Overview of Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit., commonly known as bergamot, is a fragrant citrus plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a small tree that grows up to 15 feet tall with a round crown and a spiny trunk. The fruit is medium-sized, pear-shaped, and yellow when ripe.
Origin of Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Bergamot is believed to have originated from the Calabria region of southern Italy, particularly in the small town of Bergamo from which its name is derived. Today, it is mainly grown in Italy, specifically in the Calabria and Sicily regions, as well as in Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia, and other parts of the world.
Common Names for Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Bergamot goes by several common names, including Bergamia, Bergamot orange, and sour orange. In addition to its use in the perfume and cosmetics industry, bergamot is also commonly used in traditional medicine.
Uses of Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Both the essential oil and fruit of the bergamot plant have many uses. The essential oil is extracted from the fruit's rind and has a sweet, citrusy aroma. It is commonly used in the perfume and cosmetics industry for its fragrance and is also used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
Bergamot fruit is used to make marmalade and is often used in teas and other beverages for its flavor. Bergamot is also used in traditional medicine for its many health benefits, including its ability to reduce high cholesterol levels, alleviate stress and anxiety, and relieve pain and inflammation.
General Appearance of Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
The bergamot plant is a small tree with a round crown and a spiny trunk. Its leaves are large, oval-shaped, and deep green in color. The fruit is medium-sized, pear-shaped, and yellow when ripe. The fruit's rind is smooth and yellow, with a fragrant aroma.
Bergamot is an attractive plant with many ornamental qualities. Its fragrant flowers and fruit make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to their landscape.
Light Requirements
Citrus bergamia thrives in bright and direct sunlight. It requires at least six hours of sunlight, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Limited exposure to direct sunlight may lead to weak growth and decreased yield.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Citrus bergamia growth is between 15°C and 30°C. It is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. In colder regions, it can be grown in greenhouses with artificial temperature control to promote growth and better yield.
Soil Requirements
Citrus bergamia prefers well-draining, loose, and slightly acidic soil. It can tolerate a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The soil must be rich in nutrients and organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy soil types provide an ideal growing medium for this plant. It is not recommended to grow Citrus bergamia in heavy clay soil as it can lead to poor drainage and root damage.
Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit. Cultivation
Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit., commonly known as bergamot, is a citrus fruit mostly cultivated in the Mediterranean region, especially in southern Italy. In terms of cultivation and care, bergamot trees require warm temperatures and a significant amount of sunlight.
It is important to note that citrus trees, including bergamot, thrive in well-draining soil. The soil should be aerated adequately to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged, which can cause damage to the tree. Ideally, the soil should be slightly acidic with pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering Needs
Watering citrus trees, including bergamot, is important for their growth and productivity. Young trees require more water than mature ones. Newly planted trees should be watered daily for the first two months of planting, after which the frequency can be reduced.
The amount of water needed by bergamot trees depends on various factors, such as the type of soil and weather conditions. It is recommended to water citrus trees deeply every seven to ten days, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization
Bergamot trees benefit from regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and increased production. A balanced fertilizer with high nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus is ideal.
The fertilization frequency depends on the age of the tree. Young trees require fertilizer every two months, while mature ones need it three times a year. The best time to fertilize citrus trees is during the spring and summer months when the trees are actively growing.
Pruning
Bergamot trees require occasional pruning to keep them in shape and encourage growth. Pruning removes dead, diseased, and damaged branches from the tree. It also promotes air circulations, which can help prevent pest infestations.
The ideal time to prune bergamot trees is during the early spring after the risk of frost has passed. During the first three years of the tree's life, pruning should focus on training a strong and stable framework. Once established, pruning can focus on maintaining the tree's shape while removing unnecessary branches.
Propagation methods for Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit., commonly known as bergamot or bergamot orange, is a highly valued fruit tree for its essential oil extracted from the peel. Propagation of Citrus bergamia can be performed by seeds or vegetative methods like cuttings, budding or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Citrus bergamia propagation, particularly for rootstock production. Bergamot seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits, keep in mind that this plant is notorious for its irregular ripening time so it's better to collect seeds from different fruits to ensure better viability. The seeds should be sown soon after extraction with their juvenile coat still intact to avoid them from drying out. Germination usually occurs within 30 days, and the seedlings should be grown in well-draining and airy soil with sufficient nutrient supply.
Propagation by Cuttings
Citrus bergamia can also be propagated by cuttings obtained from semi-hardwood or hardwood stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant period and treated with rooting hormones. They are then planted in well-draining and nutrient-rich soil under misting system or covered with transparent plastic to maintain humidity levels until rooting occurs. Once rooted, the seedling should be transferred to individual containers.
Propagation by Budding or Grafting
Budding and grafting are the most commonly used vegetative propagation methods for Citrus bergamia. Budding involves grafting a bud from a desired cultivar to a rootstock while grafting involves attaching a scion from a desirable cultivar to a rootstock. These methods are preferred for producing trees of known quality, disease resistance, and production capacity. Budding and grafting are more complicated than the other propagation methods and will require more skills and knowledge of the cultivars involved. Both methods require maintenance after successful union for the first year by monitoring growth and pruning practices.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.
Citrus bergamia, also known as Bergamot, is a small, fragrant citrus tree that is widely grown in Italy. Like all citrus trees, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the tree and reduce the quality and yield of the fruit. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Citrus Canker: Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that manifests itself as raised, corky lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of infected plants. It causes defoliation, premature fruit drop, and reduces yield. The disease is highly contagious, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Preventive measures include avoiding the introduction of infected plant material and washing hands and tools thoroughly before working with citrus trees.
Greasy Spot: Greasy spot is a fungal disease that appears as dark, greasy-looking spots on the upper surface of the leaves. The spots can coalesce into larger patches, which can lead to leaf drop and reduced fruit quality. Management includes pruning to increase tree ventilation and applying fungicides early in the season.
Melanose: Melanose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the fruit, leaves, and twigs of the tree. The lesions can become corky with age, eventually killing the infected tissue. Preventive measures include using disease-free propagating material, proper pruning to increase tree ventilation, and applying fungicides early in the season.
Pests
Asian Citrus Psyllid: The Asian citrus psyllid is a small, brown insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees and can transmit a serious disease called citrus greening. Management includes cultural practices such as removing dead wood and applying insecticides.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that feed on young shoots or underneath leaves. They can cause leaf wilting and fruit deformation. Management includes spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that can infest citrus trees and cause leaf yellowing and wilting. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. Management includes increasing tree ventilation, removing infested leaves, and applying miticides.
Overall, preventing disease and pest infestations in citrus trees involves a combination of cultural and chemical practices. Proper management can help maintain the health of the tree, increase yield, and ensure the quality of the fruit.
