info@1stfruits.co.za
Join us
Find us
Follow Us
Firstfruits

Blog

27 Jul 2026
Valencia Orange Trees
By Firstfruits Consulting Website Articles , , ,

Effects of Foliar Applications of Urea or Nutriphite on Flowering and Yields of Valencia Orange Trees

Valencia orange yields have been related to the number of flowers in the spring bloom, and the number of induced flower buds is determined by climatic stress factors such as cold and drought. Winter foliar sprays of urea have been reported to enhance the number of flower buds, flowers per inflorescence and yields under California conditions. Sprays of urea (28-31 kg N/ha) or Nutriphite (6.1 l/ha of 0-28-26 product) were applied to mature Valencia trees in two locations in South Florida in 1994-95. Urea or Nutriphite applied between the dates of 25 Dec. and 11 Jan. increased flowers.

READ MORE

27 Jul 2026
Citrus with Ice
By Firstfruits Consulting Website Articles , , ,

Screening Citrus Cultivars for Freezing Tolerance by Reliable Methods

Citrus species are comprised of susceptible plants that can barely tolerate freezing temperatures. To determine the relationship between cold stress tolerance (LT50) and some important physiological traits, four commercial citrus cultivars of citrus species were studied. These were Citrus unshiu, Citrus sinensis var. ‘Thomson navel’, Citrus paradisi var. ‘Star Ru by’ and Citrus limon var. ‘Lisbon’. Assessments of cold-stress tolerance were carried out at 4, -4 and -8 °C. Ultimately, the results showed that the Japanese mandarin and ‘Thomson navel’ had the highest stress tolerance (LT50). Citrus unshiu tolerated cold stress up to -8.4 LT50.

READ MORE

26 Jun 2026
Cold Accumulation
By Firstfruits Consulting Website Articles , , ,

Cold Stress in Citrus: A Molecular, Physiological and Biochemical Perspective

Due to climate change, we are forced to face new abiotic stress challenges like cold and heat waves that currently result from global warming. Losses due to frost and low temperatures force us to better understand the physiological, hormonal, and molecular mechanisms of response to such stress to face losses, especially in tropical and subtropical crops like citrus fruit, which are well adapted to certain weather conditions.

READ MORE

26 May 2026
Symptoms caused by Phytophthora- spp. on-citrus
By Firstfruits Consulting Website Articles , , , ,

Phytophthora-citrus interactions and management strategies: A review

Citrus production is declining worldwide due to several biotic and abiotic factors. The diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. present major economic risks since they are soil-borne and spread quickly if environmental conditions are favorable, or irrigation is poorly managed. Phytophthora species are present in all citrus-producing areas around the world causing significant losses in crop yield and affecting tree health. Bark infection, damping-off, root rot, gummosis, brown rot, and cortical root rot are among the typical symptoms caused by Phytophthora spp.

READ MORE

28 Apr 2026
Frost on Citrus
By Firstfruits Consulting Website Articles , , , , ,

Physiological and biochemical adaptive strategies in citrus plants facing cold stress

Climate change has increased extreme weather events frequency and intensity. Although the incidence of high temperatures has been studied on several plant species, the study of low temperatures has been relegated to the background, whereas crops as citrus could be particularly sensitive to chilling due to their origins in tropical and subtropical areas. In this work, plants of two citrus genotypes, Carrizo citrange (CC) and Cleopatra mandarin (CM), were subjected to cold stress at 10/4ºC (day/night) temperature, maintaining control plants at 25/18 ºC, with a 16 h photoperiod. Leaf tissue was sampled after 3 and 7 days for further analyses. The results exhibited a similar photosynthetic response in both genotypes, decreasing of gas exchange parameters. The study of different osmoprotectants revealed a major role of proline and soluble sugars in the osmotic response of citrus to chilling.

READ MORE

28 Apr 2026
Citrus Orchard
By Firstfruits Consulting Website News , , , ,

SA citrus industry eyes record season amid global headwinds

South Africa’s citrus growers are heading into the 2026 export season with cautious optimism. Projections show a 3%–5% increase, with up to 215 million cartons expected. But global instability, including conflict in the Middle East, could impact demand, shipping, and costs. As the citrus export season approaches, the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has released its export estimates. The figures reflect the expected volume of citrus available for export, and the estimates point to continued growth in the industry.

READ MORE

23 Mar 2026
EU Missions - Soil deal for Europe
By Firstfruits Consulting Website News , ,

EU Missions – Soil deal for Europe

The Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ is an ambitious, innovative instrument launched in 2021 by the European Commission to accelerate the development and large-scale deployment of solutions for sustainable land and soil management as part of a wider, green transition. Together with the Soil Strategy, the upcoming Soil Health Law, the EU Soil Observatory and climate policies (such as for carbon farming) the Mission is part of a robust framework for soil protection in the EU. While rooted in the EU research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, the Mission serves as a mechanism to enhance synergies with other EU programmes such as the Common Agricultural Policy and to team up with stakeholders in Member States, EU Associated Countries and global partners.

READ MORE