How To Prevent Russeting Of Apples: What Causes Russeting On Apples?

Apples and pears are susceptible to a phenomenon called russeting, which causes the fruit’s skin to develop slightly harder brown patches. Although it is not always desirable, it does not damage the fruit and is occasionally even regarded as a feature. To learn more about apple fruit russet and how to manage it, keep reading.

How Does One Go About Russeting Apples?

Apple fruit russet is a brown discoloration that can develop on the fruit’s skin. Since it is a symptom rather than a disease, there are several possible causes. Genetic predisposition is one of the most frequent causes of apple russet.

Certain types, like Roxbury Russet, Merton Russet, and Egremont Russet, are so prone to it that it is the source of their names. Despite not being named for it, other varieties like Pippin, Jonathan, and Gravenstein are nonetheless very vulnerable to apple fruit russet. Steer clear of these varieties if you are susceptible to russeting.

Additional Reasons For Apple Russet

While some apple varieties naturally russet, it can also be a sign of more serious problems like fungal infection, bacterial growth, frost damage, or phototoxicity. Its existence is a reliable sign of these problems.

A combination of excessive humidity and inadequate air circulation can also result in apple russeting. (And the more severe issues mentioned above are often caused by conditions such as these.

Russet Control For Apple

Maintaining trees that are reasonably pruned, well-spaced, and have a robust yet open canopy that lets in enough sunlight and air is the best way to prevent problems. As soon as the fruits start to form, thin them to one or two per cluster to avoid moisture building up between them. Select cultivars like Empire, Sweet Sixteen, and Honeycrisp that aren’t known for russeting.