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It is highly poly embryonic
species of Chinese origin. The type of sugar present in orange are glucose
and sucrose. It is rich in Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). The rinds contain
pectin and essential oils and also glycosides like hesperidins used for
flavoring purposes.
Climate: Grown under both tropical and
sub-tropical conditions. Occasional frost can be tolerated but thrives
better in frost free climate. There is no requirement for winter chilling as
it is evergreen but cessation of growth during winter helps in flower bud
induction resulting in spring flowering. It is a light loving plant and is
sensitive to shading. Rainfall seem to be unimportant if irrigation can be
provided, but atmospheric humidity exerts favorable influence.
Soil: It can be grown on a wide range of
soils, from heavy clays to very light sands with pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0.
Loamy soil with comparatively heavier sub-soil with good drainage is ideal
for oranges. It is very sensitive to high concentration of salts. They do
not thrive well in saline-alkaline soils. Lime in the soil induces chlorasis
and presence of excessive free lime renders phosphorus, iron, manganese and
zinc less available and it cannot withstand water logging.
Manuring and Fertilisations: It is a
nutrient loving plant. In addition to the major nutrient like N, P, K, Ca,
Mg and S, it require micronutrients like Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, B, Mo, etc. Major
nutrients such as N,P,K and Ca are as follows (in Kg. per Ha.)
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Yield
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N |
P205 |
K20 |
Ca0 |
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High yielding |
243 |
54 |
205 |
316 |
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Medium yielding |
169 |
41 |
146 |
297 |
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Poor Yielding |
36 |
22 |
77 |
206 |
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Organic manures like vermin-composts, Farmyard manures etc. may be used.
Propagation and planting: Seeds. Best is
through budding on root stocks such as sour orange, rough lemon mandarins,
etc. Planting spacing is 6 to 7.5 metres apart in January or
August-September. The bud union should be kept at least 15 cm above the
ground while planting.
Pruning: Pruning should start in the
nursery itself. All branches that start within a few inches of the union are
removes leaving about a half metre of clean straight stem with a few well
placed branches. All unwanted branches are removed once a month during the
first year after planting and once in two to three months in subsequent
years.
Fruit bearing trees require little or no pruning. After the fruits are
picked, the branches touching the ground should be cut close to the laterals
so that no stubs are formed. All diseased, injured and crossing branches,
water sprouts and dead woods should be removed periodically.
Harvesting: Trees begin to bear fruits
from the fourth year onwards.
Packaging and Transport: It is suggested that the fruits should be polished
lightly with a piece of cloth and individually wrapped in tissue paper if it
is to be transported to far distances. The boxes should have good
ventilation holes at the bottom and top of the containers and not at the
sides. The standard size of the boxes is 12x12x12 inches and 18x10.5x11.5
inches.
Intercropping: In the early stages of
establishment till bearing, the inter space can be economically utilized
with short duration crops preferably of leguminous types. Nutrient
exhaustive, shading, deep rooted, long duration crops should not be
intercropped, Intercrops such as cabbage, potato, ginger, soybean and other
non-climbing beans can be economically grown in the first two years.
Miscellaneous: Apiculture inside the
orchard will improve fruit yield due to better pollination by the bees and
also enhancing the income. |
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