Photos, photos, photos... Where do you live? Do you know the rootstock? What is your fertilization program?

Rootstock...no idea was planted probably in the late 1890s

Fertilizer has been basic Vigoro Citrus/Avo but this year we also put down a layer of horse manure covered with wood chips.

Southern California

Of the 5 120 year old Navel oranges, this is the only one that has the odd fruit. I will try to remember to take a picture next time I run up to moms, but picture the navel with all of its folds taking over the whole end of the orange to the point there is more navel than orange.

No spray, so we do have some citrus miners. but don't remember seeing any on this tree.

I think dad had planned on pulling out this tree and planted a persimmon just feet away, but then again he did that all over. I did trim back the persimmon. There is less of the persimmon but it wants to grow back like a weed.

It's hard to know for sure without pics, but it kinda sounds like Citrus Bud Mite damage. Here's a pretty good pic of the damage on lemon fruit.

{{gwi:608958}}

Here is a link that might be useful: UC IPM-citrus bud mite

This post was edited by BarbJP on Tue, Jul 8, 14 at 1:23

Is this something we northern potted citrus growers have to be prepared to deal with. I read every, non-soap-opera, citrus thread and make sure I am prepared with resources, both intellectual and material so that I can do battle immediately while the assault is in its infancy.

Thanks, Steve

Bud mite is easy to treat. Always have to watch for critters. But, I wouldn't get too worried about it, frankly. Stressed trees are always more susceptible to any insect attack or infection. This tree is VERY old, thus susceptible to more issues.

Patty S.