Cracking is a physiological disorder that manifests as damage to the fruit epidermis. It appears as radial cracks extending from the stem to the apex, or as concentric cracks around the stem. Such damage makes the produce unmarketable, reduces its keeping quality and transportability, and also promotes the development of secondary infections.
The manifestation of this trait depends on varietal characteristics: large-fruited and thin-skinned varieties are most prone to cracking. The degree of resistance is largely determined by the density of the skin, which allows fruits to adapt to external stress factors such as irregular irrigation, high air humidity, intense solar radiation, and sharp fluctuations in day and night temperatures.
During variety trials, resistance is assessed by calculating the percentage of unmarketable produce with defects identified during the growing season and storage. The evaluation can be performed using a scoring scale that considers overall fruit quality. Resistant varieties possess increased adaptability, whereas susceptible ones require strict adherence to agronomic practices, including the balance of nutrients such as calcium, boron, and nitrogen.