Split apples and cracked pears

Fruit split is a disfiguring condition where one or more splits, often branched, are seen on the surface of apples, pears and other fruit. The splits are usually not very deep, but they cause wounds that allow diseases and pests to attack otherwise healthy (and tasty) fruit.

Fruit split is a condition, not a disease, as it is caused by an uneven supply of water. The splits usually occur when rain follows a protracted dry spell and the sudden availability of moisture causes the fruit to swell too quickly.

The remedy is simply to ensure your fruit trees have a steady supply of water. In the longer term, you can improve the moisture retaining properties of the soil by mulching well with well rotted manure or garden compost.