Can't Identify Defect on Growing Haralson Apple

Question: Hello, 
I've been growing apples for many years but I can't identify the defect shown in the attached photos.  Details:

1)  The defect is on approximately 5% of the apples.
2)  The defect is primarily on the ground facing side of the apple (away from the sun). 
3)  All apples with the defect are misshapen.
4)  There are no visible problems inside the apple.
5)  The defect seems to develop a crack over time (but not on every apple).

Hope you can help!!

Thank you.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
response: Hi , I think that is apple russet. The skin turns brownish and rough but there is no interior damage. https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2019/5/russet/  Does the link describe what you are seeing ? Sally Granath St. Louis County MG

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2023, 7:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Sally, thanks for your answer.  I'm familiar with russeting but my defect is always present  longitudinally from the stem to calyx in varying widths around the growing apple.  Apples with this defect are always misshapen (smaller) on the defect side.  It's as if the portion of the apple with the defect has stopped growing.At early thinning time I saw none of it but as the apples are growing I'm seeing more every day.  We have had severe drought here until a few days ago, so russeting conditions are not ideal.  I see it on my Haralsons and Haralreds and to a lesser extent on my Honeycrisp trees.  Only one or two on my State Fairs.I'll let you know if I ever figure it out.  Thanks again.Bob BergerOn Sun, Jul 23, 2023, 5:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 3:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Bob, I found this interesting information; https://extension.psu.edu/apple-skin-disorders-scarf-skin-and-russet I had not heard of apple scarf. Yours is a perplexing case. It sure seems like just the skin cells are affected since you detect no internal damage. Here is a link with lots of great photos to look through; https://extension.unh.edu/resource/fruit-injury-types-recognized-annual-new-hampshire-apple-harvest-evaluations-fact-sheet https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-appearance-of-heat-damage-on-the-Idared-apple-incurred-by-exposure-to-HWD-500C-6_fig1_311582728 I'm going to send your problem on to an Extension person who can probably figure this out. Sally

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 7:38 AM EDT
response: Sally, Thank you!  The links are great but you're right, I don't see my defect anywhere.  I can take more photos if needed, I have plenty of examples.Really appreciate your efforts here...BobOn Thu, Jul 27, 2023, 2:28 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 30, 2023, 5:21 PM EDT
response: This phenomena is known as cracking.  It is weather related—heavy rains and high humidity after a period of drought.  It is probable that the humidity level is higher near the ground. It is also more likely to happen with russeting. Haralson apples are prone to russeting. Solutions include pruning trees to increase air circulation, use of plant hormones and avoiding certain chemicals.  Read more about it at the following websites: 1. https://apples.extension.org/apple-fruit-cracking/ 2. http://applescout.ca.uky.edu/fruitcrackingstemendsplittingandinternalringcracking 3.  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/managing-apple-growing-conditions-prevent-fruit-cracking 4.  https://www.ag.ndsu.edu:8000/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/gardening-and-horticulture/trees-and-shrubs/apple-trees/diagnosing-2

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2023, 6:57 PM EDT
response: Hi Mary, thanks for the help.  Cracking may be the problem but it doesn't seem likely for two reasons:1). We've had no rain to speak of until the last week and I've seen it on the apples for at least the last 3 weeks.2). The defect looks quite different from what's shown in the photos and it's very consistent north to south on the apple.Anyway, thanks for trying!!  This seems to be a tough one.Bob BergerOn Sun, Jul 30, 2023, 4:21 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 30, 2023, 8:51 PM EDT
response: Pictures can be deceiving.  You may want to take it to a local orchard and get their opinion from several apples.  Or you can send a sample to the Plant Disease Clinic for microscopic analysis.  https://pdc.umn.edu/

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 31, 2023, 7:40 AM EDT
response: Thanks again for your help Mary.  Yes, they can be very deceiving.  I will certainly let you know if I am ever able to find out what it is.  I've been growing apples on these trees for 31 years and this defect is unique in my experience.  BobOn Sun, Jul 30, 2023, 7:51 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: