[Sharonx]

Hi,
My Italian neighbour at the plot has been growing Aubergines for years without too much problem. This year he has found them growing perfectly but rotting. Breaking it in half  long ways I would say it is rotting from the outside in. Anyone have any idea what would be causing this? The rot is covering a large area probably about half of the whole fruit. He has never experienced anything like this before so any suggetions would be apprecited. Thanks x

[Yorkie]

Assuming, as you say, he's done what he's always done, and there were no problems with the seed (e.g. saved seed from previous years retaining some disease), then my first hunch is that it's weather-related.  We've had a very odd year for temperatures and rain.

[Snoop]

Aubergines can suffer from blossom end rot. Maybe it's that.

[mumofstig]

Aubergines can suffer from blossom end rot. Maybe it's that.

That's very likely..........we had a very few dry months here at the beginning of summer,
remember those sunny days 

[Sharonx]

I'm not too sure it is blossom end rot. They are rotting on one side lengthways. Am I right thinking the blossom end rot would start on the inside and then rot from the bottom like a tomato?
I don't think he would have ever let them dry out, he is there every single day without fail, unless it is raining hard.
The seed being diseased is an interesting one because he was given the plants this year by somebody who has a plot in another district so he can ask how his are.
Thanks for your input

[Snoop]

Google for "blossom end rot" and aubergines for full information. I know that on my peppers, it can start at the sides and extend upwards and downwards, so a bit like the aubergines you describe.

[Sharonx]

Googled - thanks, it looks like you were right!