Relationships between Blossom-End Rot in Pepper and Calcium Fertilization during the First Fruit Setting Period

Abstract

Blossom-end rot is probably the most recognizable Ca deficiency that affects fruit production including pepper. We investigated the induction of blossom-end rot during the period of rapid vegetative growth and fruit setting, and the effect of Ca fertilization on the suppression of blossom-end rot in pepper plants grown in a plastic-film house. During the first fruit setting period, more than 60% of pepper fruits larger than 8 cm showed the symptoms of blossom-end rot. Under the condition of transpiration occurring at a much faster rate, growing leaves of pepper plants could be the greater sinks for Ca than developing fruits. The incidence of blossom-end rot was significantly decreased after two weeks of Ca fertigation. Calcium application during the rapid vegetative growth and fruit setting period could be suggested as a preventive step to overcome the local Ca deficiency inducing blossom-end rot of pepper fruits.