>_>

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/tomato/2000083030027695.html

Yep, it's called 'Blossom Drop'. You can read the FAQ posted above where all the causes are explained and I have linked several recent discussions on it for you below. A search using that term will pull up many more. If they don't answer your questions for you please let us know. ;)

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom Drop discussions...

Thanks for the info. I'm sure it is weather related. Does anyone have a list of types of tomatoes that are less succeptable to BER

Does anyone have a list of types of tomatoes that are less succeptable to BER

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There really can be no such list b'c a given variety can have BER this year and not next year depending on all the variables, as to stresses that can induce it, that are different from year to year.

I will say that I've never found a cherry tomato that had BER though. ( smile)

So often growers don't grow the same varieties every year so they don't have a chance to see how a single variety can react to environment, etc. and BER.

Hope that helps.

Carolyn

I thought we were talking about blossom drop pattio2, not BER? Just want to make sure you aren't confusing the two very different conditions?

Dave

Sorry - Slip of the fingers. I did mean blossom drop

Ok, just wanted to make sure. Then the answer to your question is no, all tomatoes are susceptible to blossom drop as are most all fruits/vegetables that grow with seeds inside them.

There are some varieties of so-called heat tolerant tomatoes which will supposedly set fruit somewhat better at the high temps but most studies show the benefit is marginal and the taste of the heat-tolerant ones doesn't get any great reviews. ;)

Over the years I have found that providing supplemental shade as needed and earlier transplanting to get some fruit set before the first rush of hot days is the most helpful.

Dave

Thanks Dave: Just wondered as my Roma, Beefsteak and grape tomato seem to be doing just fine. These are the kinds I have always grown and have never had any problems. Maybe I should just stick with them again next year but this year I really wanted to try other kinds.

Please don't let the existence of blossom drop discourage you from trying other kinds. It is a condition we all have to deal with and once you know about it and understand it, you too can learn to live with it. ;)

I know it can be discouraging in your zone because of your limited growing season. While the rest of us down here just baby the plants through the heat and wait for it to cool off so they can kick back into production, you are likely getting ready for freezing temps. Bummer!

But next year why not consider some of the great early/short season varieties. At least that way you'll get to try some good flavor ones along with your usual standbys. If planted as early as you can (they will tolerate that early cool weather that many of the others won't) you'll get lots of fruit set before the heat arrives. Investigate Stupice and Bloody Butcher and all the ones at the link below and see if some of them might appeal to you.

Good luck.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Early Season Tomatoes

I think all of my tomatoes have blossom drop this year, but I suspect that's because of the heat. (We just broke a record set over 100 years ago for longest number of days 90 and above.) If I had blossoms, I'd probably drop them, too.

Thanks for the suggestions Dave. We haven't had a lot of heat this summer but lots of rain and high humidity so I guess that's the problem. We don't usually get frost here till the end of Sept. and some years it is well into Oct. Lets hope this is one of those years