Bitter pit reduces the fresh market quality of fruit.
It was first described in Germany and is recognized as an abiotic disorder found in all areas of the world where apples are grown. This physiological disorder is influenced by climate and orchard cultural practices. The tissue below the skin becomes dark and corky. At harvest or after a period of cold storage the skin develops depressed spots on the surface. These most often start to appear as water soaked spots on the skin near the calyx.