2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part E

author(s)
Alok Kumar, Chahak Tandon, Ritesh Singh, Vipin Kumar, Virendar Choudhary, Gitam Singh, Abhishek Pratap Singh and Vishal Tiwari

abstract
Fruit cracking is a significant physiological disorder that adversely impacts fruit quality, marketability, and productivity, leading to considerable economic losses for growers. This pre-harvest disorder typically occurs during the second phase of fruit growth, when rapid pulp expansion generates pressure on the peel, causing it to thin and form microcracks. These cracks eventually result in fruit splitting and premature drop from the tree. Key factors contributing to fruit cracking include irregular water supply, heavy crop load, warm-humid climatic conditions, poor nutrient management, and hormonal imbalances. Cultivars with thinner peels and deficiencies in key nutrients, particularly calcium (Ca), potassium (K), boron (B), and phosphorus (P), are more susceptible to cracking. This review examines the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying fruit cracking, highlighting the role of turgor pressure, cell wall composition, and hormonal regulation. The review also discusses effective control measures, such as foliar applications of plant growth regulators (PGRs) like auxins and gibberellins, as well as essential minerals (Ca, Zn, P, B), to reduce the incidence of cracking across different species. Additionally, the need for further molecular research to understand the genetic basis of cracking is emphasized, with the potential for biotechnological approaches to develop cracking-resistant varieties.