How to plant citrus trees

         Citrolima trees are delivered ready for planting. Since there are no curling of roots, it is not necessary to cut the bottom of the root ball nor apply foot rot fungicides. Trees are placed in individual holes or along furrows on the ground. There is no need to fertilize the tree hole if the planting area or band has been nutritionally corrected previously.  The use of organic or even chemical fertilizers, however, can help during initial development of the trees in soils partially corrected. Citrus specialists or experienced growers should be consulted for advice. Simple super phosphate at 1 lb per plant and chicken manure at 6 to 10 lbs per plant are commonly utilized.
          Citrus young trees are planted maintaining the root collar at the same height as in the root ball. The root collar should not be buried above ground level to prevent foot rot. Soil is brought into the hole and pressed around the root ball with the hands. It is important not to bend the root system in this operation. Firmness of coconut-fiber root ball with the biodegradable wrap plays a significant role in attaining these important requirements during planting. A water ring should be build around the young tree and at least 20 l of water added immediately after planting. Repeat the operation once a week during dry periods.
          As no cutting off of the root ball bottom is required, there are no fresh wounds in the root system and application of fungicides for root or foot rot is not necessary.
 

         Always consult experienced citrus growers or technicians regarding orchard cultural practices. The table presented below shows only preliminary references. Fertilizer formulas like 12-6-12, 15-5-15 or 20-5-20 are herein considered only as examples. Fertilizer rates are based on the reequired Nitrogen amount. For instance, 100 g of N correspond to 500g of the formula 20-5-20, or 833 g of the formula 12-6-12. Citrus trees are fertilized according to their age, from 50 g of N per year of age up to 350 g per tree with 7 years or more and, additionally, 100 g of nitrogen per box of fruit on the tree (or expected yield).

         An orchard with 8 years of age, for example, and 4 boxes of fruit per tree, should receive 350 g + 400 g = 750 g of N, or 3.75 kg of 20-5-20 fertilizer. This amount is divided by the number of applications during the rainy season. For rootstocks other than Rangpur lime, or for early maturing fruit, tangerines or lemons, formulas with more potassium than nitrogen could be utilized.

           The most important citrus pests which can be controlled through pesticide application or better  management practices are the leprosis mite, spider mites, rust mites, broad mites, fruit flies, leaf cutting ants, fruit borer, orthezia scale, psylids, sharp shooters, black spot, scab, melanosis, brown spot and blossom rot. Consult experienced growers or technicians for specific information.