Florida growers concerned about fruit drops
Many Florida citrus growers are experiencing heavy fruit drop this fall. Grower Jim Snively, with Southern Gardens Citrus, said he is hearing talk of around 30 to 50 percent-plus fruit drop. “I’m hearing pick-outs that are 20 percent to 70 percent below last year; the drop is the culprit in the areas with the greatest reduction.”
Snively claims that the drop in South Florida started in late August and has been continuing. “In other areas of the state, Polk County and the west side of the state, it seems that the drop has just started and is not as intense.”