Cracked Mangoes

The cause of cracking in mangoes is the same whether it’s mangoes, oranges or tomatoes. The majority of cracks are caused by irregular periods of dry and wet weather.  Abundant rain alternating with dry spells will produce stages of slow growth followed by rapid growth, resulting in cracked fruit.  In addition, a fungus or bacteria may invade these cracks and cause the fruit to rot.  The weather is beyond our control, but if irrigation is involved, an even supply of moisture throughout the growing season will help eliminate cracking in fruit. Also, anthracnose fungal disease, common on mangoes, can cause deep cracking in certain varieties which are especially susceptible to this disease. The florigon mango variety is rated ‘moderately resistant to anthracnose.’