A rather common problem in agriculture is what for the tomatoes turn black underneath. This issue is commonly called in several ways: black blow, black ass or again, black tip some tomatoes. But what is it specifically? Why does this happen?
In agricultural technique this physiopathy is called apical rot of tomato. And it is important to understand the causes, since the damage is not only aesthetic, but affects the organoleptic qualities of the fruit. So let’s see how to intervene to address this delicate problem that afflicts passionate farmers.
The reasons why tomatoes turn black below
Tomatoes turn black underneath due to temporary water deficiencies. These cause a reaction of the plant that quickly removes water from the fruits, interfering with the transport of calcium. Tomatoes do not have stomata and therefore transpiratory activity, so they have the worst of the competition from the other vegetative organs of the plant in which the water exchange takes place.
What the black tomatoes look like at the bottom
THE tomatoes turning black at the bottom, initially they have a more opaque appearance in the apical area. As the pathophysiology progresses, the affected area becomes brown, and then takes on the typical dark black color. To the touch, the underside of the tomato is depressed and has a leathery consistency. The fruit eventually dries up and often rots inside, making it inedible.
When do tomatoes turn black on the back?
The problem of the black tomato in the back, occurs on the fruits that are in the growth phase. It is therefore the period of greatest vegetative development of the tomato. Not all the tomatoes on the plant are affected, but those that do ripen earlier and abnormally.
More sensitive varieties
There are some variety of tomatoes more likely to turn black underneath. These are those with an elongated shape, such as the classic San Marzano tomato for preservation.
Conditions that favor the black spot on the bottom of the tomatoes
Fortunately, not all gardens have the problem of apical rot of tomato. However, there are conditions of agronomic and environmental practices that make the occurrence of this physiopathy more likely. The underside of the tomato can turn black for the following reasons:
- water changes;
- soils poor in calcium;
- high salinity of the soil;
- excess fertilization rich in nitrogen;
- presence of fungal diseases;
- soil nematodes;
- accidental wounds on the fruit (hailwrong cuts, etc.).
How to prevent tomatoes from turning black underneath
Proper agronomic management can safely prevent the tomatoes grown in our garden from turning black underneath. First of all it is fundamental water the tomatoes in the right way, giving water on a regular basis, thus avoiding excesses and deficiencies. In phase of soil preparation good basic fertilization is also important, possibly using some mature manure. It is also necessary to respect the crop rotationsso avoid plant tomatoes always in the same spot. If this problem has occurred in previous years, our soil is probably poor in calcium. It is therefore a good idea to make up for this deficiency. In organic farming an excellent product is lithotamnium. It is a product that solves the problem in a natural way, and which we recommend. It is essentially a simple and natural one algae powder (which you can find here).
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