Pomegranate Fruit Splitting: Fungal Disease Management

The Problem

Pomegranates cracking open while still small is a classic sign of fungal disease, often Alternaria or Aspergillus fruit rot. The fungus affects both leaves and fruit, causing premature leaf drop and fruit splitting just as maturity approaches.

Control Measures

• Apply copper fungicide during fruit development—late spring through summer.
• Remove and destroy fallen leaves and cracked fruit to reduce inoculum.
• Improve air circulation with pruning.
• Avoid overhead irrigation; use drip to keep foliage dry.

Timing Is Critical

Spray protectively before symptoms appear. Once splitting starts, the fruit cannot be saved, but future crops can be protected with a consistent spray schedule.