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Growth
Corky, Scarred Skin on Papaya Fruit
Commonly affects: Carica papaya (Papaya)
The fruit's skin develops a rough, corky, scarred texture, sometimes in a ring or blotchy pattern, though the flesh inside is often still normal.
Potential Causes
- 1Thrips or mite feeding on young fruit causing scarring as it expands
- 2Wind abrasion against leaves or branches as fruit develops
- 3Physical contact between developing fruits or fruit and branches
Solution Steps
- 1Bag young developing fruit in mesh or paper bags to prevent insect and abrasion damage
- 2Control thrips and mite populations with appropriate treatments
- 3Prune to reduce fruit-to-branch contact as it develops
- 4Note that scarring is typically cosmetic and the fruit remains edible
Prevention Tip
Bagging young fruit is a simple, highly effective way to prevent most cosmetic scarring from pests and physical contact.
