Overview
Citrus jambhiri Lush. is a small evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is commonly known as Rough Lemon or Kath lebu in Bengali. The fruit of this plant is sour and is widely used for its medicinal properties and culinary purposes. The plant is native to Northeastern India and Burma, but it is now grown in many subtropical regions around the world.
General Appearance
The Rough Lemon tree is a small, thorny evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. The branches are spiny, and the leaves are shiny and dark green, with a slightly oval shape and a pointed tip. The flowers are pale pink or white, with a sweet and pleasant fragrance. The fruit is round or oval, with a rough and bumpy surface, and it changes color from green to yellow when it ripens. The pulp is acidic and juicy, with a sour and strong taste.
Uses
The Rough Lemon is widely used for its medicinal properties. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which make it a natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. It is also used to treat digestive disorders, such as acidity, indigestion, and diarrhea. The juice of this fruit is a natural bleach and can be used for skin lightening and to treat acne and pimples. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used for medicinal purposes, including treating fever, headaches, and skin diseases.
Besides its medicinal properties, the Rough Lemon is also used in cooking. The juice and zest of the fruit are used to flavor dishes, sauces, and drinks. It is widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in pickles, chutneys, and drinks. The fruit is also used in the production of essential oils, which are used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products.
In addition to its practical uses, the Rough Lemon tree is also grown as an ornamental plant. Its shiny leaves, fragrant flowers, and colorful fruits make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Citrus jambhiri Lush. requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive and produce fruits. It should be placed in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and stunt growth.
Temperature Requirements
These plants prefer warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for growth ranges from 60-85°F (15-30°C). They cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause leaf drop and reduce growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Citrus jambhiri Lush. grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. The soil should be loamy and rich in organic matter. The plant requires regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot. Fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 months to ensure healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Citrus jambhiri Lush. is commonly known as rough lemon and is grown mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or grafting. It prefers well-drained and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Proper spacing of plants is essential to allow adequate sunlight and air circulation.
When planting, ensure that the citrus tree is not planted too deep and that the rootball is above ground level. This helps prevent issues like collar rot, root rot, and fungal infections. Mulching can be done to help keep the root zone moist and to keep weeds at bay.
Watering Needs
Citrus jambhiri Lush. requires moderate watering. Always ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. Watering should be done deeply and less frequently during winter and more frequently during the hot and dry season.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization of Citrus jambhiri Lush. is necessary for optimal growth, fruit set, and yield. It is important to use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Application of fertilizers should be done according to the instructions on the package. Over-fertilization should be avoided since it can lead to salt accumulation, nutrient deficiency, and soil acidification.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Citrus jambhiri Lush. The best time to prune is during the active growth phase, which is usually from spring to summer. Pruning should be done to remove dead, broken, and diseased branches. It can also be done to thin out the canopy and to encourage new growth. Citrus trees should not be pruned during the dormant phase since this can lead to stunted growth and lower yields.
Propagation of Citrus jambhiri Lush.
Citrus jambhiri Lush, commonly known as Rough Lemon, is a citrus fruiting plant that is a juicy, acidic, and sour fruit used in various food items like jams, juices, and pickles. The propagation of Citrus jambhiri Lush is usually done through vegetative methods.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative method of propagation is preferred for citrus plants like Citrus jambhiri Lush because seed propagation can lead to unpredictable results, and the plant may not produce true-to-type after seed propagation. The vegetative propagation method involves the following techniques:
Cuttings
Citrus jambhiri Lush can be propagated through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings collected in the spring or early summer are preferred. The cuttings should be around five to eight inches long and should have a diameter of a pencil. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a medium containing peat moss, sand, and perlite. Place the planted cuttings under mist to ensure high humidity, and the roots will develop in approximately six to eight weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Citrus jambhiri Lush. Select a branch and remove a one-inch section of bark. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Secure it in place with plastic wrap and check periodically to ensure the moss stays moist. After roots have developed, remove the branch from the parent plant and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining medium.
Grafting/Budding
Grafting is a common propagation method for citrus plants and is preferred for producing true-to-type plants. A rootstock is selected, and a bud or scion is taken from healthy, disease-free Citrus jambhiri Lush plants and grafted onto the rootstock. After grafting, the plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment, and the graft union should be monitored to ensure it has healed correctly.
Overall, Citrus jambhiri Lush can be propagated through various vegetative methods like cuttings, air layering, grafting, and budding. These methods allow the propagation of healthy, true-to-type plants for use in gardens or commercial orchards.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrus jambhiri Lush.
Citrus jambhiri Lush. plants are susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect their health and productivity. It is essential to prevent and manage these problems to ensure healthy growth and high yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the Citrus jambhiri Lush. plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Gummosis: Gummosis is a bacterial disease that affects the bark of citrus trees. It causes the bark to split and ooze gum or sap, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage gummosis, you should prune infected branches and apply copper-based fungicides to the affected areas. You can also prevent gummosis by maintaining proper irrigation and fertilization.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, twigs, and fruit of citrus trees. It causes small, dark lesions on the leaves and fruit, leading to premature fruit drop and reduced yield. To manage anthracnose, you should spray the plants with fungicides containing copper or sulfur. You can also prevent anthracnose by practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering.
Citrus greening: Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing, is a bacterial disease that affects the phloem of citrus trees. It causes yellowing and blotchy mottling of leaves, stunted growth, and bitter, misshapen fruit. There is currently no cure for citrus greening, so prevention is key. You should control the Asian citrus psyllid, the insect that spreads the disease, with appropriate insecticides. You should also remove and destroy infected trees to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
Asian citrus psyllid: The Asian citrus psyllid is a small, winged insect that sucks on the sap of citrus trees. It is the primary vector of citrus greening disease and can also cause direct damage to the plants. To manage Asian citrus psyllid, you should apply insecticides containing imidacloprid or spinosad. You should also remove any plants that are heavily infested with psyllids.
Citrus rust mite: Citrus rust mites are tiny pests that cause brownish-orange spots on citrus leaves. They can cause defoliation and decreased yield if left untreated. To manage citrus rust mites, you should spray the plants with acaricides containing sulfur or other active ingredients. You should also prune any heavily infested branches and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, shield-shaped pests that suck on the sap of citrus trees. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and dieback of branches if left untreated. To manage scale insects, you should apply insecticidal oils or soaps that suffocate the pests. You can also scrape off the scales with a soft-bristled brush or your fingernail.
By preventing and managing diseases and pests, you can ensure the healthy growth and productivity of your Citrus jambhiri Lush. plants. Remember to always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using pesticides or fungicides.
