February 17, 2001
Question: I planted a Satsuma citrus tree about three years ago. The fruit is large, orange and beautiful. However, it’s very dry inside after being peeled. Am I doing something wrong or is this normal?
- William S., e-mail
Answer: No, you’re not doing anything wrong. The dried fruit is affected by a disorder known as granulation. Granulation is the drying of the juice sacs within the fruit. Granulation usually occurs on rapidly growing fruit and excessively large fruit. Large fruit has lower solids or sugar content. It’s believed that a high concentration of sugars within the fruit prevents the premature drying of juice sacs. There is no known cure for granulation. However, good fertilization and early seasonal harvesting may alleviate this problem.
- Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461- 7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show’ at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM WINK/WNOG.