Catface is expressed as malformation and the cracking of fruit at the blossom-end. Tomatoes showing this disorder usually present deep clefts that may cover the pericarp to varying degrees. Puffiness is used to refer to fruit usually showing flat or angular sides. Internally, tomato locules may be partially full of gel or even empty and the fruit may be hollow to different degrees depending on the severity of the disorder. Cracking is the splitting of the fruit epicarp caused by mechanical tissue failure. Internal cell layers could also be affected once the fruit cuticle and epidermis collapse. Varieties differ greatly in their susceptibility to cracking, so selecting tolerant genotypes is one of the most effective practices to reduce the problem. Uneven or nonsynchronic ripening in a gradient across the latitudinal axis is a common phenomenon in many fruits. Sunscald results from the combined damage caused by high temperatures and radiation and consequently normally occurs on the sun-exposed sides of fruit.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y ForestalesCentro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de AlimentosLaboratorio de Investigación en Productos Agroindustriale
