BITTER PIT Meaning and
Definition
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Bitter pit is a physiological disorder that affects certain types of fruit trees, particularly apple and pear trees. It is characterized by the appearance of small, brown, sunken spots on the fruit's skin or flesh, giving it a bitter taste. These spots usually occur in the blossom end of the fruit and may grow larger as the disorder progresses.
The exact causes of bitter pit are not fully understood, but it is often associated with factors such as calcium deficiency, imbalances in nutrient levels, poor soil conditions, excessive nitrogen fertilization, and water stress. It is more prevalent in certain apple cultivars than others, and can also be influenced by environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
Bitter pit can significantly affect fruit quality and lead to economic losses for growers, as affected fruits are often unsellable due to their unpalatable taste and unsightly appearance. While the disorder does not pose any threat to human health, it adversely affects the marketability and commercial value of the affected fruits.
Preventive measures can be taken to minimize the occurrence of bitter pit, including proper soil management, regular testing and balancing of nutrient levels, ensuring adequate calcium availability, avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization, and appropriate irrigation practices. Some fruit growers also use post-harvest treatments, such as calcium sprays or dips, to reduce the incidence of bitter pit.
Common Misspellings for BITTER PIT
- vitter pit
- nitter pit
- hitter pit
- gitter pit
- butter pit
- bjtter pit
- bktter pit
- botter pit
- b9tter pit
- b8tter pit
- birter pit
- bifter pit
- bigter pit
- biyter pit
- bi6ter pit
- bi5ter pit
- bitrer pit
- bitfer pit
- bitger pit
- bityer pit
Etymology of BITTER PIT
The term "bitter pit" is derived from the combination of the words "bitter" and "pit".
The word "bitter" originates from the Old English word "biter", which is akin to the Old High German word "bittar". It ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "bitraz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "bheid-" meaning "to split" or "to cleave". Over time, "bitter" came to refer to something having a sharp, unpleasant taste.
The word "pit" comes from the Old English word "pytt" or "pyttan", which is related to the Old High German word "pfuzza", meaning "pit" or "hole".
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