Hi, does anyone know why the fruit on my tree is splitting in half? Was so excited as the tree is loaded with fruit, however, they seemed to have stopped growing and many are "cracking". Didn't have much fruit last year so was estatic about the bounty until this~ Hope I can turn things around???? Thanks every and anyone with advice!!!!
its probably because of all the rain we got so fast even though we have not had much the last few weeks the ground still has more moisture in it than we would normally have at this time of the year there could be other reasons but cannot think of any right now
The seemingly spontaneous splitting that occurs in citrus fruits, particularly in navel oranges and tangerines is discouraging. Splitting is a condition that is caused by environmental or cultural conditions. There is no chemical control for this physiological condition. The split usually starts at the stylar end (blossom end) of the fruit, which is the weakest point in the rind. Splits probably occur when water and sugar are transported from the roots of the tree up to the ripening fruit, and the rind is unable to expand quickly enough to accommodate the added volume. The rind burst open under the pressure. Some citrus varieties, especially thin skinned ones, may be more likely to split than other varieties. Rinds that have been sunburned or otherwise damaged may be less elastic than normal, and therefore more apt to split. Although the exact cause is unknown, fruit splitting is likely the result of stress to the tree. Splitting appears to be related to extreme fluctuations in temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and possibly fertilizer levels, and the disorder is probably caused by a combination of these factors rather than by a single cause. For example, when hot weather is combined with high winds, the tree becomes drought stressed, and begins to retake water back from the fruit, which causes the fruit to soften, which intern causes the fruit to crack. Young trees, and dwarf varieties with relatively small or shallow root systems, as well as trees grown in very sandy soils which do not retain moisture well, are more susceptible to fruit splitting. Reasonable cultural practices to avoid extreme fluctuations in soil moisture and fertilization levels throughout the growing season may help to minimize fruit split. Trees should be irrigated regularly to assure a continuous supply of soil moisture, especially during hot or windy weather. When hot winds are anticipated, irrigate before the winds begin. After the hot winds subside, irrigate lightly for a few days, and then resume a normal irrigation schedule. Instead of a single large application of quick release fertilizer each year, smaller monthly applications throughout the growing season may help keep nutrient levels constant. Timed release fertilizers offer the convenience of supplying nutrients at an even rate over the length of the growing season, but they are usually more expensive than other fertilizers. Citrus fruit that split are edible, although they are usually not ripe enough to be usable; they break down quickly and eventually drop from the tree. Damaged fruit should be removed and discarded, since they are susceptible to invading organisms that may cause disease such as Altering Rot. Decaying fruit may also harbor fungi, bacteria, insects or other unwanted pests. - Millet (1,191-)
