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The high deficit in the trade balance value for citrus commodities can be an indication of the need for improvements in production and especially on the quality of citrus in Indonesia. Citrus cultivation with high density cropping system (SITARA) can be one of the strategies to increase production without increasing the area of planting land. The additions of intercropping in this system can be a solution for farmers' income, when citrus plants have not yet produced. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyze the costs and benefits of intercropping cultivation done between SITARA citrus plants with three cropping patterns (geometry) and intercropping plants which stated into four packages: (1) 4x4 (double) with chili intercropping, (2) 4x4 (double) variations (watermelon, tomatoes, broccoli, mustard greens: (3) 3x4 (double) with chili, (4) 3x4 (double) soybean. The results of the analysis showed that the 4x4 m cropping pattern intercroped with watermelon, tomatoes, broccoli and green mustard provide the highest profit of Rp. 13,677,396 per 0,25 ha per year. Although the total R / C ratio is still smaller than chili, but with variations the price decline in one commodity can be supported by other commodities. This pattern turns out to be the one that provide better citrus growth than the other four patterns, which can be seen from the rootstock and scion diameter also the average plant height that is 52, 43 dan 228 cm, respectively. This can ben an indication that intercropping can be done without harming the main crop, if it gets the right treatment. To support the results, the interaction of trees (in this case citrus), soil and seasonal crops can be evaluate more deeply.

The research aimed to study the release of N, P, K elements from slow release complete fertilizer (PUKAP JESTRO-1) and its effect on the growth of Siam citrus in a high density planting system (HDP). The release test of PUKAP JESTRO-1 was carried out in a laboratory, where the remaining N, P, K content in fertilizer was measured periodically. The influence test of PUKAP JESTRO-1, which compared with conventional fertilizer in the form of a single fertilizer and NPK compound fertilizer, was carried out on a 1-month old Siam citrus planted on Grumusol (vertisol). The study used randomized block design with 5 treatments and 3 replications, namely 400 g/plant/year mixed fertilizer (200 g Urea + 150 g SP36 + 50 g KCl); 200 g/plant/year PUKAP JESTRO-1; 300 g/plant/year PUKAP JESTRO-1; 400 g/plant/year PUKAP JESTRO-1; 400 g/plant/year NPK YaraMila (16-16-16). The experimental results showed that PUKAP JESTRO-1 released N, P, and K until the fourth, tenth, and eighth week respectively. Application of PUKAP JESTRO-1 at 25% lower dosages produced better plant height compared to mixed fertilizer applications but did not significantly increase leaf N, P, and K levels due to the effect of dilution of elements in plant tissue.

The development of commercial citrus varieties must be in line with consumer preferences. The purpose of this study was to identify the consumer preferences for 5 varieties of mandarins, namely Batu 55, Monita Agrihorti, Terigas, Madura, and Garut. The study was conducted at Indonesian Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Institute (ICSFRI) by performing an affective test. The sensory attributes assessed were fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, fruit skin color, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color, fruit flavor, and number of seeds. The results showed that for Mandarin cv. Batu 55, Monita Agrihorti and Madura, consumers liked all the sensory attributes of those varieties including fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, fruit skin color, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color, fruit flavor, and number of seeds. For Mandarin cv. Terigas, consumers liked the fruit shape and fruit flesh color. For Mandarin cv. Garut, consumers liked the attributes of fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color and number of seeds. The attributes of fruit shape and fruit flesh color at all types of mandarins were preferred by consumers. While the attributes of fruit cleanliness, skin color, ease of peeling, fruit taste, and number of seeds at several types of mandarins were still less favored by consumers. Thus, improving the lacking quality of the mandarins needs to be done.