Citrus treatment calendar: Guide to fertilization and defense

Index

Introduction

December - January - February: Preparing the plant for vegetative resumption

Citrus foliar fertilization: Ensure rich flowering

March - April - May: Supporting flowering and fruit set

Citrus treatments against parasites

June - July - August: Increased potassium absorption

September - October: Final nitrogen input

Irrigation of citrus fruits

Pruning citrus fruits

Tillage

The virtues of citrus fruits

Introduction

Citrus fruits, belonging to the genus Citrus, include famous varieties such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, bergamot, cedar and many others. Although cultivation practices may vary slightly between species, there are common techniques to ensure optimal cultivation, focusing in particular on fertilization and pest management.

Fertilization of citrus fruits and treatments in a citrus grove in production

December - January - February: Preparing the plant for vegetative resumption

During the winter, it is essential to prepare the soil and the plant for the new production season. Fertilization serves to return the removed nutrients to the soil and to provide the macro and microelements essential for flowering and fruit set. Nitrogen (N) is the most important element in this phase, followed by phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Recommendations for fertilization:

• Conventional cultivation:

  • Vigor Top = 1 kg/plant
  • Prodigy Plus = 1-2 kg/plant

• Organic cultivation:

  • Yarasuna Lush organo-mineral fertilizer NPK 8.5.5+11 CaO = 2-3 kg/plant

The distribution of the fertilizer should be located along the row or under the canopy to avoid waste, and incorporated into the soil with a milling 10-15 cm deep.

Citrus foliar fertilization: Ensure rich flowering

: Ensure rich blooming

A foliar feeding schedule in January and February is essential to ensure abundant flowering. We recommend two treatments spaced out for 15-30 days with:

• Phylen: 500-700ml/hl (in bio replace with Gold Dust = 300ml)
• Furia = 400 ml / hl bio
• Welgro Complex: 200 ml/hl  (in bio replace with Trazex = 100ml)
• Soybean Oil Max 85: 150 ml / hl organic

March - April - May: Supporting flowering and fruit set

In spring, fertilization must focus on the supply of phosphorus and potassium, essential for the development of flowers and fruits. Phosphorus is crucial for the plant's biochemical processes, and its lack can cause phyloptosis (early leaf drop) and delayed flowering. Potassium regulates osmotic potential and photosynthesis, also affecting the quality of the fruit.

Recommended fertilization:

• Conventional cultivation:

  • Multicote Agri 16.21.21 = 1 kg per plant

• Organic cultivation:

  • Orga-Kem 6.11.8: 6-8 ql/ha
  • Polysulphate: 4-6 ql/ha

In late March and April, it is essential to integrate boron and calcium to support the development of flowers and young twigs. We recommend:

• Organor = 300 ml/hl
• Loess Ca = 200 ml/hl
• Boroplus = 100 gr/hl

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Citrus treatments against parasites

During spring, attacks by aphids, leafhoppers , and mites can occur. Frankyl foliar fertiliser, which has natural repellent properties, can be used to contain these infestations. If the attacks are severe, we recommend the use of insecticides such as Epik SL (150 ml/hl), allowed in conventional cultivation, or Asset Duo (240 ml/hl), allowed in organic farming:

• Inex A = 30 ml/hl
• Frankyl= 150 ml/hl
• Epik SL = 150 ml/hl  (in bio replace with Asset Duo = 300ml)

June - July - August: Increased potassium absorption

During the summer months, the demand for potassium for osmotic regulation and photosynthesis support increases. If a good production is expected, it is recommended:

• Polysulphate: 1 kg/plant

As early as the end of June, the first mealybugs and whiteflies can be observed. Monitoring through traps is essential. In the event of infestations being reported, intervene with white oil such as Oliocin Plus (1.5 lt/hl) or Biolid Up, products also allowed in organic farming.

September - October: Final nitrogen input

At the end of summer, nitrogen uptake increases, making it necessary to fertilize with:

• Ammonium Sulphate = 3-4 ql/ha

This contribution promotes the growth and colouring of the fruit, as well as preparing the plant for the following season.

Irrigation of citrus fruits

Proper irrigation management is essential to obtain a productive citrus grove. During the irrigation season, one hectare of citrus fruits requires about 5000 cubic meters of water, which must be evenly distributed to ensure maximum exploration of the soil by the roots. Irrigation must be adjusted according to the nature of the soil and climatic conditions.

Citrus plants grown in pots need more watering frequency, due to the reduced volume of soil available for roots.

Pruning citrus fruits

Pruning is a delicate practice that requires specific knowledge. It's crucial to avoid crossed branches, which can hinder growth and create hiding places for pests, and to remove branches that take energy away from the plant. Proper pruning can significantly increase productivity, with plants that can produce up to 400 kg of fruit.

Tillage

In recent years, the tillage between the rows has been reduced, but this has caused problems with compaction and reduced soil oxygenation. Light tillage at a depth of 10-15 cm, twice a year, can improve soil porosity and fertilization efficiency.

The virtues of citrus fruits

Citrus fruits not only enrich our diet, but also offer many health benefits. For example, orange is rich in vitamin C and other bioactive compounds that help boost the immune system and improve cardiovascular health. Similarly, lemon has alkalizing properties , while still containing citric acid, and is ideal for regulating the body's pH.