The 2024–2025 orange crop in the São Paulo and West-Southwest Minas Gerais citrus belt concluded with a total production of 230.87 million 40.8 kg (90 lb) boxes, according to the latest update released by Fundecitrus on April 10, 2025. This final figure represents a 0.65% decrease from the initial estimate of 232.38 million boxes published in May 2024 and a 24.85% decline compared to the previous season’s total of 307.22 million boxes.

Production volumes by variety included 37.63 million boxes of Hamlin, Westin, and Rubi; 15.60 million boxes of Valência Americana, Seleta, Pineapple, and Alvorada; 74.70 million boxes of Pera Rio; 75.99 million boxes of Valência and Valência Folha Murcha; and 26.95 million boxes of Natal. Approximately 14.94 million boxes were harvested in the Triângulo Mineiro region.

Unfavorable climate conditions were the main reason for the reduced crop. Extended drought, high temperatures, and the late but significant fourth bloom contributed to the challenges. Rainfall between May and August 2024 was 31% below forecast levels, and maximum temperatures during this period averaged 3°C to 4°C above the 1991–2020 historical average.

From May 2024 to March 2025, the citrus belt recorded an average rainfall of 1,050 mm, 20% below the historical average of 1,305 mm. Most regions, except Votuporanga, experienced below-average rainfall. Notable deficits were recorded in Bebedouro (749 mm, -41%), Matão (805 mm, -39%), and São José do Rio Preto (918 mm, -26%).

Despite the weather challenges, the fourth bloom helped mitigate losses. Late fruit from this bloom benefited from rains in late 2024. The average fruit weight ended at 159 grams (5.61 oz), below the initial estimate of 169 grams (5.96 oz) and lower than the 10-year average of 163 grams (5.75 oz). The final count averaged 256 fruits per box. For comparison, Hamlin, Westin, and Rubi averaged 283 fruits per box; other early varieties, 257; Pera Rio, 253; Valência and Folha Murcha, 247; and Natal, 252.

The cumulative fruit drop rate reached 17.8%, the lowest in five years. Individual drop rates were 10.6% for Hamlin, Westin, and Rubi; 13.9% for other early varieties; 16.5% for Pera Rio; 21.6% for Valência and Folha Murcha; and 22.6% for Natal. The highest regional drop rate was in the Central sector at 20.5%, while the Northwest recorded the lowest at 13.4%.

Total production loss due to premature fruit drop was estimated at 50 million boxes. Greening was the primary cause, responsible for 9.05% of the total drop rate, equivalent to 25 million boxes. Other contributing factors included the fruit borer and fruit fly at 4.11% (12 million boxes), natural and physical drop at 3.01% (8 million boxes), and black spot at 1.11% (3 million boxes). Lesser causes such as leprosis, peel cracking, and citrus canker accounted for the remaining 2 million boxes lost.

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For more information:
Fundecitrus
Tel: +55 16 3301 7000
Email: [email protected]
www.fundecitrus.com.br