Symptoms
- check_circleLongitudinal cracks along stems or trunks
- check_circleFruit skin splitting open
- check_circleBark peeling or splitting on woody plants
- check_circleCracks appearing after heavy rain or watering
Causes
- arrow_rightIrregular watering — drought followed by excess moisture
- arrow_rightRapid growth in warm weather after a dry spell
- arrow_rightFrost damage causing bark to split
- arrow_rightNutrient imbalance, particularly calcium deficiency in fruits
- arrow_rightPhysical damage or pest entry points
How to Diagnose
Check your watering history. Cracking in fruits often follows a period of drought followed by heavy rain or irrigation. Stem cracking may indicate frost damage or a growth disorder.
Treatment
For fruit cracking, harvest immediately to prevent rot from entering. For stem cracks, clean the wound with a diluted fungicide and allow to callous. Improve watering consistency. Apply a calcium-rich feed if fruit cracking is repeated.
Prevention
Water consistently and deeply rather than in sporadic large doses. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture. For fruits, protect against sudden rain after dry spells with temporary cover if possible.
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