In this hall, I will be writing on ORANGE production: The meaning of orange, varieties, Cultural Practices Of Orange, Pests and diseases of orange and Benefits Of Orange.
Table Of Contents
- Meaning of orange
- Varieties of orange
- Climatic and soil requirements
- Cultural practices of orange
- Pests and diseases of orange
- Benefits of orange
- Revision Questions
See Also
Meaning: Orange is a fruit crop which belongs to the citrus family. The fruit of Orange called Berry is succulent, fleshy and juicy and it is rich in vitamins and minerals.
The Cultural Practices Of Orange
Land Preparation: The land Preparation is one of the first cultural Practices of orange before planting. The land is cleared with cutlass and stumping is done. The land is then plough and Harrowed mechanically.
Varieties of Orange/cultivars
varieties of citrus spp or family include:
VARIETIES OF ORANGE – BOTANICAL NAMES
- Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis
- Sour Orange – Citrus aurantium
- Lime – Citrus aurantifolia
- Lemon – Citrus Limon
- Tangerine – citrus reticulata
- Grape fruit – Citrus paradisi
- Shaddock (pomelo) – Citrus gandis
- King Orange – Citrus nobilis.
CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Sweet orange requires a temperature of 25°c to 35° centigrade, rainfall of 75cm to 125cm per annum and requires a well drained fertile and deep soil. It also requires a higher elevation and slightly sloping land.
PLANTING MATERIALS: Seeds, budded seedlings, Grafted seedlings.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION: Sexually by seeds and vegetative propagation, e.g, budding.
PLANTING DATE: Pre-nursery is ideal between October and December and Nursery is April and may. Budding is done a year later.
SPACING: Pre-nursery is 3cm x 3cm, nursery is 60cm x 60cm. And Field is 7.0m x 7.0m.
NURSERY CULTURAL PRACTICES OF ORANGE
Pre-nursery: The seeds are raised in the seed trays by October to December in a loamy soil, rich in organic matter. Then the Seeds are sown 3cm x 3cm at 2cm deep.
NURSERY: In this cultural Practices of orange, the seeds are now replanted at 60cm x 60cm spacing. It is planted around April and may. Watering, weeding and shading are provided. Budding and grafting are done a year later.
TRANSPLANTING: After one year of budding, the seedlings are transplanted to the field at a spacing of 7.0m x 7.0m.
OTHER COMMON CULTURAL PRACTICES OF ORANGE INCLUDES:
1. Weeding: This is done regularly by cutlassing or by herbicides.
2. Fertilizer application: Sulfate of ammonium at the rate of 350kg/ha is applied by ring methods at regular intervals.
3. Mulching: Mulching is also done during dry season.
4. Irrigation: Irrigation, especially during dry season, is also practiced.
5. Pruning: Pruning can also be done .
6. Insects and diseases should be controlled and prevented.
MATURITY PERIOD: This occurs between 3 and 7 years.
HARVESTING: Clean or spot picking of matured or ripe fruits with hands or harvesting knife is done carefully and over a period of time.
PROCESSING AND STORAGE: Orange can be processed into orange juice which can be stored in canned or bottled form. Read more on Types and methods of Storage here
PESTS OF ORANGE
- Thrips
- Red mites
- scale insects
- Aphids
- fruits borers
- caterpillars. All these pests attack citrus leaves, flowers and fruits.
Control: Spray with insecticides like gammalin 20 and malathion.
- Leafhoppers: These attack citrus leaves, leading to defoliation and reduce yield.
Control: By hand picking and use of poison baits.
DISEASES OF ORANGE
1. Gummosis: It is caused by a fungus phytophthora spp which is spread by air and through the soil. Symptoms of the disease include rottening of the bark near the ground, drying and cracking of bark, release (exude) of gum or slimy substance and leaves turn yellow and begin to die back.
Control: Use resistance varieties, spray with appropriate fungicides and Paint the trunk with crude carbolic and water.
2. TRISTEZA: It is a viral disease transmitted by aphid. Symptoms include phloem necrosis and swelling at bud Union.
Control: Use resistant varieties.
3. CITRUS SEAB: It is a fungal disease which spreads (sphaceloma faucet) within the soil. It attacks a young leaves and stem, especially in nursery stage.
Control: Treat with fungicide, e.g, Bordeaux mixture.
BENEFITS OF ORANGE AND USES
Here are the various benefits of orange to man: they includes:
- Rich in Vitamin C: One of the benefits of orange is Vitamin c. Oranges are a potent source of vitamin C, supporting the immune system, promoting collagen formation, and aiding in overall health.
- Dietary Fiber: Dietary fiber is another benefits of orange, Oranges provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and contributing to a healthy digestive system.
- Heart Health: The potassium in oranges can support heart health by helping regulate blood pressure.
- Skin Health: Vitamin C in oranges plays a role in collagen synthesis, contributing to healthy and vibrant skin.
- Hydration: Oranges have high water content, aiding in hydration, especially when consumed as fresh fruit or juice.
- Refreshing Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is a popular and refreshing beverage, offering a natural source of vitamins and minerals.
- Natural Energy Boost: The natural sugars in oranges, combined with other nutrients, provide a quick and healthy energy boost.
- Cancer Prevention: Prevention of cancer is one of the benefits of orange, the antioxidants in oranges may play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancers by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
- Vision Health: Oranges contain nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are beneficial for maintaining eye health and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
- Weight Management: This is another benefits of orange, The fiber content in oranges promotes a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing overeating.
Revision Questions
- What is orange?
- Mention at least six varieties of orange listed above.
- Outline five cultural practices of orange.
- List and discuss five benefits of orange.