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What caused these spots on refrigerated Honey Crisp Apples? #282831

Asked October 05, 2015, 10:43 PM EDT

Hi, These apples looked great when I picked them then I refrigerated them and two weeks later these weird spots are showing up. The spots are under the skin as well. I've heard that Honey Crisp are a favorite in MN for their ability to last well into the winter. No pesticides were used when I grew them. They were washed with city water and out for a few days before I put them in the fridge to preserve them.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Try looking at the symptoms of Sooty blotch and Flyspeck. That seems to be the closest I can find.   http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/apple-pest-management/sooty-blotch-flyspeck/

Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied October 06, 2015, 6:34 PM EDT
Thank you for the response Barbara. The spots go through and under the skin of the apple. For this reason I don't think it's Sooty blotch (which was said to be washable) and there were no patterns of tiny dots so Flyspeck doesn't seem likely. The 3rd image shows the apple with part of the peel removed. Spot went about an eight of an inch toward the core. Although one spot was deeper inside.
The Question Asker Replied October 06, 2015, 7:00 PM EDT
With the help of another Master Gardener, we have diagnosed your problem as Bitter Pit. It is caused by a calcium deficiency. http://www.science.oregonstate.edu/bpp/Plant_Clinic/images/apple_bitterpit.htm  Here is a thorough explanation of the problem with suggestions on how to prevent it next year:

http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/apple-malus-spp-bitter-pit




Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied October 06, 2015, 9:25 PM EDT
Perfect! Thank you so much! I have some calcium rich chicken grit I'll sprinkle around the tree for next year's crop.
The Question Asker Replied October 06, 2015, 10:37 PM EDT

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