What Happens If a Citrus Fruit Freezes on the Tree?

Cause

• Low temperature leads to the formation of ice crystals in plant cells. This deprives plant tissues of necessary fluids and water, eventually damaging the fruit.

Symptoms

• Frost-damaged fruit often displays no outward symptoms. As fruit develops, it gets flat and distorted and has inner dead tissue pockets. The damaged fruit starts to drop from the tree within a week or two after injury.

Management

• Avoid frost injury to citrus by reducing unnecessary vegetation under tree as this conserves energy. Using overhead sprinklers and floating row covers also helps to minimize chances of frost injury.