Harvesting - timing, techniques. If the plants are growing well, this frequently is due to adverse night temperatures, such as below 60 degrees F. and above 75 degrees F. Very seldom does heavy use of nitrogen fertilizers cause blossom-drop, nor does sprinkler irrigation. Blossom-end rot of tomatoes and peppers . Occurs when soil becomes very dry. Proper irrigation usually prevents it.
Some varieties are more susceptible than others.
Often a result of using old, large or overly-hardened transplants. Same principle applies to other transplanted crops, with some variations. Cucumber plants suddenly start wilting , leaves may show dead areas and fruit may be mottled. Likely cucumber mosaic virus, a common disease problem in New York State. Select mosaic-resistant varieties.