Can You Eat Tomatoes With Blossom End Rot?

You may notice bumps and discolored patches in your homegrown tomatoes sometimes, this disorder is known as Blossom End Rot. This happens due to a lack of calcium in the soil and generally affects appearance, not safety. It may render the fruits unattractive, but it does not kill humans. This disorder affects many vegetables too such as tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers due to improper amounts of calcium and irrigation in them.

This is not a sickness but rather an environmental concern and manifests as brown spots, most often in water-soaked areas on the fruit, leading to decay at this part.  This guide explores ways to salvage Blossom End Root, its causes and effects, and what to do next time to prevent this problem from affecting your tomatoes!

What is Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is also known as a physiological disorder. It affects different vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers. This disorder happens due to uneven watering and calcium deficiency in the soil. If the watering is variable, it automatically causes interference in calcium uptake.

 You cannot call blossom end rot disease as any fungal or other infection is not the cause of it. It is a mere deficiency or an environmental problem. Blossom end rot in tomatoes can also occur due to excessive fertilizer or high salt levels in the soil. The blossom ends most prevalent in green and ripe fruits. In addition, it can also start to appear before the season of tomatoes and even before they ripe.

This disorder is mainly found in damp and water-soaked areas and can cause the brown spots on the end of the tomato plant to rot. There are also some chances that the secondary pathogens attack the affected area and cause the fruit to rot. This rot spreads from fruit to fruit instead of spreading from plant to plant.

Causes of Blossom End Root in Tomatoes

This physiological disorder happens due to a lack or shortage of calcium in developing fruits. As calcium is the essential nutrient helps to maintain the cell structure and growth of hormones in growing tomatoes. Acidic soil, damaged roots, high nitrogen levels, and inadequate watering lead to this calcium deficiency.

The rapid growth of plants is also a major cause as fast growth prevents plants from supplying calcium to developing fruits. Another reason for the blockage of calcium intake in plants is cold soil which results in this disorder.

Effects of the Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes

Blossom End Root in tomatoes results in various negative impacts including the appearance of fruit and somehow its useability. It appears first in small patches but later changes to dark sunken spots. As this disorder develops further, it can significantly impact the number of usable fruits in a tomato plant. In addition, the weak tissue at the blossom end is more prone to decay due to the invasion of fungi and bacteria.

However, this rot does not pose any harmful effect on human health. So, you can use the tomatoes by cutting the affected area. Although safe, the affected area may also potentially impact the taste of the overall fruit.

Precautions and Control of Blossom End Rot

Various techniques and methods are used to prevent this disorder. Whereas, this disorder is controlled by employing simple methods. A few examples of such ideas and steps are: 

1. Proper Fertilization

The prevention of this blossom end rot can also be achieved by properly fertilizing the land. It is best to use organic fertilizers because they give the required nutrients without causing an imbalance in nutrient levels. However, stay moderate since too much fertilizer can lead to an imbalance of nutrients and worsen the situation. Carefully apply the fertilizer and keenly monitor it to ensure healthy tomato growth and reduce causes of blossom end rot.

2. Maintaining Moisture

The Consistency in moisture levels of the soil also reduces the chances of blossom end rot. This art helps maintain optimal soil temperature and holds enough water for tomatoes. In addition, deep watering often helps minimize fluctuations in the moisture of the soil.

The damp and moist soil without getting water-logged reduces the chances of blossom end rot disorder in your plants. This technique also enhances the proper formation of healthy fruit.

3. Soil Temperature Regulation

Soil temperature plays a significant role in the development of the disease. The condition results from calcium uptake disruption caused by extreme temperatures, significantly stressing the plants. Thus, soil temperature should be regulated to provide favorable conditions for tomato growth.

Monitoring soil temperature regularly and applying measures will help mitigate extreme conditions. In addition, using mulch for insulation or shade when hot, enables one to achieve this objective. Regulating soil temperature within optimal range would eventually decrease risk factors leading to Blossom End Rot and facilitate good crop health conditions.

4. Cultivation Practices

Another factor affecting the development of this disorder is cultivation practices. Excessive cultivation damages roots, interfering with nutrient absorption and increasing their likelihood. So, farmers should refrain from cultivating tomato plants near them frequently and should touch them softly.

Good root development would encourage healthy growth of plants and reduce chances of blossom end rot disease. The plants when given enough space to grow while ensuring minimal disturbance to the root can lead to good and fruitful results.

5. Adding Calcium Supplements 

The main cause of the Blossom end rot is a lack of calcium in the soil. Hence,  it’s essential to ensure that this mineral is present in adequate amounts in your soil. For instance, adding crushed eggshells or gypsum may be necessary to address such deficiencies, leading to successful fruit maturation.

Such supplements slowly deliver calcium into soils that steadily supply these components as long as the plants are all around. Incorporating calcium supplements into your soils will provide an excellent way of steering off blossom disease and enhancing optimum health status for any other plant form.

6. Managing Soil pH

Additionally, the pH levels in the soil can also affect the development of blossom end rot. Maintaining a soil pH range between 6.2 and 6.8 is essential for optimal nutrient uptake and healthy tomato growth. If the pH in the soil is too high or too low, it can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to blossom-end rot.

Regular testing of the soil’s pH and subsequent adjustments, like adding lime if needed to increase the soil’s pH or sulfur to lower it, will create an optimum environment for growing tomatoes. By effectively maintaining soil pH, you can reduce your chances of getting blossom end rot and have a healthy fruit yield.

Conclusion

The tomatoes with Blossom End Root are safe to eat however, their look is just unappealing. This disorder is a calcium deficiency and doesn’t affect the overall fruit. By implementing proper preventive measures and understanding the causes of this condition, gardeners can enjoy healthy, blemish-free tomatoes from their gardens. Do consistent watering, proper fertilization, and maintain optimal soil conditions to prevent this disorder. Remember, it’s essential not to waste food, especially when addressing global food insecurity.

FAQs

1. Is Blossom End Rot Contagious?

No, blossom end rot is not contagious. It doesn’t spread from plant to plant but can affect multiple fruits on the same plant.

2. Can you Still Eat Tomatoes with Blossom End Rot? 

Yes, you can eat tomatoes with blossom end rot. Cut off the affected portion, as the rest of the fruit is safe to consume.

3. How Can I Prevent Blossom End Rot? 

The prevention of blossom end rot can be achieved by providing proper soil preparation, fertilization, watering, required calcium level, and optimal growing conditions to your tomato plants.

4. Why Do Tomatoes Get Blossom End Rot? 

The main causes of this disorder are lack of adequate calcium or irregular watering, which can affect calcium uptake in the fruit.

5. Can I Use Chemical Fertilizers to Prevent Blossom End Rot?

While chemical fertilizers may provide nutrients, they can disrupt the soil’s natural balance and contribute to blossom end rot. Organic fertilizers are generally recommended for healthier plant growth.