Question of the Week – Excessive Water

This week, the question was: What caused these ripe blueberries to split on the bush?

Blueberry splits are caused by excessive water from rainfall or irrigation when ripe or near-ripe fruit are on the plant. These berries of the rabbiteye cultivar ‘Climax’ split following nearly four inches of rain over three days. In blueberries, root absorbed water combined with water absorbed through the skin of ripe berries combine to cause splitting, particularly if the rain follows an extended dry spell. Freeze damage may also increase susceptibility to splitting. The condition is correlated with cultivar and ‘Climax’ is considered highly susceptible. To reduce the chances of fruit split, maintain even soil moisture in the field via irrigation when possible and harvest ripe and near-ripe fruit prior to a forecasted rainfall. Split fruit in the field should be removed and discarded to reduce potential problems with diseases and insects such as yeast rots and fruit flies.

This week’s question is from Cory Tanner, Extension Horticulture Program Team Director.