Bulletin 229, Diseases of Citrus in Florida


and on the market. DeBusk has estimated that the average an-
nual loss to Florida growers from stem-end rot in general is ap-
proximately $1,500,000. Upon arrival on the market, fruit at-
tacked by stem-end rot is frequently found to have become at-
tacked also by the organisms which cause blue and green mold.


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Fig. 54.-Early stage of Phomopsis stem-end rot of grapefruit, showing
 soft, dark decayed area in center with lighter margin.
 SYMPTOMS OF STEM-END ROT
 As the name indicates, these decays usually begin at the stem-
end of the fruit. Their general appearance is much the same,
at least in the earlier stages. At first there is a slight softening
of the rind, without discoloration, over a small area immediately
around the cut stem end, or button. The first symptoms can be
detected only by a slight pressure of the finger, which reveals a
slight leathery pliableness. Soon an "off-color" develops, with
shades of brown or drab soon following (Fig. 54). By the time


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