In the cold-hardy citrus region, an anticipated shortfall in satsuma mandarins will mark the upcoming 2025 season. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission, stated, "In our grove, we had 250,000 pounds of satsumas on 5 acres (2 hectares) last year. We have hardly any this year." The scarcity applies broadly across the region, with many producers reporting minimal production of satsumas.
Growers in areas like North Florida, South Georgia, and South Alabama are still navigating the intricacies of satsuma cultivation and its alternate bearing nature. Savelle remarked, "We didn't have any satsumas in 2023 because we had the Arctic blast in late 2022, and then we had an overabundance last year. It was a bountiful 2024 crop. This year, none. The issue appears to be more unique to satsumas. We've still got so much to learn about satsuma production."
Despite the expected drop in production, citrus tree management remains essential. Savelle recommends continued care: "You still want to take care of the trees. Look for mites. Spray for leaf miners." Monitoring for fungal diseases caused by humidity and rain is also crucial. "It's a tough balance when you've got no fruit to speak of. That means no income, but still you've got to put out money to take care of your grove. But that's farming, isn't it?" she noted.
Producers must sustain vigilance in grove management practices to ensure tree health for future yields.
Source: Citrus Industry