Bitter Pit or Cork Spot of Apple

Carrie Lapaire, Botany & Plant Pathology Department

Bitter pit and cork spot are physiological disorders caused by a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. The damage affects the surface of the fruit and does not affect taste or texture (spots are slightly corky) of the apple.

For more information, refer to Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: HYG-1403-92, Cork Spot and Bitter Pit of Apples.

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Bitter Pit or Cork Spot of Apple (Photo by Phil Harmon, Botany & Plant Pathology Department)

Plant and Pest Digital Library Project, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.