Variety traits

Apple Fruit Cracking

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.

A physiological disorder caused by the flesh growing at a faster rate than the fruit's skin and cuticle. It manifests as micro-cracks and splits that occur during sudden fluctuations in moisture and is characteristic of thin-skinned cultivars such as Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious.

In the reference 42 varieties crop Apple, where this is mentioned in the description.

Apple fruit cracking is attributed to the genetically determined structure of the exocarp: cultivars with thin skin and a poorly developed cuticle layer demonstrate high susceptibility to this defect. The main triggering factor is uneven tissue growth caused by sudden changes in moisture, for example, during heavy rainfall following a drought period.

In breeding programs, resistance to cracking is quantified as the percentage of damaged fruit in the harvest or through scoring scales. Instrumental diagnostics include measuring the tensile and rupture strength of skin and mesocarp tissues using penetrometers and specialized testing machines.

Compromising the integrity of the epidermis negatively affects the market quality of the produce, induces mass loss, and creates entry points for secondary fungal and bacterial infections. The risk of cracking increases as the fruit matures, making timely harvesting a critical step in reducing losses.

General information about the subject — on the page Fruit cracking.

Sources8

Varieties of Apple mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.