Why cracking of fruits occurs in muskmelon?

Cracking of fruit surface at stem end is a common occurrence in certain varieties and often results in great losses. Several environmental factors seem to be involved in the cracking of muskmelon fruits. It is very common especially when the rains follow a long dry spell and the temperature is relatively high. Water on the surface of fruit is more conductive for cracking than high soil moisture. Fruits exposed to sun have more cracking problem than those well covered beneath the foliage.