My oranges are more plentiful this year but I am getting a problem with the fruit splitting. The tree had an abundance of blossom but as to be expected most of the fruit did not set but even so we had enough not to be disappointed. Now with about 3 months to go before the fruit is ripe the oranges are splitting. I have read somewhere that it could be a watering problem. I water in summer about once a fortnight giving the tree about half an hours watering, the tree is set down into the ground giving it a basin like surround which fills with water. As soon as I turn the hose off the water drains. We live in Turkey and have had a very hot summer. Any help would be gratefully received.
The seemingly spontaneous splitting that occurs in citrus fruits, particularly in navel oranges, is discouraging. Splitting is an abiotic disorder, that is, it is a problem that cannot be attributed to any living organism, such as an insect or plant pathogen, but one that stems instead from environmental or cultural conditions. There is no chemical control for this physiological condition. The split usually starts at the stylar end of the fruit, which is the weakest pint in the rind. Splits probably occur when water and sugar are transported from the roots of the tree 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 most closely related to extreme fluctuation 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 stress and begins to take water from the fruit, causing the fruit to soften causing it to crack. Young trees or dwarf varieties with relatively small or shallow root systems, as well as trees grown in very sandy or porous soils that do not retain moisture well, may be 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. Split oranges 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 Alternia Rot. Decaying fruit may also harbor fungi, bacteria, insects or other unwanted pests. - Millet
Thank you for your advice, I think reading your info that it is probably my watering habits, I will attempt to get into a regular routine and see what happens.
