308 CITRUS FRUITS 



The fruit is then packed in boxes and the number of 

 fruit in each box is determined by the size of each specimen. 

 The number is always the same for a given size. 



The oranges which are suitable for packing vary in size 

 from 2| to 3| inches. The orange crate measures approxi- 

 mately 12 x 12 x 28 inches. This crate holds 360 specimens 

 of the smallest size and only 80 of the largest size. 



FIG. 127. The usual package for citrus fruit. 



The grape fruit is packed similar to that of the orange. 

 The picking season for this fruit ranges from December 

 until the following August. The fruit is ordinarily stored 

 in boxes for several days, until the skin becomes soft. After 

 the skin has reached the proper stage the fruit is wrapped 

 in paper and packed in boxes the same as oranges. 



DISEASES OF THE CITRUS FRUITS. 



The citrus trees are susceptible to the attack of a number 

 of diseases. The fungus diseases as well as the physiological 

 troubles cause great loss to the citrus grower. In regions 

 where the climate is moist the damage from fungus disease 

 is greater than in regions where the climate is dry. The 

 reverse is true with regard to the physiological troubles. 



The disease injury to the citrus tree is found on the root, 

 the stem and the fruit, and in this respect resembles the 

 injuries found on many of our temperate fruits. 



Gum Diseases. The citrus fruits often secrete gum from 

 many parts of the tree, due to a number of causes. It seems 

 to be the direct result of certain forms of diseases, and gener- 

 ally such troubles are classed as gum diseases. 



