Defects included botrytis bumps, flat sides, tip injuries, and wind scar. The 1998-99 California tangerine forecast is 3.2 million cartons. This is down 36 percent from the October forecast and down 33 percent from the 1997-98 season. Freeze damage in the Central Valley was severe with most growers in that area expecting a total loss. Fruit in the Southern California area suffered minimal freeze damage.
Color is excellent and eating quality is very good.
Grade defects include wind scar, picking injury, and puff. December was a very mild and dry month. Most areas of the citrus belt received below average rainfall, which necessitated a lot of irrigation usage. Growers generally do not like to irrigate during the winter months because the addition of regulated moisture produces new growth, which is vulnerable to frost or freezing weather should either arrive. The current crop of early and mid-season fruit is showing very good color on the tree.