Crop manipulations during and after a heavy blossom
Jakkie Stander
Citrus Research International (CRI)
Citrus orchards are experiencing an intense blossom period, especially in the cooler production regions in the Eastern and Western Cape. Producers are reminded of the importance of the following cultural practices to manipulate the crop to ensure acceptable fruit size and quality.
The period during and immediately after flowering (September to December) is the cell division stage of fruit development. It is the period in which most cells of the fruit are formed. Flowers and fruit are particularly sensitive to water stress, carbohydrate depletion, and mineral nutrient deficiency during this period.