In July 2023, bergamote (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruits showing cracks were recorded in Canela, RS (29°22’07.3″S 50°49’12.7″W).
Cracks are often caused by extreme fluctuations in soil moisture, air temperature and humidity. In hot, dry weather, the bark becomes rigid; When it rains, a large amount of water is absorbed, causing the fruit to swell, forcing and breaking the skin. In addition to this factor, calcium and potassium deficiency can predispose to this physiological disorder.
Calcium from a soluble source, based on calcium nitrate, should be applied especially in the flowering phases until the initial phases of fruit development. Spraying with soluble sources of potassium at the beginning of the season can help reduce this problem. In any situation, soil analysis will give you more confidence in knowing the necessary amounts of nutrients.
The rate of fruit cracking can significantly decrease with the spraying of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers during the fruit cell growth period, as it increases hardness and the thickness of the shell (Li and Chen, 2017).
How to cite: Duarte, V. 2024. Bergamot peel cracking, Canela, RS. Plant Health Photo Gallery. Available in: <https://planthealthom.com/artigo/rachadura-da-casca-da-bergamota-canela-rs/>. Accessed on: January 27, 2022 (Update access date.)