Why do apples crack on an apple tree

Very often you can see beautiful liquid apples with a large crack in the skin, which is revealed when the fruit is turned. It can be thin cracks or rather large and deep wounds. This problem has several causes that must be corrected. Find out why apples crack on an apple tree

Description of the disease and possible reasons why apples crack

So, at first, you can see black spots on the fruit, which eventually grow around the crack and the fruit begins to rot. If the apples are cracked at the very beginning of the development of the fruit and continues to grow, then in the place of the crack it will remain as small, as a result of which the shape of the fruit will no longer be round at all. Also, most likely, the apple will fall until the moment when it is fully ripe.

Scientists note that the fruit can crack at the moment when the pulp is actively growing. In the place where the peel does not have the necessary elasticity and stops stretching, then a crack appears.

Also, various unfavorable growing conditions of the tree can affect the tendency of the fruit to crack.

For example, significant and unexpected changes in the level of moisture in the earth. In order for the fruit to grow juicy and have even forms, it needs regular and sufficient watering. In the spring, when the snow is actively melting, the earth is oversaturated with moisture. However, with a prolonged absence of precipitation, the soil begins to lose moisture, and if the apple tree is limited in watering, this can negatively affect the formation of the fruit. At the same time, after a rare heavy rainfall, the tree will greedily absorb moisture, thereby stimulating the growth of fruits and their formation. At this time, pulp tissue grows very quickly. The peel, which has a more rigid structure, does not have time to develop so quickly, as a result of which the fruit cracks.

By maintaining an optimal moisture level in the soil, cracking of the fruit can be avoided.

Deficiencies in certain substances can also lead to cracks in apples. Since the apple tree is a living organism that needs a variety of nutrients, micro and macro elements.

If, for example, a tree lacks such a substance as boron, then the peel becomes less elastic, which leads to hardening of the fruit and, as a result, to cracks.

The same thing happens with calcium deficiency. There is only one conclusion, it is necessary to regularly feed the tree with mineral complexes, periodically changing the composition of fertilizers. However, it should be borne in mind that the soil becomes more acidic when fertilizing, which in turn is fraught with less assimilation of potassium-containing preparations.

Therefore, maintaining a neutral soil pH is essential for trees to grow healthy and bear fruit well.

The emergence of fungal diseases

If you notice that the apples are cracked, and also saw the rotting of the fruit on the tree, it means that the plant has been attacked by a fungus. Fungal diseases adversely affect primarily the peel of the fruit.

The most popular disease that damages the top of the fruit is scab. Spores of fungi spend the winter under the snow in fallen leaves, and with the beginning of spring they begin to grow and multiply, quickly spreading to the ovary of flowers and fruits.

The cause of fungal diseases is excessive humidity of the environment, the presence of heavy rainfall and very often planted trees.

You can also notice a tree affected by scab by twisted and prematurely fallen leaves. At the same time, brown dots and spots appear on the apples.

In the affected areas, the peel stops growing and becomes very hard. While the rest of the fruit gets bigger. In this case, the shape of the fruit does not look very attractive. Cracks appear on the fruits, which can get pathogens of other diseases leading to rotting of the fetus. Plants are becoming more vulnerable.

In addition to the fact that apples are cracking, you can also see cracks on the tree trunk.

This nuisance can occur for several reasons. Frequent and abrupt weather changes. This is especially pronounced in the period between winter and spring, when subzero temperatures continue at night, and during the day the sun heats the air very strongly.

Sunburns can cause the trunk to crack. Improper formation of the crown of the tree, diseases caused by the fungus, as well as various external damage to the plant.

If the tree has been attacked by scab, then a thickening can be seen on the trunk upon close examination. It is in these areas that the trunk can crack.

Treatment methods

Having found out the reason for the cracking of the fruit, you need to immediately start treatment. Below are the recommendations that must be applied in the complex in order to treat the tree, as well as as a prophylaxis.

-It is necessary to clear the soil under the tree from old foliage from weeds and from last year's fruits.

-It is necessary to regularly and timely carry out preventive pruning and crown formation. Remove old, diseased branches and ovaries in time.

-In order for the moisture to remain in the soil as long as possible, it is necessary to dig up the near-trunk zone and spill it with antiseptic preparations, and then mulch it.

- You should regularly feed the plants with the necessary complexes and mineral fertilizers, as well as monitor the acidity level.

-If necessary, the tree should be treated with various special preparations: phytoncides and insecticides.

-If the weather is dry, abundant and regular watering is necessary.

The choice of the drug will depend here on the cause of the disease of the plant and on its appearance. You also need to take into account whether the tree was sick with this disease before, and what were the signs of the disease, and compare with the current state of the plant.

To get rid of moniliosis and scab, use the same remedies. For example, such as:

"Oxyhom", "Hom", "Skor", "Pennkoceb", Bordeaux liquid and others. Processing must be carried out in the spring, before the buds begin to bloom. The tree is sprayed with a spray bottle.

Then the treatment must be repeated when the buds are tied on the apple tree. The final stage of processing will be 2 weeks after the tree has bloomed. Allowed up to five repetitions of spraying for the entire growing season.

To protect the apple tree from insect pests, it is recommended to use the following products:

Iskra M, Iskra double effect.

In addition, folk remedies help, for example, a decoction of wormwood or onion husks, as well as a decoction based on pepper.

Conclusion

Reasons for cracking fruits apple trees lots of. It is important to notice the disease in time, find out what led to the crack and, of course, take the necessary measures to eliminate the disease and to treat the tree. This can be done with the help of modern means, as well as by turning to traditional methods of treatment and prevention.