Simplified Orange (Citrus spp.) Production Guide for Small-scale Farmers

Abstract

Orange production provides both nutritional and financial benefits to farmers across Africa. However, these farmers do not realize the full benefits due to low yields caused by poor agronomic practices currently applied in the region. This guide, therefore, highlights key practices that farmers need to adopt for better yields. Farmers should always follow the best practices right from the selection of a variety to harvesting practices for high yield and better quality fruits to be achieved. Proper land preparation helps in early weed control and improves water infiltration and growth of roots. Weeds should always be kept below economic thresholds to ensure efficiencies in the use of water and nutrient. Like other plants, oranges require proper nutrition for growth and development of big fruits. Both manure and inorganic fertilizers should be applied depending on the availability and cost. Soil analysis helps in determining the rates of application. During production, farmers should scout for pests such as aphids, false codling moth, whiteflies, leaf miners, thrips, fruit fly and common spiral nematode and diseases like Pseudocercospora leaf and fruit spot, Phytophthora spp. and orange fruit scab which are common in the area. These pests cause significant yield losses if not timely controlled. When ready, harvesting of fruits should be careful and gentle without causing injuries.

Weed management in the dry season: interferences in physiology and quality of Persian lime fruits

“…The presence of weeds creates a favorable environment for pathogens that infect citrus trunks and roots, leading to yield losses. Also, weeds compete with citrus plants for growth factors, i.e., nutrients, water and light (Otieno 2020). As Singh & Sharma (2008) reported, the most critical time to control weeds in citrus orchards is from planting to early establishment (up to 6 years), when the young citrus trees produce very little shade to suppress weeds.…”

The use of the pesticide dimethoate and cyberkill in combating the fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) on oranges (Citrus fruits)

“…Currently, the plant is grown in tropical and subtropical environments, with the United States, Brazil, Spain, Italy, India, South Africa and Egypt being the main producers. Common varieties include Valencia oranges, blood oranges and Washington navel oranges (Otieno, 2020) [22] . It is considered a fruit crop that is important in terms of area coverage, production potential and distribution.…”

Yield of essential oil from varieties of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck

“…Orange (Citrus ssp.) is one of the relevant fruit trees in the horticulture industry providing financial gain to the farmers and nutritional benefits to consumers (OTIENO, 2020). Global orange production for 2021/2022 is estimated at 48.8 million tons, 1.4 million tons more than in 2020.…”