, but a physiological imbalance that prevents the fruit from receiving adequate amounts of calcium during its development.
The symptoms generally appear on still-green fruits and tend to worsen as ripening progresses.
How to recognise the symptoms
The most characteristic symptom is the appearance of a dark, depressed lesion at the terminal part of the fruit, opposite the stalk.
Over time, the lesion increases in size and takes on a dark brown or blackish colour.
The main signs include:
- Dark spots on the lower part of the fruit;
- dry and necrotic tissue;
- progressive expansion of the lesion;
- reduction in commercial quality;
- increased susceptibility to secondary rots.
The problem mainly affects tomatoes, but can also occur on peppers, aubergines and other horticultural crops.
Why is football so important
The calcio carries out a essential role in the structure of cell walls and the stability of plant tissues.
When the fruit grows rapidly, the Calcium requirement increases considerably. If the plant cannot transport sufficient quantities to the fruit, the typical symptoms of blossom end rot begin to appear.
It is important to note that the presence of calcium in the soil does not automatically guarantee its availability to the plant.
Very often, the problem is not the total amount of calcium present, but its ability to be absorbed and translocated correctly within the crop.
The main causes of blossom end rot
Various factors can promote the onset of physiopathy.
Among the most common are:
Water stress
Irregular watering is one of the main causes of the problem.
Alternating periods of drought followed by heavy irrigation can compromise the absorption of calcium and its transport to the fruit.
Excessive vegetative growth
Very intense vegetative growth can create competition between leaves and fruits for the use of available calcium.
High salinity
Soils or nutrient solutions characterised by a high salt concentration can limit the uptake of nutrient elements.
Nutritional imbalances
Excess nitrogen, potassium or magnesium can interfere with the absorption of calcium by the roots.
High temperatures
Particularly warm climatic conditions increase crop stress and can exacerbate the problem.
How to prevent blossom end rot
Prevention represents the most effective approach for limiting damage.
Proper agronomic management should include:
- regular and constant irrigation;
- Soil fertility monitoring;
- balanced nutritional management;
- salinity control;
- the use of easily absorbable calcium sources.
Acting preventatively is much more effective than trying to fix the problem once symptoms are already evident.
The role of calcium-based formulations
The Modern agronomic strategies they provide for the use of specific formulations capable of supporting calcium intake during the most delicate stages of fruit development.
Ensuring a constant supply of the element allows for the proper formation of cell walls and improves the overall quality of production.
MS Biotech's solutions for Calcium management
To support crops during periods of high demand, MS Biotech offers various solutions dedicated to calcium nutrition, including Veratech Ca, Veratech Kaltop, Phillon Azocal 2M and Complex.
These formulations can be integrated into nutritional programmes to help maintain a proper crop balance and promote harmonious fruit development.
The inclusion of specific products within a comprehensive agronomic strategy helps to reduce the risk of physiopathies and enhance the crop's production potential.
The apical tomato rot It is a frequent problem that can seriously compromise the quality and profitability of horticultural production.
Correct management of irrigation, nutrition and calcium availability is key to preventing the appearance of symptoms and ensuring healthier and more uniform yields.
Investing in prevention means reducing waste, improving crop quality, and maximising the commercial value of production.
