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How To Identify and Cure Bitter Pit


BITTER PIT
Bitter Pit is a disease of apple trees. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the tree, either a shortage of calcium or too much potassium or magnesium. This is often caused by a shortage of water at a crucial time in the development of the apples. 

The symptoms are several small brown sunken pits on the surface of the apple. The flesh below the pits is also browned and tastes bitter. The number of affected areas will increase considerably throughout storage, so don't store apples which show any signs of Bitter Pit.


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PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT

How to Treat Bitter Pit
Their is no real treatment once the disease has been noticed. Next season, mulch (not straw) round the tree with well-rotted compost to conserve water, especially in dry periods. Do not over-fertilise.


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