Apples

Question

Some of the Yellow Delicious fruit on our tree turned brown, soft, and when they fall off and hit the ground, “SPLAT”! Messy and nasty – attracting ants, yellow jackets, etc. What is causing this and how can I prevent it? The majority of the apples are wonderful.

Answer 1

It could be black fruit rot:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/black-rot-on-apple-trees.htm

Alternatively, it could be blossom end rot, which can cause apples of the delicious varieties to go soft:

https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fphg/pome/diseases/blossom-end-rot

Also check whether there are any grubs or other insects inside the apples which could have caused them to rot.