Sunburn or Sun Scald Injury on Apple
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Sunburn or sun scald injury to the fruit is often associated with high temperatures and intense sunlight when skies are clear. It may occur when the weight of fruit results in a branch adjustment so that previously protected portions of fruit become exposed to direct sunlight. It frequently shows up on the southwest side of trees of light-skinned varieties (e.g. ‘Granny Smith’) when trees are under water stress.
Sun scald injury to fruit.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Follow proper tree pruning and training practices
- Avoid water stress
- Spray fruit with white wash or Surround crop protectant (wash and brush protectant off after harvest)
