ADVANTAGES OF CITROLIMA TREES 2

CONTAINERS Citrolima Class A trees are grown in pots scientifically developed to maximize root system qualities and to avoid the serious problems caused by root spiraling and curling, typically present in commonly grown citrus nursery trees. Polybags or plastic bags are not accepted for Class A trees. The pots have internal longitudinal ridges that prevent lateral root spiraling, and an open bottom, which prevent main root curling. In addition, lateral windows located along the ridges induce aerial pruning of lateral roots. This maintains the root system in a natural condition with the lateral roots growing laterally immediately after planting. It is, therefore, a professional system of containerized citrus tree production. The advantages are several and very important. It is not necessary to cut curled roots at the bottom of the root ball because they do not form in the Citrolima pot. Since there are no fresh wounds in the root system, there is no need to apply foot rot fungicides. Root system development after planting is normal and immediate, with gains in time and quality of tree growth. Trees are more vigorous, drought resistant, and earlier and heavier in bearing. The savings are significant and profits prospects greater.

GROWING MEDIUM We use exclusively pure coconut fiber as growing medium. This allows for strong, abundant and healthy root systems. Affinity to water is greater and this significantly reduces root ball drying after planting, a serious problem with common growing media. In addition, coconut fiber retains 3 times more water and nutrients. As a result, 4 liters of our growing medium are equivalent to 10 liters of regular media. The root ball has firm and light consistence with less chances of breaking at planting. A great advantage is that roots, specially the main root do not bend at planting. Bent roots result in less vigorous plants and less drought resistance several years after planting. In addition, shipping, storage, handling and planting of Citrolima trees are easier and less expensive.

SCAFFOLD BRANCHES Our trees have 3 or more scaffold branches when ready for planting. Whip trees are not allowed for Class A citrus trees. There are several advantages to this. Plants are 12 months old and bear fruit earlier. It is not necessary to train and select scaffold branches after planting. In addition, unbalanced sprouting is avoided. Whip trees typically put out only 1 or 2 scaffold branches, sometimes more than one to a leaf axil. As a result, abnormal and weak canopies develop and correction sets back orchard development and is time consuming. Our plants have a balanced and uniform sprouting after planting and the canopy starts its normal development immediately.

PATENT PENDING
BIODEGRADABLE WRAPS Another great advantage of Citrolima trees are the biodegradable wraps that protect each root ball at shipping and are planted with the tree. Tree storage and maintenance are facilitated because root balls are easily watered through the wraps. This keeps them moist and avoids water repellence of dried out growing media, which can cause tree losses in the field. In addition, root bending at planting is also avoided due to the added firmness of the root ball.