It is commonly thought that by removing all fruit from young citrus trees, provides the best opportunity for growth. Or in other words, if a grower retains a fruit or two to remain on a young tree, they would somehow be sacrificing growth, in order to enjoy the first fruits of their labors. However, according to T.A. Wheaton, W.S. Castle, J.D. Whitney and D.P.H. Tucker of the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, Florida, this belief might not be correct. In their book "Citrus Health Management" they write the following: "Trees may produce a little fruit during the first two years in the grove. This fruit is removed in some cases, so it will not compete with and limit tree growth. This growth inhibition occurs ONLY with very heavy crops, however, and the removal of fruit from young trees prior to commercial production is seldom justified. "

I also include this other bit of information by the same authors: "Vigorous branches extending beyond the rest of the canopy are frequently cut off, but there is no evidence that this is advantageous." - Millet (1,366-)

Today is: Casualty Friday in the USA