Rain is badly needed. Growers and caretakers are irrigating around the clock to maintain good tree condition. Some non-irrigated groves have trees showing leaf curl and some afternoon wilt. Some growers have shocked their trees into bloom by irrigating following a prolong dryness. Harvest of early and midseason oranges is winding down as supplies are very low in many parts of the citrus belt.
Valencia harvest is active for fresh fruit sales with the eliminations going to the juice plants.
Grove-run grapefruit are being picked for the processors. Temple and Honey tangerine harvest continues strong in most areas. Caretakers are cutting cover crops prior to harvest and for fire protection. Hedging, topping and chopping up of dead limbs is reported in all areas. Burn permits continue to be limited due to extreme dry conditions.