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Bitter Pit

Non-pathogenic (calcium deficiency)

13 host plants

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Causal Agent
Host Plants
Symptoms
Management
GDD Threshold
Regional Notes

Dark, sunken spots appear on fruit skin during storage with bitter flesh. This calcium deficiency is worse with erratic watering. Maintain consistent moisture.

Prune lightly by thinning out branches rather than by heading. Head new shoot growth in summer on an overly vigorous tree.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Non-pathogenic (calcium deficiency)
Host Plants
13

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Prune lightly by thinning out branches rather than by heading.
  • Head new shoot growth in summer on an overly vigorous tree.
  • This may be done up until a month before harvest.
  • Apply five (5) summer sprays about 1 month apart of calcium chloride or calcium nitrate at not more than 5 lb/100 gal.
  • Add a surfactant to all sprays to reduce the possibility of burning.
  • Higher rates will burn foliage and sometimes fruit.

Host Plants (13)