More calcium tests to prevent end rot

 This year I am growing 7 FL plants and testing some calcium treatment to see if I can finally reduce end rot in the Flamme plants.

I have 4 in-ground and 3 in buckets.

Plan: Beginning on Monday May 22,  administer calcium nitrate weekly each Monday either to soil as liquid or foliar spray.    I found a bulletin with data claiming Ca spray reduced BER.

Spray: 15 mM calcium nitrate + tiny bit of dishwash detergent as wetting agent.   For 2 plants in ground and 1 in bucket.

Soil:  500 ml of 50 mM calcium nitrate applied to base of plant. 1 plant in-ground, 1 in bucket.

Control: 1 in ground , 1 in bucket.

Control and Spray test plants also receive 500 mls water at same time.

I did not spray a control of any sort on the Control or Soil plants.

May 27 2023 update

 It's Memorial Day weekend 2023.  All plants are growing pretty nicely with no signs of wilt or disease, but that is typical through May.  From my past years' notes, signs of disease, if any - usually sudden wilt - emerge in the first week of June.   

Aphids:  Some plants have pretty noticeable curling and slender leaves, particularly younger leaves, and particularly on FL but not exclusively.  For example, the two 55p plants are unaffected (these are F3 plants from a cross, so maybe still enjoying hybrid vigor).    One possible cause is aphids which were quite noticeable on the plants over the last couple weeks - followed by aphid mummies indicating parasitization and natural control.   

Interestingly, the enormous oak tree which overhangs much of the backyard is I think the source of aphids.  All of the plants, and my patio picnic table and chairs, are speckled with honeydew.  (ew).