The domestic Valencia crop is experiencing elevated cosmetic defects, while imported oranges are showing increased scarring and lighter color upon arrival. Although these issues are primarily cosmetic and do not affect internal quality, they may impact appearance. Growers are actively sorting affected fruit and shipping the best quality available.

Domestic

• Thrip damage is cosmetic rind scarring caused by citrus thrips feeding on very young fruit shortly after petal fall; scares are often circular or banded with a corky appearance
• Wind scarring typically appears as random scratches, abrasions, or rubbed areas on the surface of the fruit
• Early signs of decay, puff/crease, and over maturity are being driven by previous wet weather conditions
  • Fruit may appear sound at packing but can begin breaking down days later
• While these defects can be found in both grades, they are more prevalent in choice grade fruit

Imports

• Inconsistent color upon arrival is caused by several different factors
  • Warm growing conditions
  • Early harvesting
  • Insufficient degreening
• Thrip damage is cosmetic rind damage caused by citrus thrips feeding on very young fruit shortly after petal fall; scars are often circular or banded and have a corky appearance
• Wind scarring typically appears as random scratches or rubbed areas on the side of the fruit

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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