The first problem is caused by too much water.

thanks minibim, so this is something I cannot control. I don't have the sprinkler on at all since we just have too much rain :(

The brown crust on the fruit is completely harmless. It does not harm the fruit or the one who consumes it. Just not as pretty a product.

I think the only way to get rid of it is to spray more poison around. I think it is caused by a mite.

thanks thonotorose, but since this crust covers the fruit, how do i know when they are ripe?
of course I rather have them look ugly than spray poison.

First, you say "crust". This alarms me. There is a mite that causes your citrus to turn brown, but a "crust" implies something worse. Please check out the page link on citrus diseases below.

If you know what kind of citrus you have, you can judge ripeness by the time it is supposed to ripen. For instance, Hamlin oranges ripen from November to December, Valencia oranges don't ripen until March or April, in some cases May. Every citrus has a time of year when it ripens.

This page has a harvest calendar

Here is a link that might be useful: Citrus Diseases and Pests

I am having the same prolem with my tngerines splitting. Some are that way on the tree then drop off. some are turning yellow and falling but not splitting. i looked int he reference book at lowes and it said that several things could be happening:

1. Inconsistent watering - in other words, too much rain or water then not enough water or rain. Suggestiions were to make sure you are watering deeply enough then allowing it to dry out somewhat before watering again.

2. Wind - which is what I think is my problem. We have had such a windy spring and then now it is windy again. Plus the wind adds to the watering problem as all my plants look "dried out' even after watering earlier in the day. I really think this is the major issue for me.

3. The was a third reason, I think it had to do with over feeding coupled by not enough watering.

Two years ago, my honey tangerines were so good, last year they were dry and this year I am not sure any will be on the tree by Feb. I am so sad, I love my Honeys.

ok 'crust' is not the right word, discoloration is better (at least with the orange fruits) Most of the oranges are still a beautiful and healthy looking green.

In the time I started this threat to now, no lemon looks 'normal green' anymore.

What would I need to spray with so this won't happen again next year?
Any help is greatly appreciated

Orange
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meyer lemon
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this lemon I was thinking of being 'crusted'
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No one can help me with this problem on my fruits? Where is Lisa?

please help

My oranges (valencia) and pink grapefruit have always looked that way. I ignore it. They taste good. I have never used chemicals or any spray on them. Actually never fertilized either. I don't have splitting though.

I saw this on the post that JYG posted above, check out the link above(picture) and scroll down to Melanose... does it look like that? Maybe you can call the extension office or a nursery for a treatment recommendation. Sorry I only have two small potted(lemon&Kumquat). Sorry,I'm not much help...Good Luck, though

Here is what it says about Melanose...

"HS 890: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide - Common Pests, Diseases, and Disorders of Dooryard Citrus
Figure 8. Melanose - mudcake lesions on fruit at right."

Florida oranges are really ugly. When they go to the packing
house for the northern markets they are washed,waxed,polished and dyed. If they are not perfect for
the consumer they get sent to the juicce plant.

Thanks to all of you for your help. at first I didn't think it could be Melanose, no streaking pattern at all, but what do I know *sigh*. thank you for the advise to go to my extension office. duh, never even crossed my mind.

thanks again

Evelyn