What is the primary cause of blossom end rot?

What is the primary cause of blossom end rot?

• A. Extreme moisture fluctuations
• B. Nutrient deficiency
• C. Fungal infection
• D. Pest infestation

Answer: (A)

Blossom end rot happens when calcium isn’t reliably delivered to the developing fruit, and that delivery is governed by consistent soil moisture. Calcium moves with water in the plant, so when the soil moisture swings dramatically—drying out then watering again—the plant’s ability to transport calcium to growing fruit is disrupted. The result is a brown, sunken patch at the blossom end of the fruit, even if calcium is present in the soil. That’s why the primary cause is extreme moisture fluctuations. If the soil stays evenly moist through regular watering and mulching to reduce evaporation, blossom end rot is less likely to occur. Fungal infection, pest infestation, or a simple nutrient deficiency in the soil don’t produce the same pattern or mechanism as a moisture-driven calcium transport problem, so they’re not the correct explanation for this condition.

Blossom end rot happens when calcium isn’t reliably delivered to the developing fruit, and that delivery is governed by consistent soil moisture. Calcium moves with water in the plant, so when the soil moisture swings dramatically—drying out then watering again—the plant’s ability to transport calcium to growing fruit is disrupted. The result is a brown, sunken patch at the blossom end of the fruit, even if calcium is present in the soil.

That’s why the primary cause is extreme moisture fluctuations. If the soil stays evenly moist through regular watering and mulching to reduce evaporation, blossom end rot is less likely to occur.

Fungal infection, pest infestation, or a simple nutrient deficiency in the soil don’t produce the same pattern or mechanism as a moisture-driven calcium transport problem, so they’re not the correct explanation for this condition.