Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Puffiness

• Outer wall of the grown up fruits (two-third normal size) continues to develop normally but growth of the remaining internal tissues (Placenta, mesocarp)is retarded resulting in partially filled fruit which is light in weight and lacks in firmness. Cross section of the affected fruit shows emptiness or pockets. The differential tissue growth leading to this disorder occurs due to

  i) Non fertilization of ovules
  ii) Embryo abortion after normal fertilization
  iii) Necrosis of vascular and placental tissue after normal development of the fruit
  iv) High temperature and high soil moisture are the primary factors responsible for this disorder. Application of boron reduces puffiness and improves fruit shape.

Control
1) Over irrigation should be avoided
2) Less nitrogen should be applied
3) Boron should be applied by spraying 0.3-0.4% borax solution