On Wed, 09 Jul 2003 05:56:05 +0100, Alan Gould wrote:
That sounds like bottom end rot. It is a disorder rather than a disease.
It is caused by insufficient watering at the early stage of the plant's
development, or some other form of treatment the plant did not like.
Give the plants a fine water spray each day, and keep their soil just
moist without being waterlogged. New fruits following on should be ok.

Alan,

You're a garden saver! I have been a bit naughty about the watering of the
plants in the conservatory, letting them get dry every now and again, so
thats obvioisly what has caused the problem. I'll pick and dispose of the
affected fruits, and institute regular small quantity watering (too much
and I find the pot saucers flood!).

Many, many thanks,

Sarah