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Flower drop/fruit abortion can be due to many conditions in protected structures, such as extreme heat, water stress, and fruit load. Flowers can also drop due to low light levels and relatively high nitrogen fertility.

Aborted cucumber fruit.

(Photo: Shubin Saha, University of Kentucky)

Aborted tomato fruit.

(Photo: Shubin Saha, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Adjust planting dates to avoid seasonal low light levels during flowering.
• Insure proper fertility and water management for crops when temperatures are high.
• As much as possible, modify the structure environment to provide optimum growing conditions for the crop.

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