As citrus growers, we invest much time, money, and effort in producing the best yield of fruit possible. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we often see our trees unexpectedly shedding flowers and fruit, leading to lower yields and potentially lower profits.
If you want to control flower and fruit dropping in your citrus trees, here are some tips to follow:
1. Evaluate your irrigation
Water is essential to the growth and development of citrus trees, but excessive or insufficient watering may cause flower drop. Overwatering or irregular watering may lead to root stress, disease, and death, making it hard for the tree to hold its flowers and fruit. Also, citrus trees require consistent watering, so make sure you water them deeply and regularly, especially during the bloom period.
2. Inspect for pests and disease
Citrus trees are highly susceptible to pests and diseases, and various factors may cause fruit and flower drop. A common culprit is fungal diseases that cause leaf spots, defoliation, and premature fruit drop. You can prevent fruit and flower drop due to pests and diseases by regularly inspecting your trees and applying appropriate control measures timely.
3. Provide adequate nutrition
Citrus trees require balanced and adequate nutrition to produce a healthy crop. Nutrient deficiencies may compromise the tree’s ability to grow, leading to flower and fruit drop. Most citrus trees require nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and a lack of these can cause stress hence fruit drop. You can provide adequate nutrition by regularly fertilizing your trees and ensuring the fertilizer has the right proportions of nutrients.
4. Avoid stress
Any environmental stress can lead to fruit drop in citrus trees, and numerous factors may lead to tree stress. These may include poor soil structure, extreme temperatures, adverse weather conditions, and damage from herbicides or equipment. You can mitigate stress in your citrus trees by regularly monitoring your orchard, applying suitable irrigation methods, and using appropriate cultural practices.
5. Manage the tree size
Another factor that may cause flower and fruit drop is the size and structure of the tree. Overcrowded and poorly pruned trees may develop structural defects, leading to poor fruit set and fruit drop. You can manage the tree size by pruning your trees regularly, ensuring that branches are well-spaced, and thinning the canopy to allow for optimal air circulation and light penetration.
Final thoughts
Flower and fruit drop in citrus trees can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and effort, you can control it and achieve optimal yield for your orchard. By evaluating your irrigation, inspecting for pests and diseases, providing adequate nutrition, avoiding stress, and managing the tree size, you will be on your way to controlling fruit and flower drop in your citrus trees.