Georgia's bell pepper farmers experienced a setback in production this spring. According to University of Georgia vegetable horticulturist Tim Coolong, some Georgia growers experienced losses of up to 25 percent due to blossom end rot — a calcium-related disorder.

The disorder, which affects mostly peppers and tomatoes, can also impact eggplants and most cucurbits. A calcium deficiency in young, rapidly expanding fruit tissue causes cells to die. As the fruit expands and grows, the condition makes it appear as if a large portion of the blossom end is brown or black. Fruit affected with the disorder is fine to eat, but it is unmarketable.

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/