Citrus

• Citrus plants being sub-tropical can’t withstand cold periods. The lowest temperature at which germination and growth takes place is 13⁰ C and the maximum temperatures up to which growth takes place is 38⁰
• The optimum temperature for growth ranges between 23 and 33⁰ C for sweet orange and 26 and 33⁰ C for sour orange.
• Temperature of -2 to 00C is injurious to citrus fruits, if such temperature prevails for long period. Citrus fruits may freeze at -2.8 to 2.2 ⁰C or at little higher temperature. In case of high temperature, dropping of fruits occur, foliage are killed and fruit may become sunburned.
• The best temperate range is 10⁰ C to 40⁰ Severe cold inhibit the growth and development of fruit. So, frost is unsuitable for citrus. Citrus require shorter darken period for flowering. It requires about 12-14 hours for flowering. High light intensity causes sun scorching.
• Low moisture conditions create fruit splitting problem.
• The higher fluctuation in relative humidity causes cracking problem.