Texas Citrus Shows Heavy Crop, Smaller Fruit

By Adam Russell

Texas’ citrus crop is slightly behind schedule for the season and facing an uncertain future when it comes to water, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

Juan Anciso, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist and associate head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco, said citrus orchards are showing heavy fruit crops but that limited summer irrigation has led to smaller sizes so far.

Anciso said quality continues to remain good to excellent for Texas citrus. Grapefruits continue to produce acidity levels that consumers seek, while Texas oranges could use cooler nighttime temperatures to help fruit color and increase even higher sugar levels.

Anciso said harvest crews continue to pick fruit but are choosing market-size-appropriate oranges and grapefruit. Fruit sizes led to shipping volume setbacks compared to last year.