Effect of Season on Growth Dynamics of Citrus aurantifolia cv. Kuliana Lime under Bhubaneswar Condition

Abstract

Citrus is a highly priced fruit crop having significant importance in the fruit economy of our country. It is the second fruit crop in India with respect to area and third largest with respect to production after mango and banana. Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), from the family Rutaceae originated in India and then spread to the Middle East and other tropical and subtropical countries.The major citrus producing countries are Brazil,

Physiology of Citrus Flowering and Fruiting

“…Bagging experiments revealed peak receptivity from 3.00 am on the second day before anther dehiscence, extending up to the fourth day afternoon with a margin of approximately 58 hours [65]. Notably, under open pollination conditions, the stigma loses receptivity earlier, around the third day afternoon [11]. This extended receptive period in bagging experiments ensures sufficient pollen accumulation on the stigma, exceeding the threshold for successful fertilization.…”

“…In contrast, flower induction in tropical climates, characterized by minimal temperature fluctuations year-round, is not dependent on low temperatures. Citrus trees in these areas bloom multiple times annually, with spring flowering being the most robust [11]. The higher temperature range at or above 25°C put forth only vegetative growth [12].…”

“…In citrus flower development, anther dehiscence, the release of pollen grains, commences between 8.00 and 9.00 am on the first [11] or second day of opening [79]. This process begins with the appearance of a slit across the pollen sacs (thecae) through which pollen gradually oozes out.…”

“…plays a minimal role in pollination, acting more as nectar robbers [83]. The peak visitation occurs on the second day of flower opening, mainly between 10:00 am and 11:30 am, when nectar and pollen rewards are maximal [11]. While most nectar visitors return on the second day, fewer visitors, including A. dorsata and Lepidopteran species, visit on the third day for remaining nectar.…”

Growth parameters of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) cv. Kuliana lime

“…Numerous cultivars of acid lime are cultivated in India with diversity in flavour and taste. Kuliana lime is a local elite land race of Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and popular for its size and juice content in the state Mishra and Dash, 2018). Generally, the timing and rate of vegetative and reproductive growths are regulated by autonomous or environmental factors.…”