Blossom-end rot is a common and serious problem in bell pepper cultivation. It usually appears during the later stages of fruit development and directly affects fruit quality and market value. The disorder starts as water-soaked spots at the bottom of the fruit, which later turn into dark, dry, sunken areas.
The main cause of blossom-end rot is calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for building strong cell walls. When plants do not receive enough calcium, fruit tissues become weak, leading to cell collapse and visible damage. Correcting calcium deficiency early is the key to preventing losses and ensuring high-quality pepper production.
Why Calcium Is Critical for Pepper Fruit Development
Calcium supports:
- Strong cell wall formation
- Stable cell membranes
- Proper cell division and expansion
Without enough calcium, developing pepper fruits cannot maintain their structure. This makes them more likely to develop blossom-end rot, especially under stress conditions such as irregular watering or rapid fruit growth.
Anhydrous calcium chloride is a fast-acting and highly soluble calcium source. It can quickly supply available calcium to plants through both leaves and roots.
Method 1: Foliar Spray Application
Foliar spraying is one of the fastest ways to correct calcium deficiency in bell peppers.
How to Apply Calcium Chloride as a Foliar Spray
1. Timing
Start spraying at the early fruit formation stage. Early prevention is more effective than late treatment.
2. Concentration
Prepare a calcium chloride solution at 0.3%–0.5%. This range allows good absorption while reducing the risk of leaf burn.
3. Frequency
Apply once per week until fruits are close to full maturity.
4. Spraying Technique
Use a fine mist sprayer to cover:
- Upper and lower leaf surfaces
- Developing fruits
Good coverage ensures better calcium absorption and faster results.
Benefits of Foliar Calcium Sprays
- Rapid calcium uptake
- Direct supply to fruits and leaves
- Easy to combine with regular crop protection sprays
Method 2: Drip Irrigation Application
Using calcium chloride through a drip irrigation system provides a steady and long-term calcium supply.
How to Apply Through Drip Irrigation
1. Solution Preparation
Dissolve calcium chloride to reach a concentration of 1000 ppm or lower. This helps avoid salt stress.
2. System Integration
Inject the solution into the irrigation system so nutrients are evenly distributed.
3. Irrigation Schedule
Maintain regular watering. Adjust irrigation based on soil moisture and plant growth stage.
4. Monitoring
Test soil and plant tissue regularly. Adjust dosage based on calcium levels and crop performance.
Benefits of Drip Application
- Continuous calcium supply to roots
- Efficient water and nutrient use
- Suitable for both small farms and large commercial operations
Best Results Come from Combined Management
For effective blossom-end rot control, calcium treatment should be combined with:
- Stable irrigation to prevent water stress
- Balanced fertilization to avoid nutrient imbalance
- Healthy root systems for better nutrient uptake
Calcium chloride works best as part of a complete crop nutrition program.
Conclusion: A Practical Solution for Healthier Pepper Yields
Blossom-end rot can significantly reduce pepper quality and profits, but it is manageable. Using anhydrous calcium chloride through foliar spraying or drip irrigation provides plants with the calcium they need during critical fruit development stages.
With proper application and crop management, growers can:
✔ Reduce fruit damage
✔ Improve fruit firmness and appearance
✔ Increase marketable yield
👉 If you are looking for high-purity anhydrous calcium chloride for agricultural use, contact us for product specifications, application guidance, and bulk supply options tailored to your farm needs.
