Avoid over- fertilizing with nitrogen. Later, the affected tissue dries out and collapses, forming slightly sunken, wrinkled areas. Secondary organisms invade the affected areas causing the fruit to rot. Sunscald occurs on fruit exposed to the sun during periods of extreme heat. Grow tomatoes in wire cages.
Plants grown in cages provide good foliage protection.
Also, control foliar diseases of tomatoes and peppers which may defoliate the plants and expose the fruit to direct sunlight. The splitting results from a build-up of water pressure. Splitting may be prevented by pulling the mature plant upward and gently twisting the plant to break some of the roots, thereby reducing water uptake. Another alternative would be to plant early, mid-season, and late maturing cabbage varieties to prolong the harvest season. Heavy rainfall or irrigation following a long, dry period promotes rapid growth during ripening.