Variety traits

Orange fruit cracking

Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck

A physiological disorder caused by the rind rupturing under pressure from rapidly developing pulp due to irregular irrigation and mineral deficiencies. It is considered a significant economic issue that reduces crop marketability and provides entry points for infections.

In the reference 11 varieties crop Sweet orange, where this is mentioned in the description.

The process is driven by the discrepancy between the growth rate of the pulp and the elasticity of the orange rind, often triggered by sharp fluctuations in soil moisture levels and a deficiency of elements such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Varieties with thin-skinned rinds, particularly navel oranges, are especially prone to this disorder.

The intensity of cracking is assessed by counting damaged fruits on control trees, with losses of 30% of the crop considered critical for commercial orchards. Values at the level of 48–50% of the total number of dropped fruits are classified as a state of high incidence, requiring phytosanitary control due to the risk of Alternaria and Penicillium rot development.

General information about the subject — on the page Fruit cracking.

Sources8

Varieties of Sweet orange mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.