Dwarf Arizona Sweet Orange: Bumpy, Bitter Fruit from Rootstock Suckers

The Symptom

A 14‑year‑old dwarf Arizona Sweet orange near Phoenix produces normal sweet fruit low on the tree, but bumpy, thick‑rinded, seedy, bitter fruit high up.

Cause

Rootstock suckers. Citrus are grafted; shoots arising below the graft union are from the rootstock (often sour orange or trifoliate) and produce poor fruit.

Fix

1. Identify the graft union (usually a swollen crook near soil).
2. Remove all growth originating below it.
3. Thin canopy for light penetration; water and fertilize the scion variety properly.

Result

Once rootstock suckers are gone, the tree’s energy goes to the desirable scion fruit.