The physiological mechanisms
that underlie preharvest melon fruit
cracking and splitting need further
investigation as the predictable cause
is still uncertain. It is clear that there is
a strong cultivar/genetic factor associated
with thinner-rind phenotypes
and a strong environmental/cultural
factor associated with fertigation of
thinner-rind fruit within days of harvest
maturity. Further research on the
interactions between cultivars, soil
moisture and fruit cracking are also
needed to better understand causal
mechanisms and to prescribe improved
management practices to avoid
melon cracking and splitting.