Record number of citrus fruits fallen from trees

Unprecedented levels of fruit drop in citrus groves.

In Florida, more than 300 citrus growers have noticed that the number of fallen fruit is very high, reaching unprecedented proportions outside of an event of frost, as specified in the County of Highlands.

On average, the fruit drop is estimated to be 30% of the harvest. Some areas complain about the 45% of falls; others, 20%. The University of Florida gives an estimate of 18 million boxes of oranges and grapefruits already fallen.

The weather conditions have had ups and downs, with sudden temperature changes. A bacterium, known as citrus greening or citrus cancer, would have infected trees, clinging to leaves, branches and roots. And trees, being weak, rather leave the fruits to survive. The bacterium affects oranges, grapefruits and tangerines, and some varieties more than others.

Source: higlands today com