There are very few open bloom flowers at this time. Rainfall from the front varied from around a half inch to better than two inches in some groves. The badly needed rain will place most trees in very good condition. The recent warm weather has helped fruit gain juice, Brixs and pounds solids. Harvesters had another excellent weather week to move large amounts of early and midseason oranges to the juice plants.
Fresh fruit packing houses are also very active shipping to the many local and foreign markets.
Caretakers are mowing, chopping and discing cover crops prior to harvesting and for fire protection. Growers in all areas are fertilizing. Dead tree and abandoned grove removal continues in all areas. Warm temperatures are boosting plant growth and blooming of most crops but are slowing some fruit development such as strawberries and tomatoes. Major crops shipped during the week include snap beans, cabbage, sweet corn, eggplant, endive, escarole, lettuce, okra, parsley, peppers, pickles, radishes, squash, strawberries, and tomatoes.