Early and Late-season Blossom-end Rot of Tomato following Mulching

Abstract

Paper mulch and black plastic mulch were compared with no mulch on tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. `Better Boy' and `San Marzano') for incidence of blossom-end rot (BER) in the field during 1988–90. Early season (late July to late August) harvest had more BER than in later pickings. Black plastic mulch significantly increased early season BER in `Better Boy' relative to paper or no mulch. Late-season BER in `San Marzano' was decreased with paper or black plastic mulch relative to no mulch.