Abnormal fruit fall (forum)

Slicko starts with ...
I am having a frustrating time with my Washington naval orange. The tree is five years old and has been bearing for the last three years with no problem&quote; However, this year I am experiencing a prolonged period of fruit drop of maturing fruit. On examination it appears that the problem begins at the blossom end and migrates to other parts of the fruit. It appears to be some kind of fungal attack. There is no evidence of fruit fly.

So far I am losing fruit at the rate of 5-10 a day over the last couple of weeks.
Does anyone know what it is and how to treat it?

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 24th December 2017 10:15pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Slicko
CARINDALE,4152,QLD
#UserID: 1775
Posts: 227
View All Slicko's Edible Fruit Trees

Fruitylicious1 says...
Your orange tree is experiencing blossom end rot which is caused by calcium deficiency or due to large fluctuation in soil moisture content. Irregular watering regime will cause this problem because calcium moves with liquid uniformly. To rectify this problem you should have a regular irrigation schedule to avoid moisture availability fluctuation. If calcium deficiency is the problem gypsum application might help as well as foliar calcium application. Nitrogen overload can also inhibit calcium uptake. Avoid over fertilization especially with Nitrogen during flowering and fruit development.
In summary, proper fertilization and water management will help minimize this problem. It's not a biological disorder but a physiological one.
Happy Gardening :-)

Time: 26th December 2017 2:17pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: Slicko
Original Post was last edited: 26th December 2017 2:32pm

About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
#UserID: 16885
Posts: 709
View All Fruitylicious1's Edible Fruit Trees

Slicko says...
Thanks for your very comprehensive reply Fruitylicious.
On reflection, the watering process has been a bit spasmodic this season. I have changed this over the past month.
Fertilising has been regular with citrus fertiliser at every change of season and I mulch to the drip line.
I will go down the gypsum and calcium pathways as you suggest. Thanks for the reply.

Mick

Time: 27th December 2017 10:20am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: Fruitylicious1

About the Author Slicko
CARINDALE,4152,QLD
#UserID: 1775
Posts: 227
View All Slicko's Edible Fruit Trees