Question

Blossom end rot disease in tomato is caused due to deficiency of which of the following nutrient.

• A. Mn
• B. Fe
• C. Ca
• D. P

Hint:

To prevent blossom-end rot:
- Ensure consistent soil moisture through regular irrigation to maintain a steady flow of calcium to the fruit.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which promotes rapid vegetative growth and diverts calcium away from the developing fruit.
- Apply foliar sprays of calcium chloride (\(\text{CaCl}_2\)) during early fruit set.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Blossom-end rot (BER) is a common, non-parasitic physiological disorder affecting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
It is caused by nutritional and water imbalances within the plant rather than a pathogenic infection.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Blossom-end rot is directly caused by a localized deficiency of Calcium (Ca) in the developing fruit.
Calcium is an essential constituent of cell walls, where it forms calcium pectate in the middle lamella, providing structural integrity and binding cells together.
Unlike other nutrients, calcium is highly immobile in plants and is transported primarily through the xylem via transpirational pull.
During rapid fruit growth or periods of moisture stress (which restricts transpiration and water uptake), calcium fails to reach the distal (blossom) end of the rapidly expanding fruit.
Without adequate calcium, the cell membranes and walls in this region collapse, causing cell sap to leak.
This manifests as a water-soaked spot at the blossom end of the fruit, which gradually enlarges, darkens, and turns into a sunken, black, leathery, necrotic lesion.
While other nutrients like manganese, iron, and phosphorus have critical physiological roles, they are not associated with this specific disorder.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Blossom end rot disease in tomato is caused due to deficiency of Calcium (Option C).