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Diagnosing Brown, Hard Meyer Lemon Fruit in Mature Trees

An 8-year-old, 12-foot Meyer lemon in Orlando produced a bumper crop last year but this year shows half the fruit hard and brown (some partially green/soft), with reduced overall yield. The tree receives citrus fertilizer every 1-2 months and water 1-2 times weekly.

Potential Causes

Winter cold damage is likely given the severe winter. Over-fertilization with non-slow-release products may bind nutrients. The recommended water amount is 3.5 inches weekly. Cheap fertilizers can cause nutrient lockup.

Corrective Actions

Switch to slow-release citrus fertilizer applied twice yearly. Use Atomic Grow to restore tree health. Adjust irrigation to provide 3.5 inches weekly. Reduce fertilizer frequency and ensure it's slow-release formulation.

Plant Diseases: Meyer Lemon Pest Management: Slugs, Aphids, Leaf Curl, and Organic Fruit Safety; Aphids on Indoor Meyer Lemon: Organic and Chemical Options; Meyer Lemon Tiny Black Fruit: Normal Abortion or Transplant Shock?; Lemon Fruit Small with Dry Dark Indent: Environmental, Not Disease—Need More Info; Meyer Lemon Fruit Scarring: Insect Identification and Pre-Harvest Timing; Why Meyer Lemon Fruits Turn Black and Hard in Containers; Mature Meyer Lemon Decline: Root Rot from Flooding Suspected; Meyer Lemon Immediate Fruit Yellowing: Post-Bloom Fruit Drop; Troubleshooting Leaf Drop on an Indoor Meyer Lemon Tree; Meyer Lemon Leaf Loss in Florida: Fertilize Regularly

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