Citrus Fruit Damage in Texas: Sweet Orange Scab Confirmed

A Texas gardener reports blemished fruit on citrus trees, suspecting sweet orange scab. Photos show characteristic scabby lesions on fruit rinds.

Diagnosis

The symptoms match sweet orange scab (Elsinöe australis), a fungal disease affecting fruit more than leaves on sweet oranges, limes, lemons, and tangerines. Fruit remains edible but is cosmetically unmarketable. Existing scars cannot be reversed.

Control Strategy

• Apply copper-based fungicides (Bonide, Ortho, others) per label.
• Contact the local county extension agent for the Texas citrus spraying schedule—critical for timing applications.
• Never spray during bloom to protect pollinators.
• Follow all label directions precisely.

Consistent preventive spraying per the schedule offers the best long-term control.