The effect of temperature on the citrus crop

Z. Gat, Y. Erner, E. E. Goldschmidt

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Abstract

The impact of temperature on citrus crop development is summarized in the six chapters of this Technical Note. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the geographical distribution of citrus species. These show that climate is the major factor restricting distribution. Citrus growing areas extend from 40° North to 40° South latitudes, known as the 'citrus belt'. Tropical climate is not exactly favourable for the production of high quality oranges and mandarins due to the high temperature regime. The principle producers of high quality citrus crops are listed in Table 2.1. Chapters 3 and 4 describe the climatic requirements of the citrus crop and the most favourable climate types (viz., tropical, semi-tropical, subtropical and maritime) for successful citrus culture. It has been shown that the mean temperature of 13°C is the lower limit for cultivation of citrus. Optimal growth occurs when the temperatures are between 25°C and 30°C. Low temperatures, especially frost, have an adverse effect on the growth of the crop and restrict its geographical spread. Chapter 5 deals with the general crop protection techniques, in particular against frost and freeze. These techniques are divided into two main groups, namely the direct methods and indirect methods. A few examples of the influence of climate on the citrus crop are given in Chapter 6. The results from a questionnaire distributed to Members on the production of citrus form the basis of the analysis of agro-climatic and phenological data, which are summarized in the Appendix. Several references are also provided to assist further reading on citrus crop production.

Original languageEnglish
JournalTechnical note - World Meteorological Organization
Volume198
StatePublished - 1997

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