Apple Bitter Pit

Apple bitter pit Common name Apple bitter pit Baldwin spot Blotchy cork Tree pit Causal agent Apple bitter pit is a nonpathological disease caused by a nutritional deficiency of calcium in apple fruits. It is affected by certain growing conditions, including dry weather, extensive use of fertilizers, and early harvesting. The fruits can be affected both before harvesting and also during storage. Improved cultivation practices can help get rid of the disorder. Symptoms & Signs It is commonly found in apples, especially Honeycrisp, northern spy, grimes golden, and Baldwin species. Although rare, apple bitter pit can also be seen in pears. The disease is characterized by small, dark spots on the skin or flesh of the fruits. The spots are due to necrotic tissues that develop due to calcium deficiency. The area around the dark spots is sunken and tastes bitter. Time of concern Throughout the growing season, especially late summer Common hosts Apples Pears