Potential tomato problems

Sunday, July 24, 2016

With many individuals starting to get red tomatoes, I would guess the number of calls related to tomato problems will probably increase. Therefore, now is a great time to talk about some of the common tomato issues we see each year.

Typically the number one issue that local gardeners have with their tomatoes is sunken in, scarred bottoms. This problem is Blossom-end Rot. Blossom-end Rot is a dry, black, leathery scar on the blossom-end of the fruit brought on by a calcium deficiency. To prevent this, try to ensure your plant always has proper moisture.

Some other common tomato problems that gardeners might face include Fruit Cracks, Sunscald, and Catfacing. Fruit Cracks will usually occur during hot rainy periods when the fruits are exposed to the sun. This is more likely to occur if we get a lot of rain and temperatures stay high.

Sunscald is when the fruit will first develop a yellow or white patch that will later blister and dry. This occurs when there is poor foliage cover resulting in the fruit being exposed to sun. This often happens when the tomato plant has been pruned, staked improperly, you have sprawling plants, or even in unhealthy plants. The best prevention for sunscald is to cage your plants when possible.

Catfacing is the puckering and scarring at the blossom end of the fruit. The cavities created by Catfacing may penetrate deep into the fruit making it impossible to eat. This is often caused by cool cloudy weather when the plant is blooming or when some herbicides are used.

While the rain holds off and the weather is nice, remember to take some time to visit the Putnam County Fair this week. These is a great opportunity to see some of the excellent artistic skills of local residents, see new things 4-H'ers have learned, check out the horticultural and agricultural exhibits in Harris Hall, and have fun visiting with friends and families. Neither of these two events would happen if it wasn't for the numerous volunteers, 4-H'ers, 4-H Council members, Fair Board members, and Extension Staff working together. We hope that everyone enjoys their time at the fair this year!

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

July 22-29 -- Putnam County 4-H Fair.

July 28 -- Wetland Compliance Webinar, 12-1 p.m., register at https://ag.purdue.edu/Extension/wia/Pages/webinars.aspx.

July 29 -- Deadline to register for the Women Walk Putnam County, Register online or by calling 653-8411.

Aug. 3 -- Women Walk Putnam County kickoff luncheon, noon.

Aug. 5-21 -- Indiana State Fair.

Aug. 22 -- Master Gardner, 6-9 p.m. Purdue Extension Office.