why are my tangerines splitting open from the bottom of the fruit? The inside is juicy, but the peel is split

Answer 1

Fruit splitting is primarily a problem at high temperature during periods of high humidity and rainfall from August through the fall. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to be a problem of water relations and peel thickness. Damage often occurs when trees take up water from rain or irrigation after a long dry period and the fruit expands, bursting the peel in a crack across the bottom.

Splitting incidence varies seasonally and is usually greatest where cropload is heavy. Splitting may result from water and/or nutritional stresses early in fruit development. Low to deficient potassium levels resulting in thin peel promotes fruit splitting. Proper tree nutrition and a good water management program are the best defense against fruit splitting.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_HS141

Hope this answered your question!

Answer 2

Have you been getting a lot of rain? It may be the fruits are getting juicier than the peels can contain.

Answer 3

Over watering can cause this problem. What is your soil like? Could there be a problem with drainage such as, hard-pan or a lot of clay?