The initial symptoms are brown spots at the blossom end of the fruit which later enlarge, darken and become leathery. Decay may occur as a result of microbial activity. Cultivars can differ in their susceptibility to the problem. Watering operations that avoid drought stress can reduce or eliminate the problem. Excess nitrogen fertilizer may also contribute to blossom-end rot.
Cultivars can differ in susceptibility.
Cracks scarring, and pitting can be caused by mechanical damage when fruits are young, Insects can also cause such injury. Splitting is caused by an erratic watering pattern, particularly the excessive accumulation of water. The inside of the fruit is under great pressure and the fruit splits open when lightly tapped. This condition is weather related and there probably is a cultivar interaction as well. A workshop on FQPA will be held in St. Louis on February 18-19 to provide details on how it will finally be implemented.