Sunscald
Fruit that is exposed to the sun due to lack of foliage growth or defoliation, can develop sunscald. Affected areas are sunken and light brown to white. The fruit can then be invaded by secondary organisms, causing fruit rot. Early in the season, tender young leaf and stem tissue may show injury.
Tips:
Production practices that ensure adequate foliage cover over the fruit (such as irrigation, management of bacterial disease, and appropriate fertilization) will help to reduce fruit damage due to sunscald.
Sunscald can resemble blossom-end rot lesions. Note the location of the damage and determine whether the site of the lesion has sun exposure.
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