Study of alternate bearing presents recommendations for citrus growers

In 'Pixie' mandarin, fruit reduces number of flowers of return bloom by inhibiting budbreak

		IMAGE: 'Pixie' mandarin (Citrus reticulata) trees with mature fruit of a heavy on-crop year and the light return bloom that will produce a light off-crop. Click here for more information.

RIVERSIDE, CA – Alternate bearing (also called biennial or uneven bearing) is the tendency of fruit trees to produce a heavy crop one year (called "on-crop") followed by a light crop or no crop the following "off-crop" year. On-crop trees produce a large number of small fruit of little commercial value, while off-crop trees produce a small number of large fruit—a high proportion of which are culled in packinghouses due to their unattractive, thick rinds. The phenomenon is widespread and can occur in an entire region, in individual trees, part of a tree, or even on one branch.