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idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

The Guide to Caring for Your Plants

Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Excessive sun or sunburn on fruit: symptoms, causes and solutions

Excessive sun

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Pathogen:

Type:

Environmental stress

Risk:

INTERMEDIATE

Excessive sun or sunburn on fruit: symptoms, causes and solutions

Frutos

Estrés ambiental

Excessive sun exposure in plants: symptoms and visible damage to fruit
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WHO CAUSES IT?

Sunburn, or excessive sun exposure, is a physiological disorder of fruit caused by overexposure of fruit tissues to solar radiation, especially when the surface temperature rises considerably above the air temperature. Direct solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet and infrared radiation, can cause a significant increase in the temperature of exposed tissues and damage to the cells of the epidermis and surface layers of the fruit. The risk increases when fruit that was normally protected by leaves is suddenly exposed due to pruning, leaf fall, defoliation, wind, water stress, or changes in fruit orientation. The exposed tissues can reach temperatures well above the ambient temperature, especially during the hottest hours of the day and under conditions of high radiation. When the surface temperature exceeds the tissue's tolerance capacity, alterations of cell membranes, protein denaturation, loss of cell function, and, in the most severe cases, localized tissue death occur. The damage can appear rapidly and does not require the presence of any infectious organism. Susceptibility depends on the species, variety, color and characteristics of the epidermis, stage of ripeness, water content, prior sun exposure, and the fruit's ability to dissipate heat. Green or immature fruits may exhibit different susceptibility than those nearing maturity, while certain varieties with darker skin may heat up more quickly. Water stress significantly increases the risk because it reduces the availability of water for transpiration and natural tissue cooling. Similarly, a sudden loss of leaf cover can expose unacclimated fruits to intense radiation. There is no infection, reproduction, or spread of a causal organism; therefore, the problem does not involve a biological transmission process and cannot spread between fruits like an infectious disease.

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SYMPTOMS

Excessive sun exposure causes localized damage to fruit in areas directly exposed to intense sunlight. Initially, discoloration or loss of the normal color of the epidermis may be observed, followed by a change to yellowish, whitish, reddish, or brownish tones, depending on the species and stage of ripeness. As the damage increases, the affected areas may become dry, hardened, or slightly sunken and clearly demarcated from healthy tissue. In cases of very intense exposure, surface cells may die and form necrotic areas that subsequently dehydrate and acquire a leathery texture. The damage is usually located primarily on the side of the fruit facing the sun and can be more severe in areas that have been suddenly exposed due to leaf loss. The lesions can reduce the commercial value of the fruit and, when extensive, affect its quality and shelf life. The damaged areas can also subsequently facilitate the entry of certain opportunistic microorganisms, although sunburn itself is not caused by fungi, bacteria, or other pathogens. In sensitive fruits, the combination of high radiation, high temperatures, and water deficit can intensify dehydration and promote the appearance of more serious surface damage. Browning / Spots / Sunken spots / Dehydration / Tissue drying / Surface necrosis / Loss of color / Skin hardening

Damage caused by excessive sun or sunburn on fruit
Excessive sun exposure in fruit: how to recognize and effectively treat it
Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure
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TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

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TRANSMISSION PATHS

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Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

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TREATMENTS

Chemical treatment

There are no phytosanitary treatments. Sun exposure should be adjusted and the plant protected from excessive radiation.

Authorized treatments in organic farming

There are no phytosanitary treatments. Sun exposure should be adjusted and the plant protected from excessive radiation.

Biological control

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Recommendations

• Avoid excessive and sudden exposure of the fruit to direct sunlight, especially during periods of peak radiation intensity.

• Maintain sufficient leaf cover around the fruit to provide natural shade during the hottest hours of the day.

• Avoid excessively heavy pruning during periods of high radiation and high temperatures.

• Plan pruning to avoid the sudden exposure of large quantities of fruit that were previously protected by the leaves.

• Avoid unnecessarily removing leaves that provide direct shade to the fruit.

• Maintain adequate soil moisture to promote transpiration and the natural cooling capacity of the plant tissues.

• Avoid prolonged periods of water stress during the fruit growth and ripening stages.

• Maintain a consistent irrigation schedule during periods of high temperatures and high solar radiation.

• Pay close attention to crops after episodes of strong winds, hail, foliar diseases, or any other cause that results in significant leaf loss. • Reduce water stress before periods of extremely high temperatures are expected.

• Use shade netting when weather conditions or crop characteristics indicate a high risk of sunburn.

• Select varieties less susceptible to sunburn when the crop is grown in areas with high radiation and extreme temperatures.

• Maintain balanced nutrition to promote proper leaf development and good fruit coverage.

• Avoid nutritional imbalances that can lead to excessive leaf loss or reduce the crop's ability to adapt to environmental stress.

• Control diseases and pests that can cause defoliation and prevent fruit from being directly exposed to the sun.

• Avoid interventions that drastically reduce leaf area during periods of highest risk.

• Monitor fruit located in the most exposed parts of the plant, especially those facing south or west in sensitive crops. • Conduct regular inspections during heat waves to detect the first signs of discoloration or necrosis.

• Avoid unnecessary handling of fruit during periods of extreme heat, as mechanical damage can increase the sensitivity of exposed tissues.

• Maintain adequate soil moisture during periods of rapid fruit growth.

• Improve soil water retention capacity when necessary to reduce significant moisture fluctuations.

• Use appropriate mulches to decrease soil water evaporation and help maintain more stable moisture levels.

• Prevent excessive weed competition for available water.

• In particularly sensitive crops, use authorized protective products that can form a film or increase the reflectance of the fruit surface, always following the corresponding authorization and conditions of use.

• Apply protective measures before episodes of extreme radiation when their mode of action requires preventative coverage. • Remove severely damaged fruit once it has completely lost its commercial value and could hinder harvesting.

• Prioritize preventative measures, since once cell damage has occurred due to excessive radiation, there is no phytosanitary treatment capable of regenerating necrotic tissue.

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Light traps for insects

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For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

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Insect Barrier/Repellent

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For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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100% organic diatomaceous earth

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Natural insecticide against insects

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Beetle traps

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

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Attracts and traps tomato moths

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Effective against all types of fungi

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*The recommended treatments are still recommendations according to the databases of the authorities and at no time do they replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country

*The products shown are recommendations and are not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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TREATMENTS

Homemade treatments

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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REPELLENT PLANTS

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS PEST

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Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

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Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

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Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

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Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

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Solar trap for outside

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Anti-ant adhesive tape

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Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

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For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

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100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Lime for whitewashing

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For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

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100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

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Natural insecticide against insects

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*The recommended treatments are still recommendations according to the databases of the authorities and at no time do they replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country

*The products shown are recommendations and are not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

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