Blotchy Ripening Tomatoes

Definition

• Blotchy ripening is a physiological disorder that affects tomatoes. As the tomatoes mature, some patches do not ripen and remain grayish-green or yellow. When the tomatoes are sliced open, the flesh under the blotchy patches is brown. Sometimes the patches never fully ripen. Other times they will ripen after the rest of the fruit has.

Causes

• Blotchy ripening is often associated with boron and potassium deficiencies. Too much nitrogen in the soil surrounding the tomato plants can also cause ripening problems. Even with proper nutrient levels, some tomatoes still experience blotchy ripening. If the weather is overly cool, wet and cloudy, instances of blotchy ripening may occur. Extreme heat can also cause the disorder. Blotchy ripening is also linked to dense foliage and compacted soil.

Prevention

• Several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of blotchy ripening tomatoes. Carefully apply a balanced fertilizer to tomato crops to help prevent potassium-related issues such as blotchy ripening. Although tomatoes consume large amounts of potassium, it is important to avoid over-fertilizer because this can cause other problems. Tomatoes are more resistant to disorders when exposed to ideal growing temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solution

• If tomato plants are already suffering from blotchy ripening, applying potassium and other nutrients throughout the growing season may correct the problem. Growing vigorous plants reduces the occurrence of disorders. Provide your tomatoes with enough water, sunlight and fertilizer to promote health and ward off disorders.