All citrus articles

Crop load determines fruit yield and size and a too high fruit number can result in small fruit.

Crop load determines fruit yield and size and a too high fruit number can result in small fruit.

Trials have shown that balanced nutrition with N, P, K, and the micronutrients, boron, iron, manganese and zinc, will help to improve citrus yield through increasing fruit weight.

Citrus fruit number needs to be carefully managed and a strong supply of virtually all major and micronutrients is critical to fruit set and fruit number.

Peel thickness requirements vary depending on the citrus type and market needs. Thicker peels provide higher levels of oil extraction and offer a greater resistance against pests and better shelf life.

Peel splitting is often caused by extreme fluctuations in soil moisture as well as temperature and humidity.

Plugging and creasing reduces skin integrity and renders processing more difficult.

Good crop nutrition, particularly with calcium and potassium, will maintain the integrity of the peel, helping to reduce the incidences of blemishes.

The albedo or mesocarp is the white spongy material located between the fruit segments and the outer leathery peel or flavedo.

The TSS content of the fruit is usually obtained from assessing the 0Brix of the fruit.

During the ripening process fruit acids are degraded, the sugar content increases and the sugar/acid ratio reaches a higher value.

Vitamin C helps the body maintain healthy tissues and strong immune system. A cup of orange juice can contain almost 100mg of the vitamin.

The TSS/Acid ratio is a key characteristic determining the taste, texture and feel of fruit segments.

Juice content is particularly important in processed oranges but also in fresh fruit.

Citrus blight disease results in the wilt and decline of trees in groves.

Root rot, due to Phytophthora spp., can be controlled by systemic fungicide use.

HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, is fatal for citrus trees.

Any unnatural coloration of citrus leaves needs to be investigated. A darker greening, while uncommon, could be a result of a nutrient deficiency.

Loss of leaf is a significant issue for citrus, slowing the growth of the tree and reducing fruit fill.

Leaf curl on citrus trees is usually associated with insect infection in particular aphid infestations on young leaves.

Any type of leaf yellowing in citrus needs investigation. Loss of green color indicates poor growth and tree productivity will suffer as a result.

As with leaf yellowing, any blotching or other irregularity in citrus leaf color needs to be checked.

Any bronzing of leaves will cut photosynthetic activity – it could be a P deficiency symptom.

Citrus trees that throw out many side-branches could be short of a key nutrient.

As citrus trees mature the upper foliage shades out the lower leaves, defoliation can occur and branches and twigs may die.

Gum formation in the pockets on the trunk or branches of citrus trees is typically due to a Phytophthora spp.

High citrus yields come from the correct balance of fruit number on the tree and then ensuring they reach an optimum fruit size and weight.

There is a number variables that define citrus quality requirements. Quality standards differ depending on the citrus type, growth region and the market.

A healthy grove is the key to consistent, high yields of quality fruit.