scholarly journals Nitrogen, Calcium, and Magnesium Inconsistently Affect Tree Growth, Fruit Yield, and Juice Quality of Huanglongbing-affected Orange Trees

HortScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Eduardo Esteves ◽  
Gabriel Maltais-Landry ◽  
Flavia Zambon ◽  
Rhuanito Soranz Ferrarezi ◽  
Davie M. Kadyampakeni
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Poncirus Trifoliata ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Juice Quality ◽  
Citrus Paradisi ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Citrus Production ◽  
N Rates

The bacterial disease Huanglongbing (HLB) has drastically reduced citrus production in Florida. Nutrients play an important role in plant defense mechanisms and new approaches to manage the disease with balanced nutrition are emerging. Nutrients like nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) could extend the productive life of affected trees, although interactions among these nutrients in HLB-affected citrus trees are still unclear. A 2-year study was established in Florida to determine the response of HLB-affected trees to applications of N, Ca, and Mg. The study was conducted with ‘Valencia’ trees (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) on Swingle citrumelo (Citrus paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) rootstock on a Candler sand. Applications of N at 168, 224 (recommended rate), and 280 kg⋅ha−1 N were used as the main plots. Split-plots consisted of a grower standard treatment receiving only basal Ca (51 kg⋅ha−1) and Mg (56 kg⋅ha−1); supplemental Ca (total Ca inputs: 96 kg⋅ha−1) only; supplemental Mg (total Mg inputs: 101 kg⋅ha−1) only; and supplemental Ca (total Ca inputs: 73.5 kg⋅ha−1) and Mg (total Mg inputs: 78.5 kg⋅ha−1). The following variables were measured: tree size, fruit yield, and juice quality. Although some differences in tree growth among treatments were statistically significant (e.g., greater canopy volume with Mg fertilization at 168 kg⋅ha−1 N), there was no clear and consistent effect of plant nutrition on these variables. Fruit yield was higher with Ca and Mg relative to the grower standard at the lowest N rate in 2020, and there were no other statistically significant differences among treatments. Juice acidity was significantly higher with Mg fertilization relative to other treatments in 2019. As N rates had no significant effect in this study, unlike secondary macronutrients, N rates could potentially be reduced to 168 kg N⋅ha−1 in HLB-affected citrus without affecting vegetative growth, fruit yield, and juice quality. However, this will require optimizing the supply of secondary macronutrients and all other nutrients to develop a balanced nutritional program. Ultimately, the effects of N, Ca, and Mg obtained in this 2-year study should be confirmed with longer-term studies conducted at multiple sites.

scholarly journals ‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing I. Planting Density and Soil Nutrient Management

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (9) ◽  
pp. 1411-1419
Author(s):  
Dinesh Phuyal ◽  
Thiago Assis Rodrigues Nogueira ◽  
Arun D. Jani ◽  
Davie M. Kadyampakeni ◽  
Kelly T. Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citrus Sinensis ◽  
Nutrient Management ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
High Density ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Poncirus Trifoliata ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Citrus Paradisi ◽  
Canopy Volume

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, affects practically all fruit-bearing trees in commercial citrus orchards in Florida with no cure identified yet. High-density plantings and enhanced nutritional programs such as application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with higher micronutrient levels can mitigate disease symptoms and extend the tree life span of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree planting density and application of CRF blends differing in N to K ratio and micronutrient content on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) plant health, canopy volume, fruit yield, and fruit quality in an HLB-affected orchard. A study was conducted in Florida for two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) to evaluate the response of ‘Ray Ruby’ grapefruit on Kuharske citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) to three planting densities (300, 440, and 975 trees per ha) and two CRF blends [12 nitrogen (N)–1.31 phosphorus (P)–7.47 potassium (K) and 16N–1.31P–16.6K] with different nutrient sources and composition. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, all sampled trees tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen associated with HLB. Trees planted at 975 trees per ha had 33% lower canopy volume per tree but 160% greater fruit yield per hectare and 190% higher yield of solids compared with 300 trees per ha. Fruit produced in high-density planting (975 trees per ha) was 18% more acidic with higher soluble solid compared with low-density planting (300 trees per ha). The use of a CRF blend with higher amounts of micronutrients along with lower K increased canopy volume in both seasons and resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in fruit yield per hectare and yield of solids, respectively, in 2017–18. Our results indicate that high-density plantings increase fruit yield per area, and regardless of the N to K ratio, the use of CRF blends supplemented with micronutrients may not increase fruit yield in HLB-affected grapefruit.

scholarly journals NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF CITRUS CONVERTED FROM FLOOD TO A PRESSURIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEM

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 639a-639
Author(s):  
B.R. Gardner ◽  
R.L. Roth ◽  
C.A. Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation System ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Phosphorus Fertilization ◽  
Juice Quality ◽  
Tree Roots ◽  
P Fertilizer ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
N Rates

A study was conducted during four seasons to evaluate the nutrient requirements of `Valencia' oranges converted from flood to a pressurized spray irrigation system. The experiment was a 3×2×2 factorial with 3 N rates (0.34, 0.68, and 1.36 kg/tree/year), 2 P rates (0 and 0.11 kg/tree/year) and with and without added micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu). There were no growth or yield responses to micronutrients. Phosphorus fertilization increased fruit yield, improved juice quality, and reduced peel thickness. There were trends for N to reduce juice quality and increase peel thickness when P fertilizer was not added. Tree growth increased by N fertilization only the first season after conversion. Fruit yield also increased by N but only when P was added. Leaf tissue N concentrations increased with time during the first two years within N treatments. These data suggest that the higher rates of N may only be needed initially after conversion as the tree roots adapt to the new irrigation system.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Leaching, Water, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Citrus Trees Fertilized at Three Rates of Nitrogen

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 780C-780
Author(s):  
Jim Syvertsen ◽  
M.L. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
Volkamer Lemon ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Leaf N Concentration ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Leaf N

Effects of nitrogen (N) rate and rootstock on tree growth, fruit yield, evapotranspiration, N uptake, and N leaching were measured over a 2-year period. Four-year-old `Redblush' grapefruit trees on either sour orange (SO), a relatively slow-growing rootstock, or `Volkamer' lemon (VL), a more-vigorous rootstock, were transplanted into 7.9-m3 drainage lysimeter tanks filled with native sand and fertilized at three N rates. N rates averaged from about 14% to 136% of the recommended rate when trees were 5 and 6 years old. More N leached below trees on SO as trees on VL had greater N uptake efficiency. Canopy volume and leaf N concentration increased with N rate, but rootstock had no effect on leaf N. Fruit yield of trees on SO was not affected by N rate, but high N increased water use and yield for larger trees on VL. Canopy growth or yield per volume of water used (water use efficiency) was lowest at low N, but N use efficiency was highest at the low N rates.

scholarly journals Rootstocks Affect Tree Growth, Yield, and Juice Quality of ‘Marsh’ Grapefruit

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
William S. Castle ◽  
Kim D. Bowman ◽  
James C. Baldwin ◽  
Jude W. Grosser ◽  
Frederick G. Gmitter
Keyword(s):  
Growth Yield ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Poncirus Trifoliata ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Juice Quality ◽  
Sour Orange ◽  
Citrus Paradisi ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
River Region

Two adjacent rootstock trials were conducted in the east coast Indian River region of Florida with ‘Marsh’ grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) scion. The objective was to find rootstocks to replace sour orange (C. aurantium L.) because of losses to citrus tristeza virus, and to replace Swingle citrumelo [C. paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] because of its limited usefulness in certain poorly drained coastal sites. The trials were conducted in randomized complete blocks with 12 single-tree replicates spaced 4.6 × 6.9 m. The soils were of the Wabasso and Riviera series. The first trial consisted largely of trees on citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × P. trifoliata] and citrumelo rootstocks, ‘Cipo’ sweet orange (C. sinensis), and various hybrid rootstocks. The second trial involved mandarin rootstocks (C. reticulata Blanco) and sour orange and related rootstocks. Trees were grown for 7 years and yield and juice quality data were collected for the last 4 years of that period. Those rootstocks identified as the most promising, based on combinations of smaller tree size and high productivity and juice quality, were two Sunki mandarin × Swingle trifoliate orange (TF) hybrids (C-54, C-146), a Sunki mandarin × Flying Dragon TF hybrid, C-35 citrange, and a Cleopatra mandarin × Rubidoux TF hybrid (×639). The trees on these five rootstocks cropped well leading to soluble solids (SS) values of 3000 to 4000 kg/ha when they were 7-years old. The trees on C-54 and C-146 were relatively large, somewhat taller than trees on sour orange, whereas those on C-35 and the Sunki × Flying Dragon hybrid were smaller and similar to sour orange in tree height. Fruit quality among the trees on C-35 and the Sunki × Flying Dragon hybrid had relatively high SS concentration (better than sour orange), and the other three rootstocks had relatively lower solids concentration (poorer than sour orange). The trees on C-35 and the Sunki × Flying Dragon hybrid would be good candidates for higher density orchards.

scholarly journals By-product Iron-humate Increases Tree Growth and Fruit Production of Orange and Grapefruit

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.K. Alva ◽  
T.A. Obreza
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Fe Deficiency ◽  
Concentration Addition ◽  
Citrus Paradisi ◽  
Alkaline Soils ◽  
High Ph ◽  
Citrus Trees

Citrus trees planted in alkaline soils typically show iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis. Currently, Fe-EDDHA (ethylenediiminobis-2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid) chelate is the most effective source of Fe for high pH soils. Iron humate (FeH), a by-product of the drinking water decolorization process, was compared with Fe-EDDHA for Fe deficiency correction on nonbearing `Ambersweet' orange and `Ruby Red' grapefruit Citrus paradisi Macf., and bearing `Hamlin' orange Citrus sinensis and `Flame' grapefruit trees, all on Swingle citrumelo rootstock, planted on high pH (>7.6) soils. Iron humate was applied under the tree canopy in spring at rates from 2 to 200 g Fe (nonbearing trees), or 22 to 352 g Fe (bearing trees) per tree per year. Application of FeH to nonbearing trees decreased twig dieback rating and increased flush growth, flush color rating, tree size, and leaf Fe concentration. Addition of urea or ammonium nitrate to FeH did not increase Fe availability. Iron amendments (22 g Fe per tree per year) increased fruit yield after the 1st year of application. Further increases in the rate of Fe, from 22 to 352 g Fe per tree per year as FeH, did not significantly increase tree growth, fruit yield, or fruit quality. This study demonstrated that FeH was an effective Fe source for citrus trees planted on alkaline soils.

scholarly journals Influence of Rootstock Propagation Method on Traits of Grafted Sweet Orange Trees

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (5) ◽  
pp. 729-737
Author(s):  
Ute Albrecht ◽  
Shahrzad Bodaghi ◽  
Bo Meyering ◽  
Kim D. Bowman
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Sweet Orange ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Trunk Diameter ◽  
Seed Supply ◽  
Nursery Production ◽  
Citrus Production ◽  
Orange Trees

The rootstock plays a large role in modern citrus production because of its influence on tolerance to adverse abiotic and biotic soil-borne stresses, and on the general horticultural characteristics of the grafted scion. In recent years, rootstock has received increased attention as a management strategy to alleviate the devastating effects of the bacterial disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as “citrus greening.” In commercial citrus nursery production, rootstocks are typically propagated by seed. Because of the increased demand for HLB-tolerant rootstocks, seed supply is often inadequate for the most popular cultivars. Cuttings and tissue culture (TC) propagation are alternative methods to supply adequate quantities of genetically identical rootstocks to be used as liners for grafting. However, there are concerns among nursery owners and citrus growers regarding the possible inferiority of rootstocks that are not propagated by seed. This study investigates the influence of rootstock propagation method on traits of sweet orange trees grafted on four commercially important rootstock cultivars during the nursery stage and during the first year of growth in a commercial citrus orchard. Several of the measured traits during the nursery stage, including rootstock sprouting, grafted tree growth, and root mass distribution were significantly influenced by the rootstock propagation method, but traits were also influenced by the rootstock cultivar. Our results also suggest that for tissue culture-propagated plants, differences in the starting material and the culturing method can affect the grafted tree behavior. Except for canopy spread and scion to rootstock trunk diameter ratio, tree growth during the orchard stage was determined by the combination of propagation method and rootstock, rather than by propagation method alone.

Citrus Production Guide: Rootstock and Scion Selection

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Albrecht ◽  
Fernando Alferez ◽  
Mongi Zekri
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Juice Quality ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Citrus Production ◽  
The Right

When preparing for replanting, an important factor to consider is the choice of rootstock. Choosing the right rootstock and scion combination can result in higher economic returns without any additional cost. Rootstocks affect scion vigor, yield, fruit size, juice quality, and pest tolerance. However, tree growth, yield, and fruit quality interact strongly with climate, soil type, tree spacing, and other factors, often producing contradictory reports on rootstock performance in different areas. This 3-page fact sheet discusses soil characteristics, rootstock effects on pests and diseases, tree spacing and size, and rootstock/scion combination. Written by Ute Albrecht, Fernando Alferez, and Mongi Zekri, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2017.

scholarly journals Performance of Two Citrus Species Grafted to Different Rootstocks in the Presence of Huanglongbing Disease in Puerto Rico

Horticulturae ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Rebecca Tirado-Corbalá ◽  
Dania Rivera-Ocasio ◽  
Alejandro Segarra-Carmona ◽  
Elvin Román-Paoli ◽  
Agenol González
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Citrus Species ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Rough Lemon ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Citrus Production

Since Huanglongbing (HLB) disease was detected in 2009 in Puerto Rico, a steady drop in citrus production has been experienced, forcing farmers to abandon their land or switch to other crops. Between 2015 and 2016, we used grafted trees from two experimental orchards (Tahiti lime and Nova mandarin), each on five rootstocks, to collect soil and plant tissue samples from each scion‒rootstock combination to determine soil fertility, tissue nutrient content, and yield. The tree growth parameters (height, diameter, and canopy volume) and efficiency of the two orchards were also measured. These orchards, growing in Coto series (Typic Hapludox), were planted in 2009 and reported as heavily infested with HLB by 2011. Our results showed that soil and tissue samples from the Tahiti lime orchard exhibited benefits for tree growth parameters when grafted on Carrizo and Cleopatra rootstocks. Lower tree mortality (13%) was observed for Tahiti lime grafted on Carrizo, HRS 812, Carrizo and Rough lemon rootstocks, while 25% of the Nova mandarin trees perished on the same rootstocks. Yield was higher for Tahiti lime grafted on Swingle rootstock (35.6 fruit m−3) as compared to the other rootstocks. In general, HLB appears to have caused poor development and low production in the Nova mandarin orchard.

scholarly journals Foliar Applications of Essential Nutrients on Growth and Yield of ‘Valencia’ Sweet Orange Infected with Huanglongbing

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1482-1493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly T. Morgan ◽  
Robert E. Rouse ◽  
Robert C. Ebel
Keyword(s):  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Poncirus Trifoliata ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Citrus Paradisi ◽  
Essential Nutrients ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Foliar Concentration ◽  
Citrus Trees

Huanglongbing (HLB) causes citrus root systems to decline, which in turn contributes to deficiencies of essential nutrients followed by decline of the canopy and yield. This study was conducted on a 6-year-old ‘Valencia’ [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] on Swingle rootstock (Citrus paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) trees in a commercial grove near Immokalee, FL, to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of selected essential nutrients (N, K, Mn, Zn, B, and Mg) on growth and productivity of citrus trees infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the pathogen putatively associated with HLB in Florida. Mn, Zn, B, and Mg were applied in all experiments to drip at 0×, 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0×/spray of what has been traditionally recommended in Florida to correct deficiencies. Treatments were applied foliarly 3×/year with the sprays occurring during each growth flush for 5 years (2010–14). Thus, the 0×, 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0×/spray treatments resulted in 0×, 1.5×, 3.0×, and 6.0×/year to correct deficiencies. MnS04 and ZnSO4 were applied with or without KNO3 and in separate experiments were compared with Mn3(PO3)2 and Zn3(PO3)2, respectively. Disease incidence, foliar nutrient content, canopy volume, and yield were measured. At the beginning of the experiment, foliar N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and B were in the sufficient range and K, Mn, Zn, and Fe were slightly low. Disease incidence was very high with 83% and 98% of trees testing positive for CLas in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Nutrients that are not mobile or have limited mobility in plants, namely Mn, Zn, and B, demonstrated an increase in foliar concentration immediately after spray and in the annual averages. Foliar K increased from the deficient to the sufficient level by KNO3 sprays, but the mobile nutrients N and Mg did not show an increase in foliar levels, indicating that intraplant transport occurs in the presence of HLB. Foliar KNO3 application had a stronger effect on growth than yield. Yield was most strongly affected by application of MnSO4 where yield of the 3×/year treatment was 45% higher than that of the unsprayed control, but yield declined by 25% for the 6×/year treatment. Yield within 95% of the maximum occurred with foliar Mn concentrations of 70–100 µg·g−1 dry weight when Mn was applied as MnSO4, which is at the high end of the traditionally recommended 25–100 µg·g−1 dry weight range. The phosphite form of Mn [Mn3(PO3)2] depressed yield by an average of 25% across all application concentrations. Zn, B, and Mg did not significantly impact yield. Canopy volume demonstrated concave relationships across application concentrations for MnSO4 and ZnSO4 without KNO3 and Mn3(PO3)2, Zn3(PO3)2, Boron, and MgSO4 with KNO3, with the minimum occurring near the 3×/year application concentration. These data indicate a complex interaction in the amount of nutrients applied and their corresponding effects on foliar concentration, growth, and yield for HLB-affected trees. The results of this study at least partially explain the current confusion among scientists and the commercial industry in how to manage nutrition of HLB-affected citrus trees. The traditionally recommended approaches to correcting nutrient deficiencies need to be reconsidered for citrus with HLB.

scholarly journals Response of Young and Maturing Citrus Trees Grown on a Sandy Soil to Irrigation Scheduling, Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate, and Nitrogen Application Method

HortScience ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly T. Morgan ◽  
T. Adair Wheaton ◽  
William S. Castle ◽  
Laurence R. Parsons
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
N Application ◽  
Application Method ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
N Rates ◽  
Citrus Trees

This study examined the effect of irrigation rates, nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates, and methods of applying N on growth and productivity of young (3 to 5 years old) and maturing (8 to 10 years old) citrus trees. A long-term study was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to measure the main effects of N rate, N application method, and irrigation on citrus tree growth and production from planting to maturity; 2) to establish growth and production relationships for long-term N rates and irrigation on well-drained sandy Entisols; and 3) to determine the effect of split fertilizer applications at two soil moisture regimes on citrus growth and production for two tree age classes as trees mature. Irrigation was applied using two selected ranges of soil moisture tensions and annual N rate varied by tree age as percentages of recommended. Methods of applying N included a dry granular fertilizer (DGF) containing soluble N applied four times annually or a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) applied once per year and fertigation applied either four (FG04) or 30 (FG30) times annually. Canopy size and yield were higher with the moderate irrigation rate compared with the low rate for both young and maturing trees. Critical N rates for both canopy volume and yield were between 178 and 200 kg·ha−1. The CRF and FG30 treatments produced larger trees and higher yields compared with FG04 and DGF in the young tree study, indicating that younger trees benefitted from frequent split fertilizer applications. As the trees matured and filled their allocated space, the two irrigation rates were continued and N was applied at six rates using either DGF or FG30. For these 8- to 10-year-old trees, critical values of N application rates were 210 and 204 kg·ha−1 for DGF and FG30, respectively. The absence of a significant interaction between N rate and application method indicated that N uptake efficiency was similar for all application methods tested. DGF and FG30 treatments resulted in similar maturing tree yields and fruit total soluble solids. Canopy volumes, for the same trees, were significantly greater all 3 years with the FG30 treatment compared with DGF. Thus, if increase in tree size is desired, increased number of split applications will likely promote tree growth; however, little increase in fruit yield may be obtained.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document