Split fruit

August 2005. A grower in Solomon Islands asked how to overcome splits in tomato fruits.

Tomato splitting is usually a physiological disorder associated with water stress during dry periods. Varietal selection and simple irrigation can help. Other suggestions were increasing K fertiliser levels (using potassium sulphate) or periodic root pruning with a spade to reduce water uptake in wet conditions. Use of varieties bred in the Pacific countries (Samoa and Fiji) would also be worth trying.