By Clint Thompson
This upcoming weekend is expected to bring cold temperatures to the cold-hardy citrus region. That means long sleeves and coats might be needed for those in South Georgia, South Alabama and North Florida.
It also means a boost to citrus harvests being conducted in the region. An expected drop in temperatures for Friday and Saturday is just what cold-hardy citrus growers need to help some of their fruit finish their fruit color development.
Mary Sutton, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and citrus Extension specialist, highlights the color change process and the need for the colder weather.
“When we get cold weather, it’s going to help the chlorophyll break down and help drive that color change process. When it stays warm, the fruit will stay green and the chlorophyll is going to stay active. We need that cold weather to really get that really nice color development,” Sutton said.
“Throughout the late summer and fall, brix will increase and acid levels will decrease. When temperatures stay warmer, we tend to hit our desired brix and acid levels before we hit our desired color. We’re seeing that some this year.”
According to weather.com, low temperatures in Tifton, Georgia, are forecast for 39 degrees Fahrenheit (F) on Friday and 35F on Saturday. For Dothan, Alabama, low temperatures are expected to be 37F on Friday and 36F on Saturday. In Quincy, Florida, temperatures are forecast to drop to 38F on Saturday.
Harvesting has begun in the region, though cooler temperatures will help expedite the harvesting process as more fruit will change to its appropriate color for harvesting.
“We’re hoping this cold weather we’re about to get is going to put us over the edge,” Sutton said.