Why Do Citrus Trees Drop Fruit?
It is normal for citrus trees to drop fruit. Excessive dropping is a problem. You can prevent it by being environmentally aware and taking proper care of your trees. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Citrus trees drop a heavy amount of fruit at the beginning of blossoming. According to the University of California Cooperative Extension, this "is nature's way of adjusting to the environment the amount of fruit carried by the tree." After this initial drop, most of the fruit should generally remain on the tree.
Identification
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According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, normal fruit drop happens in three general periods. The first drops 70 percent to 80 percent of flowers right near bloom time. The second happens a couple of weeks later, where pea- to marble-size fruits fall. The third generally happens in late May and consists of larger, golf-ball-size fruit.
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Insects
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Certain insects that feed on citrus trees can cause fruit drop. For example, leaf-footed bugs inject an enzyme into citrus fruit causing a tree to lose most of its fruit in a very short period of time, according to a Texas A&M University System Agricultural Program report.
Environment
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Environmental factors like excessive water, dry heat and low potassium levels in the soil can contribute to added fruit drop.
Prevention/Solution
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According to the University of California Cooperative Extension, you can take care of your citrus trees with proper water management, fertilization and pest control.
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