Manipulating Flowering for Better Grove Management

Abstract

Citrus trees grown in the field undergo various types and levels of stress continuously. The stressors can be a number of things for example, heat, cold, drought, soil pH, chemicals, pests, and disease. In addition, the constant presence of Huanglongbing and psyllid–infestation adds additional stress to the trees, which compromises the plant response and makes the trees susceptible to number of other diseases. Off-season and prolonged flowering is a well-known response of trees when undergoing various stress conditions; this is also cultivar specific. For example, ‘Navel’ and ‘Valencia’ are well known to have prolonged flowering periods with sporadic flowering during the fall. Generally, off-season and prolonged flowering is not a great concern, but when combined with heavy rainfall and warm weather this can increase the threat of postbloom fruit drop (PFD).