Blotchy Ripening
See Blotchy Ripening section of Tomato (Outdoor).
Blossom End Rot
See Blossom End Rot section of Tomato (Outdoor).
Fruit Cracking
Fruit cracking in tomatoes can be a serious market problem, reducing profits. Symptoms can range from splitting to skin russeting. The causes of fruit cracking are varied and several factors can affect it, including . water uptake, humidity, elevated temperatures, soluble solids (sugars), calcium nutrition, genetics, and standing water on the fruit.. Cultural practices that can have an effect on fruit cracking include water management and light levels. It is common in periods of abundant soil moisture following a period of drought. Growers can adjust the frequency of irrigation to prevent moisture extremes from developing under both field and greenhouse conditions. Overhead irrigation can also be timed to cool the crop in extreme conditions. Management practices must allow good transpiration rates as well as adequate calcium levels in the soil or fertilizer solution. Likelihood of cracking increases if tomatoes are allowed to fully ripen on the plant. Increased light and fruit growth can occur when new plastic is put on or with topping to increase fruit size. Watering schedules may need to be modified to reduce cracking under those conditions.