Heavy rains increase risk of blossom end rot in citrus

The occurrence of rain in a large part of the citrus belt of São Paulo and Triângulo/Sudoeste Mineiro requires increased attention from citrus growers in the coming days to the occurrence of flower rot (star rot) in the groves. Since the beginning of flowering this harvest, Fundecitrus has been sending alerts about the risk of occurrence of the disease and the forecast of rain.

At this time, dryland orchards are still in bloom, and therefore citrus growers need to take some precautions. “Fundecitrus has already sent out extreme risk alerts for the central and southern regions of the belt. The orchards within these areas should be quickly protected with fungicide. This measure should be taken, especially if there is an expanded bud or open flower in the orchard,” emphasizes Fundecitrus researcher Geraldo Silva Jr.

This care is necessary to minimize the damage caused by the disease, maintaining the productivity of the orchards. According to the alert issued by Fundecitrus, at this time, the stations that monitor the climate in the southern and central regions of the belt already indicate conditions of extreme risk for the incidence of the disease. “Therefore, the orchards with flowers in these regions must be very well protected during this critical period with frequent and intense rains”, he emphasizes. 

Sending alert

To register in the Forecast System and receive alert messages, citrus growers must contact the Fundecitrus agronomist in their region, call 0800-110-2155 or send a message to (16) 9 9629-2471.