Climatic Effects on Fruit Shape and Peel Thickness in ‘Marsh Seedless’ Grapefruit1

The relations between peel thickness and fruit shape of ‘Marsh Seedless’ grapefruit and various climatic factors were studied at 8 locations in Israel. Peel thickness was affected greatest by winter temp. Low winter temp resulted in fruits with thick peel in the following year. Fruit shape was affected to a similar degree by low winter temp, summer air humidity, and rate of evaporation. Summer temp and the differences between maximum and minimum temp in the spring and fall, had little effect on fruit shape and peel thickness.