Bitter Pit
Description: Small sunken lesions predominately on the calyx end and not associated with lenticels. In severe cases, spotting may extend to the upper half as well. Fruit may not show external signs at harvest. Early external symptoms appear as darker spots that later develop into sunken lesions of various shades of brown to black. Lesions become more pronounced at room temperature. Internally, the affected flesh directly under the skin lesions is brown and corky to a depth of no more than ⅛” (3mm).
Location on fruit: Predominately at calyx end.
Varieties most affected: Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp
Confused with: Similar to stinkbug damage but is at the calyx and interior corking is not conical.
Cause: Linked to Calcium deficiency and mineral unbalance (cations, N)
Blotch Pit
Description: Blotch pit is characterized by large lesions of irregular shape at any location, as opposed to the smaller lesions around the calyx for bitter pit. The lesions start in the lenticels, but then coalesce, and flesh corking may extend to a depth of ¼ inch (6 mm). The disorder shows lesions with distinct sunken margins with a rough surface at the center. Symptoms usually express after storage. Similar to bitter pit, flesh browning will likely increase and deepen at harvest. Forced ripening will induce symptom expression. AKA Lenticel Blotch Pit (LBP).
Location on fruit: At any location on fruit.
Varieties most affected: Honeycrisp, Braeburn
Confused with: Similar to Bitter pit but the spots are larger and not isolated to calyx end.
Cause: Linked to Calcium deficiency and mineral unbalance (cations, N)
Drought Spot
Description: Drought spot generally appears in the outer portion of the fruit flesh as small green dimples or depressions. It begins early in the season and continues throughout the initial stages of growth and enlargement. More severe symptoms manifest as brown on the edges and corky flesh underlying the surface lesions, giving rise to the alternate name of Cork spot.
Location on fruit: At any location on fruit.
Varieties most affected:
Confused with: Similar to Bitter pit but the spots are larger.
Cause: Linked to Boron deficiency
Green Spot
Description: Green to brown lesions that appear within 4-6 weeks of harvest. Mild case of green spot can cover up as the fruit matures, while severe cases become larger and sunken lessions. The flesh underneath the lession becomes corky. Commonly found on vigorous trees.
Location on fruit: Generally located near the fruit shoulder.
Varieties most affected: WA 38/Cosmic Crisp™
Confused with: Blotch pit and bitter pit.
Cause: Ca related disorder caused by excessive vigor and nutrient imbalance.
