About 20% of the mandarin crop has been damaged by cold nights, especially in Fresno and Madera, but because of more plantings, the overall crop will be about the same size this year as in 2011, California Citrus Mutual reports.
“It’s been colder in Madera and Fresno counties,” said Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual.
Volume was expected to be about 25% higher this year, so tonnage should remain about the same, Nelsen said.
However, it is a tough loss for growers sustaining mandarin damage. Damage can appear on the skin of the fruit, but more often too much cold results in dry flesh on the inside.
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