Fruit split issues are starting to show up in some Georgia citrus groves, University of Georgia Assistant Professor and Citrus Extension Specialist Mary Sutton reported recently. She also noted that color break is likely to begin soon in Georgia citrus fruit.
According to Sutton, fruit splits typically start at the stylar end (bottom end) of the fruit and spread vertically up the fruit. Fruit splitting is normally seen during the rapid growth phase and maturation phase, “so this is a normal time to start seeing this,” she said.
Extreme environmental fluctuations will often trigger this splitting.
“In our case, prolonged dry weather followed by heavy rain or excessive irrigation can trigger this split,” Sutton stated. “The large influx of water causes the pulp to expand faster than the peel can. Pressure builds and can ultimately result in fruit splitting.”
Citrus growers usually see these splits run vertically along the gap between two segments of the fruit or in areas where the peel is particularly thin, Sutton noted. The problem is more common in thinned-skinned fruit.
“These split fruit can attract pests and provide an opening for secondary infections. So if you see any split fruit, remove them if possible,” she advised.
Get advice on preventing fruit split here.
Turning her attention to color break that will likely begin soon, Sutton noted that “cooler fall weather helps our fruit reach its full color.”
She reported that in 2025, Georgia citrus growers started seeing some fruit coloring up in early September.
“This summer has been very hot, so if temperatures remain high, we may see color break happen later or fruit take longer to reach their full color,” Sutton said. “We’ll just have to keep an eye on the weather and the fruit as we move forward.”
Source: Georgia Citrus Association
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