Orange tree fruit question?
Question:It has flowered twice and is 3-4 yrs old. I fertilize according to Florida guidelines. The blooms do not produce oranges, they have a small node about 4MM when they fall off. I'm guessing that's where the orange is supposed to grow.
Any experienced advice?
Answers:
If you've been fertilizing and maintaining your orange tree properly, there are a couple of factors that might be leading to your problem;
1) Irregular watering-- fruit drop can be caused by irregular watering. Any stress or excess watering may lead to flower/fruit drop. Keep the watering frequency at once to twice a week...depending on soil type and weather. Keep soil moist NOT wet. The addition of bagged compost will help aid in picking up more nutrients from the soil along with conserving moisture.
2) Postbloom Fruit Drop (PFD) can be caused by the fungus "Colletotrichum acutatum" that attacks the flowers of citrus and eventually leads to flower/fruit drop. There are two fungicides that are available to homeowners that will control this disease; Benomyl and a biofungicide called "Serenade" which contains a bacteria called "bacillus subtilis". (I personally prefer Serenade).
Both can be purchased online or at select garden shops/hardware stores.
Overhead irrigation should be avoided during bloom, if possible, or trees should be irrigated at night and allowed to dry during the day
Your problem is most likely due to irregular watering or fluctuations in temperatures during flower/fruit formation.
Below is an excellent website that outlines the yearly checklist for citrus...simple but very imformative!
http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/citrus.ht...
Hope this information was of some help to you and that you'll achieve a better crop next year. GOOD LUCK!
-Certified Professional Crop Consultant with over 30 years of experience and a Degree in Plant Science
some genetic defect in plant
Is your tree getting enough sunlight and water(they like a lot). Are you using any pesticides on the tree? If so you could be killing or keeping away the very insects that act as pollinators for your flowers. If they are not cross pollinated with another flower, then no fruit.
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