Yellow Shoulder
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Yellow shoulder appears as yellow or pale orange around the stem of tomato fruit. Yellow shoulder may appear as delayed ripening, but is an actual disorder where part of the fruit will not turn red. Prevention is crucial as it occurs early in fruit development. The exact cause of yellow shoulder is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels.
Yellow shoulder.
(Photo: Paul R. Bachi, University of Kentucky, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Avoid excessive applications of magnesium.
- Manage foliar potassium levels by applying sufficient potassium prior to planting and maintaining consistent soil moisture.
- For mid to late summer tomatoes, consider using a 30% shade cloth.
