According to research by Professor Vashisth of the University of Florida, insufficient water status limits fruit growth during the initial early stage of the young fruits development, immediately after flowering. This will cause fruit drop when the fruit matures. To minimize fruit drop, growers should focus on their irrigation and nutrient management practices. In particular, to prevent water stress beginning in APRIL (important). Water stress reduces the number of fruits and the eventual size of the fruit — and increases the likelihood of premature fruit drop.