Splitting Citrus Fruit: Why Orange Rinds Split Open And How To Prevent It

Citrus trees have numerous requirements. They need fertile soil, full sun, and protected locations, tropical to sub-tropical conditions, supplemental irrigation, and plenty of additional food. They are prone to many diseases, especially fungal, and susceptible to several pests. Nonetheless, they are an exciting addition to the home orchard and provide vitamin-rich fruits. Cracked citrus rinds are another issue, and in oranges, can split open, making the citrus fruit inedible. Providing the correct cultural and nutrient conditions will prevent this fruit damage.

What Causes Oranges to Split?

One of the most commonly grown citrus is the orange. Orange rinds split open, as well as mandarins and tangelos, but never grapefruit. Navel oranges are the most prone to the problem. So what causes oranges to split? The rind splits because water and plant sugars travel to the fruit too quickly for it to produce enough rind to hold the substances. The excess fluids cause the skin to burst. Young trees have the highest incidence of oranges splitting. Most cases of splitting citrus fruit occur in July to November. Cracked citrus rinds begin at the blossom end of the fruit. Although most of the splitting happens at the end of the season, it can begin as early as July. Trees with the greatest crop load are the most affected. Orange rinds split open seasonally and is primarily the result of plant care, but also temperature fluctuations and humidity. The size of a split varies. It may be slim and short or expose the pulp inside the fruit. Naval orange rinds split open more, likely because of the thickness of the rind and the large stylar, or navel. The green fruit is usually the splitting citrus fruit.

Tips for Preventing Splitting Citrus Fruit

Oranges, or any other citrus fruit splitting, is a result of cultural activities. Irrigation problems may contribute where the tree gets too much water. In winter, the tree only needs 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm.) of rain per week. In March to June, this increases to ½ inch (1 cm.) and during the warm season, the tree requires 1 inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week. Over fertilizing will also cause the problem. The nutrient needs of oranges should be 1 to 2 pounds (453.5-907 g.) of nitrogen annually. You should break up the application into three or four periods. This will prevent too much food, which will make orange rinds split open and possibly crack. Tree stress is thought to be another cause of splitting citrus fruit. Hot, dry winds desiccate the tree and dry the plant. Then it takes moisture from the fruit, which shrivels. As soon as water is available, it goes to the fruit, which then swell too much. Young plants with small root systems are most susceptible because they do not have a wide enough root area in which to gather moisture.