Premature yellowing and rot, a characteristic of its structure, results in premature fruit drop. The two periods of fruit drop, early and late summer, can account for 15-20 percent of the crop some years. 2,4-D sprays may be used to reduce this. Fruit from trees on lemon-type rootstocks tend to dry out prematurely. Rind blemish can occur early in the season from mechanical damage during handling.
Navels tend to require more precise management, particularly relating to stress avoidance.
Irrigation and nutrition levels should be carefully monitored. Choate is early maturing, moderate to large fruit size, average yields with a navel ranging from closed to large. This selection came from Grand Island in Lake County . The tree is large and vigorous and the fruit has average brix and low acid. This variety is named for the location where it was discovered - Port Myacca.