Fruit Cracking, Stem-End Splitting and Internal Ring Cracking on Apple
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Fruit cracking, stem-end splitting and internal ring cracking are caused by rapid fruit expansion. They can occur following excess rainfall or irrigation. Internal ring cracking is a concentric crack found internally at the stem base. ‘Stayman Winesap’ is particularly prone to fruit cracking, while ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ are prone to stem-end splitting and internal ring cracking.
Fruit cracking.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Apply growth regulators during summer to reduce fruit cracking
- Harvest promptly when fruit ripen
