The unseasonably cold weather in the Bowen fruit bowl in North QLD, has reduced yields of tomatoes sold into Sydney.
Also SP Export in Bundaberg, Australias largest tomato grower went into receivership.
Gypsum is very important to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.
Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the fruit just after pollination. Tomatoes, plus squash, watermelon and other fruits, have a hard time moving calcium to their young fruit. Vigorously growing plant leaves steal the calcium away, causing blossom end rot unless there is plenty of calcium to go around in the plant’s tissue.
