Cork Spot of Apple
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Cork spot (aka York spot) shows up as a slight depression on the fruit surface or it may be internal. The area is darkened in color and corky. This condition is a fruit calcium deficiency often appearing in seasons when the fruit are very large. All the calcium that moves into the fruit accumulates within 30 days after bloom. In larger apples the calcium is diluted and a deficiency occurs. Some varieties, such as ‘York,’ are more prone to this problem.
External symptoms of cork spot.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Internal symptoms of cork spot.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Maintain soil pH at about 6.5
- Avoid excessive nitrogen
- Apply calcium chloride in cover sprays to move calcium through fruit skin
