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Tangor

A tangor is a citrus fruit resulting from the natural or intentional cross between a (Citrus reticulata) and a sweet orange (), characterized by its juicy pulp, rich sweet-tart flavor blending notes of both parents, and a rind that is typically easy to peel while retaining some oiliness from the orange side. The most notable tangor varieties emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Caribbean, with the Temple tangor originating in Jamaica around the 1890s before being introduced to Florida, where it gained prominence for its deep orange color, high sugar content, and typically seedy fruit. Other key cultivars include the Ortanique tangor, a natural hybrid discovered in Jamaica circa 1920 and valued for its unique combination of "orange," "tangerine," and "unique" traits in flavor and appearance, as well as the Murcott (or Honey tangor), developed in Florida in the early 20th century through controlled breeding. Tangors are cultivated primarily in subtropical regions such as , , , and parts of , where they thrive in warm climates with well-drained soils, producing fruits that mature from late fall to spring depending on the variety and location. They are prized for their nutritional profile, including high levels of , flavonoids, and antioxidants like flavanones, which contribute to health benefits such as immune support and anti-inflammatory effects, though commercial production faces challenges from diseases like citrus greening (Huanglongbing).

Definition and Characteristics

Botanical Classification

Tangors are defined as citrus hybrids resulting from the cross between the mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) and the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), with the scientific binomial Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis. This parentage distinguishes tangors within the broader Citrus genus, which encompasses various interspecific hybrids valued for their combined traits of ease of peeling from the mandarin and sweetness from the orange. The term "tangor" derives etymologically from "tang" (short for , a common name for varieties) and "or" (from ), encapsulating its origins. An alternative designation for certain tangor varieties is "temple ," particularly applied to the cultivar ',' which exemplifies the group's characteristics. Genetically, tangors typically arise from diploid parents but hold potential for in breeding programs, where triploid forms (3n) are developed to achieve seedlessness through sterility. This vigor, or , often results in enhanced tree growth, larger fruit size, and improved flavor profiles compared to pure parental lines, contributing to the development of low-seeded or seedless varieties such as 'Afourer' when grown without cross-pollination. Unlike tangelos, which are hybrids of ( reticulata) and grapefruit ( paradisi), tangors lack the influence, yielding fruits with distinct mandarin-like peelability and sweetness without the tangelo's tartness.

Physical and Sensory Traits

Tangor trees are evergreen perennials belonging to the genus, typically attaining heights of 3 to 6 meters depending on the and growing conditions, with a bushy to upright growth habit and dense foliage composed of medium-sized, mandarin-like leaves that are elongated and lanceolate in shape. These trees may exhibit varying degrees of thorniness, ranging from somewhat thorny branches to nearly thornless forms, and they produce clusters of fragrant white flowers with five petals, which bloom in flushes throughout the year and contribute to their ornamental appeal. The fruits of tangors are medium to large in size, measuring 5 to 8 cm in diameter, and exhibit an to spherical shape, often with a slightly flattened or broadly obovate form that may include a short or navel-like protrusion in some varieties. Traits such as rind thickness, , and can vary among cultivars. The rind is typically medium to thick and varies from smooth to pebbled or rough in , developing a deep to reddish- coloration at maturity, and it adheres moderately while being relatively easy to peel compared to many types. Internally, the fruit features 10 to 12 juicy segments with tender, -colored pulp that is low in fiber, offering a balanced sour-sweet profile, and contains a variable number of , typically ranging from 0 to 20 per , depending on the specific . Sensory qualities of tangors are distinctive, with the rind's aroma primarily derived from essential oils such as , which imparts a fresh, citrusy scent reminiscent of both parent species. The pulp provides a , non-fibrous texture that is moderately to highly juicy, enhancing during consumption. progresses from an initial green hue influenced by to a vibrant deep , driven by accumulation, typically occurring in medium to late seasons. In comparison to their parent species, tangors possess a rind that is generally thicker than most mandarins but can approach the thinness of some varieties, providing greater protection and ease of handling, while exhibiting sweeter notes than many sweet oranges alongside the hybrid juiciness that combines the tenderness of pulp with the fuller flavor depth of oranges. This blend results in a with a rich flavor profile that combines elements of both parents, varying by variety.

History and Development

Origins and Early Discoveries

The origins of tangors remain somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have arisen as natural hybrids between (Citrus reticulata) and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) in tropical regions where cultivation of these parent species overlapped, such as parts of the and . These chance seedlings likely emerged due to cross-pollination in areas with suitable climates for both types, facilitated by early introductions of mandarins and via trade routes. One of the earliest recognized tangors is the variety, which originated in in the late 19th century and was first documented around when a fruit buyer encountered it among local plantings. The was propagated from budwood shipped to shortly thereafter, though commercial naming and wider introduction occurred in 1919 by Buckeye Nurseries, honoring citrus industry figure William Chase . Verified records point to the late 1800s as the period of initial recognition in . The Ortanique tangor similarly emerged as a natural in during the 1920s, discovered as a unique chance blending traits of its parent . Its name derives from "or(ange)" + "tan(gerine)" + "(un)ique," reflecting its distinctive qualities, and it quickly gained attention for its commercial potential in the region. During the early 19th to 20th centuries, tangors spread through colonial trade networks across the and into , where overlapping cultivation allowed for further natural hybridization and dissemination via shipping and plantation exchanges.

Modern Breeding Programs

Modern breeding programs for tangors have focused on controlled hybridization to enhance desirable traits such as flavor intensity, seedlessness, and extended shelf life, primarily through institutional efforts in the United States, , and since the early . In the United States, the USDA's citrus breeding initiative in , established in the early 1900s, targeted improvements in disease resistance and reduced seed content, with the Murcott tangor likely originated as a chance hybrid in a USDA planting around 1916, with propagation beginning in the 1920s. Similarly, the Citrus Experiment Station's program, initiated in 1914 by H.B. Frost, produced tangor hybrids like Dweet in 1930 through crosses between Mediterranean Sweet orange and Dancy tangerine, emphasizing adaptability to California's climate and resistance to local pathogens. Japan's systematic citrus breeding efforts, launched in 1937 at the National Institute of Fruit Tree Science (formerly the National Horticulture Research Station), have prioritized -based tangors to boost fruit quality and market appeal, with the tangor emerging from a 1940 cross between Miyagawa Wase and Trovita , selected in 1949 for its monoembryonic seeds and superior taste. These programs have consistently aimed at minimizing seeds while amplifying sweetness and aroma, as seen in later hybrids like Setoka, developed in the from a complex cross of , Encore , and Murcott tangor, and released in 2003 for its large, with exceptional flavor and storability. Australian breeding initiatives in the mid-20th century, particularly through selections in , contributed to tangor commercialization, exemplified by the Ellendale tangor, which originated as a natural around 1878 but underwent and efforts in the 1950s to improve uniformity and disease tolerance for broader cultivation. Overall, these programs have driven tangor advancements by integrating traditional hybridization with goals of seed reduction and enhanced post-harvest qualities, laying the groundwork for resilient cultivars. Recent progress in tangor breeding, particularly from 2020 to 2025, incorporates (MAS) to accelerate the identification of HLB-resistant lines in hybrid populations, including tangor derivatives like Murcott-based mandarins, enabling faster pyramiding of tolerance genes in programs. For instance, UF/IFAS released six HLB-tolerant hybrids in 2025, some incorporating tangor , using MAS to select for reduced foliar symptoms and sustained productivity under disease pressure. This genomic approach has shortened breeding cycles from decades to years, focusing on quantitative trait loci linked to HLB defense in tangor lineages.

Varieties

Classic Tangors

Classic tangors encompass early-developed hybrids between non-Satsuma s and sweet oranges, prized for their balanced ease-of-peeling and orange-like richness in flavor and juice content. These varieties emerged primarily through chance seedlings or initial efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing foundational commercial roles in fresh markets before more specialized hybrids proliferated. The originated as a chance hybrid between a Willow Leaf mandarin () and an unknown sweet () in during the late , with commercial selection occurring around 1902. It produces small to medium-sized, deep fruits that are seedless when grown without cross-pollination due to , featuring a thin, easy-to-peel rind and sweet, aromatic flesh with low acidity. Ripening early in the season from November to December, has gained widespread popularity in as a holiday fruit, often marketed as the "Christmas " for its timely availability and consumer appeal in fresh consumption. Murcott, also known as Honey Tangerine, arose as a chance seedling in , around 1916, likely from a natural tangor cross between a tangerine-type and a sweet orange, and was named in 1922 after grove superintendent Charles Murcott Smith. The variety yields medium-sized fruits (about 2.5–3 inches in diameter) with a reddish-orange rind and rich, honey-sweet flesh noted for its intense flavor and high sugar content, though typically containing 12–24 seeds per fruit, which limits its appeal in some markets. It matures mid-season from to March, serving as a key fresh-market tangor in during its peak development in the early-to-mid . Temple tangor, discovered in Jamaica in 1896 as a chance seedling, was introduced to shortly thereafter, where it became a staple with pebbled, reddish- rind that is medium-thick and moderately adherent yet readily peelable. The fruits are medium-large, with tender, juicy flesh exhibiting a rich, spicy flavor profile that combines brightness and depth, though the tree tends toward alternate bearing, producing heavy crops in "on" years followed by lighter yields. It played a significant commercial role in Florida's industry, peaking at nearly 6 million 70-pound box equivalents in 1961 before declining in the due to disease pressures and shifting market preferences. Ortanique, a natural tangor identified in in 1920 by grower C. P. Jackson as a chance seedling, derives its name from a blend of "," "," and "unique" coined by H. H. Cousins. The variety features medium-sized, obovate fruits with a dark , pebbled, thin but leathery rind that adheres tightly yet peels easily, enclosing exceptionally juicy, sweet flesh with a rich flavor; however, fruits become seedy under cross-pollination, and often exhibit twig knots or dieback issues. It holds well on the for late-season harvest and has supported commercial production in the and . Other notable classic tangors include , a sweet hybrid with pebbly rind and robust flavor originating from early 20th-century California selections; Ellendale, a seedless variety developed in in the 1890s from a mandarin-orange cross, valued for its early-to-mid-season maturity; and Umatilla, a low-seed tangor bred in in the mid-20th century for reduced seeding while maintaining good size and taste.

Satsuma-Based Tangors

Satsuma-based tangors represent a class of citrus hybrids primarily developed in through crosses involving the mandarin (), emphasizing seedlessness, enhanced sweetness, and aromatic profiles suited to fresh consumption. These varieties emerged from systematic breeding programs at institutions like the Okitsu Branch of the Fruit Research Station, aiming to combine the easy-peeling traits of Satsuma with the juiciness and flavor depth of sweet oranges. Unlike broader tangor types, these hybrids prioritize low acidity and high sugar content, reflecting Japan's focus on premium, domestically adapted fruits for winter harvest. The , classified as a natural ( iyo), originated in around 1883 in as a chance hybrid involving and sweet influences. It features a mild, balanced with subtle and low acidity, making it ideal for fresh eating or juicing. Grown predominantly in regions like Ehime and Tokushima, fruits are medium to large, with thin, easy-to-peel rinds and juicy segments containing few to no seeds; harvest occurs from to , aligning with 's peak citrus season. Kiyomi, Japan's inaugural commercial tangor, resulted from a cross between Miyagawa-wase and Trovita sweet conducted in the 1940s at the Okitsu Branch. This seedless variety is renowned for its aromatic orange-like scent, tender texture, and balanced sweet-tart profile, with fruits ripening early in the season. Widely cultivated across , Kiyomi serves as a key parent in further due to its monoembryonic and male sterility, contributing to over 16 descendant cultivars. Reikou, developed as a complex hybrid tracing back to Satsuma through Kiyomi ancestry, exhibits exceptionally high sweetness and minimal acidity, rendering it a favorite for fresh market consumption in Japan. Its origins involve unknown Satsuma-derived elements crossed with other mandarins, yielding medium-sized, seedless fruits with vibrant orange flesh and a smooth, easy-peel rind. Popular in Saga and other prefectures, Reikou's low-acid profile distinguishes it among Asian citrus, often marketed under regional brands like Hamasaki. Setoka, an advanced tangor from 1990s breeding at Okitsu, derives from a ( × Encore) × Murcott cross, resulting in large, seedless fruits weighing 200–280 grams with high sugar levels exceeding 12 . Patented for its superior quality, including thin rind, rich aroma, and excellent peelability, Setoka has gained export prominence, with production volumes reaching about 6,000 metric tons in as of 2015/16. Its development exemplifies 's Citrus Breeding 2.0 approach, integrating for premium traits like and male sterility. Gonggan, a tangor natural hybrid of and sweet orange originating from Province, , features a distinctive bumpy rind and intensely sweet flesh with low acidity. Primarily cultivated in southern , its wrinkled exterior encases juicy, nearly seedless segments prized for fresh eating, with sugar content often surpassing 13 . This variety highlights Asian innovations in and , though its exact parentage remains partially unresolved through chloroplast DNA analysis.

Cultivation Practices

Environmental Requirements

Tangors, as citrus hybrids, thrive in tropical to subtropical climates characterized by warm temperatures and minimal risk. Optimal growth occurs in regions with average daytime temperatures of 25–35°C during summer for development and maturation, while minimum winter temperatures should remain above -2°C to avoid damage to trees and . Varieties like the tangor exhibit particular sensitivity to cold, requiring protection in marginal areas through measures such as windbreaks or covers. Full sun exposure of 6–8 hours daily is essential for vigorous growth and quality. Soil conditions play a critical role in tangor , favoring well-drained sandy types with a range of 6.0–7.5 to support and uptake. While tangors demonstrate some to compared to other crops—particularly when grafted on tolerant rootstocks like Cleopatra mandarin—they remain sensitive overall, with growth thresholds around 1.7 dS/m electrical . Poor drainage leading to waterlogging is highly detrimental, often causing , so sites with elevated or sloped terrain are preferred. Heavier-textured soils can enhance fruit quality in certain varieties, such as tangor, by promoting smoother rind and better flavor. Water requirements for tangors align with general needs, typically 800–1,200 mm of annual rainfall or equivalent to maintain consistent without excess. In semi-arid production areas, systems are recommended to deliver precise amounts—often replacing 100% of —and prevent from overwatering. Moderate water deficits (e.g., 25% reduction) can be tolerated short-term by some varieties like W. Murcott when grafted on drought-resistant rootstocks, but prolonged stress impairs growth and .

Propagation and Management

Tangors are primarily propagated through budding or grafting onto compatible rootstocks to ensure uniformity and desirable traits, as seed propagation is rare due to high genetic variability in hybrid offspring. Common rootstocks include trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), which provides vigor control and cold tolerance. For instance, in studies on Murcott tangor, rootstocks like Cleopatra mandarin and Carrizo citrange have shown superior yield and fruit quality, while Flying Dragon trifoliate offers dwarfing for high-density planting. In regions affected by Huanglongbing (HLB), rootstocks with tolerance to the disease, such as US-942 or US-812, are recommended to enhance tree performance and yield. Grafting techniques such as T-budding or chip budding are standard, performed on nursery-grown rootstock seedlings to promote rapid establishment in orchards. Fertilization for tangor orchards emphasizes balanced nutrition to support growth and fruit quality, with applied at rates of 100-200 kg/ha/year, split into 3-4 applications during the . This is complemented by and in NPK ratios like 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, along with micronutrients such as and iron to prevent deficiencies common in soils. Soil tests guide adjustments, ensuring adequate to avoid root issues, as tangors perform best in well-aerated conditions. Pruning involves light annual cuts to maintain tree shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve penetration, typically done in late winter or after . For young , formative establishes a strong scaffold; in mature orchards, about 20% of canopy volume may be removed to prevent alternate bearing and enhance air circulation. of fruitlets is also practiced early in development to promote larger, higher-quality . Harvesting occurs by hand-picking when fruit reaches color break, typically 8-12 months after bloom, to optimize and . Post-harvest, tangors are stored at 5-10°C with 85-90% relative to extend up to several weeks while minimizing chilling injury.

Production and Regions

Major Growing Areas

Tangors are primarily cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide, with key production centered in areas that provide the warm temperatures and mild winters essential for their growth, typically corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In the , in the United States has historically been a major hub for tangor varieties such as and Murcott, though plantings have declined significantly due to the impacts of huanglongbing (HLB), also known as , which has led to tree decline and removal of many older blocks. and other islands serve as important historical and ongoing growing areas, particularly for the origins and continued propagation of varieties like Ortanique and , which were first discovered as natural hybrids there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In , leads in the cultivation of Satsuma-based tangors, including prominent varieties like , with major production concentrated in prefectures such as Ehime and Wakayama, where these hybrids thrive under the country's subtropical conditions. features cultivation of the variety, a tangor-type well-suited to its , while in , the Cam sành tangor is widely grown, especially in the Mỏ Cày District of and northern mountainous regions, contributing to the country's diverse output. Elsewhere, supports tangor production, notably for varieties like , in its warmer subtropical zones, and Ellendale tangors are also present, benefiting from the region's favorable conditions for hybrids. In , Murcott tangors are commercially grown, particularly in and , where they achieve good fruit quality in subtropical environments. has emerged as a growing area for tangor types resembling Clementines, with increasing plantings in Mediterranean coastal regions to meet demand for easy-peel hybrids. Overall, tangor is adapting to challenges like and climate variability through shifts toward protected environments, such as greenhouses and screens, in regions including , , and parts of and Asia as of 2025. Tangor production constitutes a small fraction of the global market, dwarfed by production exceeding 45 million metric tons worldwide as of 2024/25. In , mandarin production, which includes satsuma-based tangors, is estimated at 830,000 metric tons for 2024/25, representing a key component of the country's specialized sector. Economically, tangors occupy a niche as premium fresh , commanding higher prices due to their unique flavor profiles and limited supply. Exports from major producers like and target high-value markets in Europe and the United States. In contrast, production in has sharply declined due to Huanglongbing (HLB), consistent with a 24% reduction in total acreage reported for 2025. Recent trends in tangor farming emphasize amid growing challenges. There is increasing adoption of cultivation methods and low-seed varieties to meet consumer demand for cleaner, convenient . Climate change impacts, such as droughts in , have reduced yields in affected regions, prompting breeders to develop more resilient tangor strains tolerant to environmental stresses. These efforts aim to bolster long-term viability in a vulnerable to weather variability and disease pressures. As of 2025, Florida's overall has reached historic lows, with output down 32% to 12.2 million boxes, underscoring the ongoing HLB crisis affecting tangors.

Uses and Nutritional Profile

Culinary and Practical Uses

Tangors are primarily enjoyed fresh, peeled and eaten whole or segmented for their sweet-tart flavor and ease of peeling, making them a popular or addition to fruit salads and grain bowls. Their segments can also enhance green salads, pairing well with ingredients like , , onion, and olives. In culinary applications, tangor juice is squeezed for use in marmalades, jams, and jellies, leveraging the fruit's balanced acidity and content from the thick rind. The rind provides zest for , such as in vanilla cakes, almond cookies, and sauces, while the juice flavors desserts like tarts, sorbets, ice creams, and cheesecakes. Tangors feature prominently in beverages, with fresh-squeezed juice mixed into cocktails, smoothies, teas, and marinades for meats like duck. In regions like Japan, varieties such as Kiyomi tangor are processed into juices and concentrates for commercial distribution. Beyond food, the fragrant essential oils extracted from tangor peels are utilized in perfumes and aromatherapy products. Tangor trees serve as ornamental elements in landscapes, valued for their glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant spring blossoms, and vibrant orange fruit that provide year-round visual interest. Industrially, the peels support limited extraction of pectin for use in food gelling agents.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

Tangors, as citrus hybrids between mandarins and sweet oranges, exhibit a nutritional profile similar to their parent fruits, characterized by high and low caloric density. Per 100 grams of edible , tangors contain approximately 85% , 12 grams of carbohydrates (including about 9 grams of natural sugars), 1.8 grams of , and 0.8 grams of protein, resulting in roughly 47 kilocalories. This composition makes them a hydrating, nutrient-dense option with minimal (less than 0.2 grams per 100 grams). In terms of micronutrients, tangors are particularly rich in , providing around 50 milligrams per 100 grams, which provides about 56–67% of the RDA for adults (75–90 mg). They also offer notable amounts of (about 20-30 micrograms per 100 grams) and (roughly 180 milligrams per 100 grams), alongside antioxidants such as (e.g., and , totaling about 20 milligrams per 100 grams). These compounds contribute to the fruit's overall bioactive profile, which is comparable to that of sweet oranges but potentially enhanced by the mandarin heritage for better . The content in tangors supports immune function by aiding in the production of and acting as an to neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing the duration and severity of colds. promotes digestive health by facilitating regular bowel movements and supporting , while the low (typically below 50) helps in managing blood sugar levels, making tangors suitable for prevention and control. Furthermore, the and limonoids in tangors exhibit potential anti-cancer properties through mechanisms such as inhibiting tumor and inducing , as demonstrated in studies on bioactives. Tangors share the general digestibility advantages of mandarins over , with no unique allergens beyond typical sensitivities like . Their juiciness enhances nutrient delivery, though overall benefits align closely with those of conventional fruits.

Pests and Diseases

Key Insect Pests

Tangors, as hybrids, are susceptible to several key insect pests that affect growth, fruit quality, and yield, particularly in humid subtropical regions. These pests primarily cause direct feeding damage or indirect issues like from excretion, and some plant viruses. , including species such as the spirea aphid (Aphis citricola), melon aphid (), and brown citrus aphid (Toxoptera citricida), feed on sap from tender new growth, leading to leaf curling, twisting, and stunted development. These pests excrete , promoting growth on leaves and fruit, which reduces and aesthetic value. Notably, the brown citrus aphid serves as an efficient for citrus tristeza virus, potentially causing severe tree decline in susceptible varieties. Control strategies emphasize biological agents like lady beetles () for predation, alongside applications of to disrupt feeding without harming beneficial . The citrus rust mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora) is a microscopic eriophyid mite that rasps the rind and surfaces, resulting in silvery russeting or bronzing that diminishes marketability, especially on smooth-skinned tangors. Damage is more pronounced in humid environments, where populations thrive, leading to reduced size and increased drop. In groves, this pest affects tangelo hybrids like Orlando, causing surface blemishes primarily on shaded portions. Management relies on miticides such as sulfur-based products applied during early development, combined with natural fungal pathogens like Hirsutella thompsonii for suppression. Scale insects, particularly armored species like purple scale (Lepidosaphes beckii) and Florida red scale (Chrysomphalus aonidum), attach to stems, leaves, and , sucking and weakening tree vigor while producing that fosters . On tangors such as , heavy infestations cause fruit blemishes and premature leaf drop, exacerbating in young trees. Soft scales like citricola scale (Coccus pseudomagnoliarum) similarly reduce growth and fruit quality through sap depletion. Effective control involves systemic insecticides like for armored scales, alongside conservation of parasitic wasps (Aphytis spp.) to maintain natural balance. Citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella), a small whose larvae tunnel serpentine mines into new leaves and young fruit, distorts foliage and creates entry points for pathogens, leading to leaf drop and stunted shoots on tangor trees. Related moths, such as those causing fruit rind damage, contribute to similar tunneling in susceptible hybrids like Ortanique. Monitoring adult activity at dawn or dusk allows timely intervention, with (Bt) sprays targeting larvae effectively in field trials, achieving significant mortality rates. In regions like and the , where tangor production is prominent, these pests proliferate due to warm, humid conditions, with higher incidences reported on varieties like Murcott tangor. (IPM) is widely recommended by 2025, incorporating , biological controls, and targeted applications to minimize chemical use while protecting pollinators and beneficials.

Primary Pathogens and Disorders

Tangors, as hybrid citrus fruits derived from and sweet parentage, are susceptible to several primary pathogens that affect crops globally, including fungal, bacterial, and oomycete agents. Alternaria brown spot, caused by the fungus , is a particularly severe foliar and fruit disease in tangor varieties such as Murcott, leading to necrotic lesions on leaves, premature defoliation, and fruit drop with significant yield losses, potentially up to 60% in unmanaged humid environments. Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, induced by the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (), severely impacts tangors by causing mottled leaves, misshapen fruit, and reduced yield, with Murcott tangor exhibiting high susceptibility and fruit mass reductions of over 50%. Bacterial and oomycete pathogens also pose significant threats. Citrus canker, resulting from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, produces raised, corky lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit, rendering tangor harvests unmarketable and prompting quarantines in affected regions. Phytophthora root and crown rot, primarily caused by Phytophthora citrophthora and P. nicotianae, leads to girdling of the trunk and root decay in tangors under wet soil conditions, stunting growth and increasing tree mortality, especially in young plantings. Physiological disorders further compromise tangor production, often exacerbated by environmental stresses. Preharvest fruit splitting is a common issue in varieties like Murcott tangor, where rapid pulp expansion exceeds rind strength, resulting in longitudinal cracks primarily at the stylar end and yield losses of 20-50% or more; this disorder is linked to irregular , nutrient imbalances (e.g., low calcium), and high humidity. Rind creasing, or breakdown, manifests as depressions in the peel due to degeneration of the white layer, affecting fruit appearance and predisposing tangors to secondary infections, particularly under fluctuating temperatures and water deficits.

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