Managing Blossom End Rot in Pumpkin
Download the Toolkit: ADAS - Calcium Management factsheet - English.pdf
Tyfu Cymru Pumpkin Network
Managing Blossom End Rot in Pumpkin
Blossom End Rot (BER) is a particular problem that pumpkin growers face, especially when growing for pick-your-own (PYO) markets. BER is a rot caused by a range of different pathogens including Fusarium and Botrytis that begins at the fruit base at the flower scar, spreading up the rind making the fruit unmarketable.
This is more likely in damp conditions where the flower does not fully abscise from the fruit where it can provide an early foothold for pathogens in the environment. Early maturing PYO pumpkins may be left in the field for several weeks until they are marketed at Halloween, increasing the risk of BER development.
The rots render fruit unmarketable as well as making fields less picturesque for customers looking for social media opportunities, and can impact up to 15 – 20% of the crop. Chemical control options are limited and largely ineffectual.
This factsheet will explore some of the ways of managing Blossom End Rot, and has been drafted to support the Tyfu Cymru Pumpkin Network. If you would like more information on the network please click here: Tyfu Cymru Pumpkin Network.
Disclaimer
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information and recommendations given in these notes. These recommendations are given as general guidance, and Tyfu Cymru does not accept any liability for their impact. It is strongly advised you seek targeted recommendations from a qualified FACTS/BASIS advisor for detailed disease and nutrition management advice for your site. This is available free of charge for eligible growers through the Tyfu Cymru program, please contact us to arrange a visit to your site.
Related Pages
Webinar: Integrating Farm Tourism into your Horticulture Business
Have you considered a farm shop, a pop up café, a seasonal events calendar? How about an ‘Insta field’? The demand for photo worthy fields is on the rise, and with careful planning, establishing a pick your own will have the public flocking to your f…
2/24/2021 1:44:27 PM
Technical Advice Sheet Pumpkin Power Hour – November
The start of the 2020 season was difficult. Late frosts until the first week in May and dry soils delayed planting, but heavy rains then delayed planting further.
12/14/2020 11:31:10 AM
Technical Advice Sheet Pumpkin PYO Marketing with Covid
While many of the covid-19 restrictions are being relaxed, it’s likely to continue to pose a challenge for growers for the foreseeable future – especially for those selling directly to customers for whom a high footfall on site is needed to achieve g…
9/30/2020 1:07:45 PM
Welsh Fruit and Vegetable Production - Baseline Study
This baseline study for Tyfu Cymru was conducted by Dr. Amber Wheeler and looks at the opportunities for Welsh Fruit and Vegetable production.
6/26/2020 4:05:34 PM
Technical Advice Sheet Pumpkin Power Hour – June
Tyfu Cymru have launched regular Power Hour sessions for members of the Pumpkin Network. These focused sessions are facilitated by Tyfu Cymru together with technical experts and include an update on topical issues based on growers instant needs, and…
6/25/2020 3:05:58 PM
Technical Advice Sheet Pumpkin planning and weed control – May
You should now be planning the planting for this year’s crop. If you’re new to pumpkins, it’s recommended that you plant transplanted seedlings rather than drilling. You’re just in time to order these from a propagator if you act quickly, and you sho…
5/28/2020 2:02:13 PM
Pumpkin Disease Control
The main disease of concern in pumpkin during the early season is powdery mildew, and this can start to be a problem from June onwards, starting with flowering.
5/28/2020 1:50:36 PM
Our Guide to Mobile Card Payment Systems
How customers pay for their goods is changing - debit card transactions overtook cash in 2017, and these are forecast to represent over half of all transactions by 2024. The move away from cash has also be driven by the increase in contactless card p…
5/28/2020 1:37:30 PM
Pick your Own (PYO): What you need to know to get 5* rated…
In our series of industry insights, we provide some background to the market, as well as some top tips on ensuring that your customer experience hits that important 5-star customer rating.
12/16/2019 1:38:55 PM