Nectarines fruits gone bad

[iamtheroot]

Any idea why does this happens with Nectarine fruits ? I did had leaf curls last year but did some copper spray and this year leaves looks ok but fruits are having cracks and splits like this below.

[EricL]

Hello @iamtheroot 

Thanks for sharing your question about your nectarines cracking. 

The cracking and splitting on your nectarine fruits is likely due to a few environmental and possibly nutritional factors. Even though you managed the leaf curl issue with copper sprays, fruit cracking can occur when there is inconsistent watering or fluctuating rainfall. Nectarines are sensitive to sudden changes in water availability, so if there was a dry spell followed by heavy rain, or irregular watering, it can cause the fruit to swell too quickly, leading to splits in the skin. 

Additionally, a nutrient imbalance, especially a lack of calcium, can weaken the fruit skin and make it more prone to cracking. Rapid growth spurts caused by environmental factors, like temperature swings, high humidity, or sudden weather changes, can also put stress on the skin, as the flesh expands faster than the skin can keep up.

Another factor could be pest or disease pressure. Although you controlled leaf curl, other fungal or bacterial infections might be affecting the fruit directly. For instance, fungal issues like brown rot can weaken the fruit, making it more susceptible to splitting. To help minimize this problem, ensure the tree has consistent watering, avoid over-fertilizing, and apply a light mulch around the base to retain moisture. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi @iamtheroot 

Eric has given you a very thorough explanation of most of the reasons why stone fruits tend to split while developing and just prior to maturity!

The most common and most likely cause is intermittent watering rather than a constant supply of moisture throughout the fruiting period. The fruit expands rapidly when there is plenty of moisture available, so splitting the skin.

Regular deep watering (2 or 3 times a week if the weather is dry) around the dripline, where the feeding roots are located, will go a long way to prevent this happening.