July 05, 2001

The scion stems are topped at 50 cm (20 inches) above the ground. This is done when shoot growth stops and the tissue matures and turns dark green. At this moment, the lower portion of the stem starts to lose the triangular shape, characteristic of a young citrus flush, becoming rounder as a result of radial enlargement of internal woody tissue. The objective of topping is to induce growth of lateral shoots which will eventually form the scaffold branches of the tree. Eight months since rootstock planting and 4 months since budding have passed now. Current season is Winter, which will last until September.