[Arid_gardener] Re: Grapefruit: Thick Rinds

[Olin Miller]

I agree with  Dick that the conventional wisdom is that excessive nitrogen
is the reason for thick rinds.  But there have been instances when I
neglected fertilizing for several years and my Texas ruby still had thick
rinds as it has had for some 23 years..  So I would suggest that the tree's
genetics might also be a contributing factor and there may be nothing you
can do about it.  The thick rinds do not seem to adversely affect the
quality of he fruit..

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Dick Gross" <rkgross3 at cox.net>
Cc: <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 9:18 AM
> Bruce, I have always percieved that an excessively thick rind on citrus is
> caused by excessive nitrogen. Ammoniun Nitrate 33-0-0 or Ammonium Sulfate
> 21-0-0 are commonly used but if in excessive amounts, the condition may
> result. I have seen it sporadically on my own trees without any obvious
> negative effect on the fruit but have paid the phenomena little heed.
> Scarce water might be a factor with thin skin but I seriously doubt
> surplus water would result in excessive thickness.
> If that interpretation is off target, some wiser soul than I will surely
> pipe in.
> Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
> Maricopa County Cooperative Extension
=============================
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <deloresh at myway.com>> To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
> Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 7:45 PM
>> the skins on my grapefruit are very thick.is this a problem of not enough
>> water or overwatering.perhaps other problems  ?