Category: B

Definition:Blotchy ripening is a physiological disorder primarily observed in fleshy fruits—most notably in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)—where patches of the fruit fail to develop normal coloration during the ripening process. This results in irregular, often green, yellow, or grey-green areas that remain firm and unripe, while the rest of the fruit turns its expected mature color (typically red or orange). Symptoms: Irregular patches of unripe tissue on otherwise ripening fruit. Affected areas are often firmer and paler, lacking typical ripening pigments such as lycopene and carotene. In severe cases, the blotchy areas may become...