Introduction
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. is a type of citrus fruit with a unique taste and aroma. It is widely cultivated around the world and is an important part of many diets. This plant is used for both its fruit and its flowers, which are also prized for their delicate scent.
Origin
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan in the early 8th century. It was then introduced to other parts of the world, including Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Common Names
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. goes by many names, including satsuma mandarin, unshu mikan, and naartjie. In some countries, it may be simply referred to as a tangerine or mandarin.
Uses
One of the main uses of Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. is for food. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking. It is also used to make juice, marmalade, and other types of preserves. In addition, the flowers of this plant are highly prized and used for perfumes, essential oils, and other fragrances.
General Appearance
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. is a small tree that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has glossy green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers in spring. The fruit is small, round, and orange in color, with a thin, easy to peel skin. Inside, the fruit is divided into segments filled with juicy, sweet pulp that is rich in vitamin C.
Light Requirements
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu requires full sun to produce optimal growth and fruit yield. The plants grow best in bright, direct sunlight, and should be positioned in an area where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in warm temperatures with a range around 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C). Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C), but prolonged exposure to cold can damage or kill the plant. In areas with cold winters, it is advisable to protect the tree with frost blankets.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu can tolerate a slightly acidic soil, but it will not tolerate soils with a pH below 5.5 or above 8.0. The soil should be moderately fertile and have good water retention capacity. Additionally, the plant is sensitive to high levels of soil salts, so it is recommended to avoid planting in saline soil. It is also important to note that the plant can grow in different soil types, including loamy sand, loam, and sandy loam.
Cultivation
The Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. plant is a small, evergreen tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It can grow up to a height of 3-4 meters and has dark green leaves. It is native to Japan and Korea but has been cultivated all over the world. It requires a warm and humid subtropical climate to grow.
The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types including loam, sand, and clay. However, it grows best in well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5-7.5. The plant also requires full sun exposure to grow and develop properly.
Watering Needs
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. plants require regular watering to grow. The plant requires deep watering at least once a week during the growing season. In hot or dry conditions, the plant may require more frequent watering.
The plant is susceptible to root rot, so it is essential to avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent water accumulation.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow and produce fruit. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential nutrients required by the Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. plant, with nitrogen being the most important. Fertilize the plant monthly during the growing season, starting in the early spring and continuing through fall.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of the care of Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. plants. It is recommended to prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and size and to promote fruit production. Prune the plant during the dormant season, starting in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to grow again.
Prune any dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear to prevent the spread of disease. Also, prune any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Aim to remove no more than 20-30% of the branches each year to avoid over-pruning.
Propagation of Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al.
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al or commonly known as Satsuma mandarin is propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the cheapest and simplest method of propagating Satsuma mandarins. However, this method is not preferred because the offspring will not be true to type, as they inherit different traits from their parent varieties. The seeds usually are taken from mature fruits and planted in well-draining soil.
Budding or Grafting Propagation
Budding or grafting is a method of asexual propagation that allows the clone of a desired Satsuma mandarin cultivar. Budding usually involves taking a bud from the desired variety and grafting it onto a rootstock. When grafting, the scion (the upper part) from the desirable mandarin variety is joined with young rootstocks. Grafted plants can bear fruits in 2-3 years. This propagation method has shown to have high success rates.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is also possible for Satsuma mandarin. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees and should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. Rooting can take 4-6 weeks, and the young plant should be transplanted to a larger container before planting in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al.
Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al., commonly known as the Satsuma mandarin, is prone to several diseases and pests. Effective prevention and management strategies are required to ensure healthy and productive trees.
Common Diseases
1. Citrus Canker - Citrus canker is a bacterial disease affecting all types of citrus trees, including Satsuma mandarin. Symptoms include lesions on leaves, twigs, and fruit. The use of copper-based bactericides as a preventative measure before the onset of the rainy season is the most effective control measure.
2. Melanose - Melanose is a fungal disease that causes small, black, sunken spots on leaves and fruit. Control measures include pruning to increase air circulation and application of copper-based fungicides after harvest and before the rainy season.
3. Phytophthora Root Rot - Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the tree. Preventive measures include adequate drainage, avoidance of waterlogging, and application of fungicides containing metalaxyl or fosetyl-Al.
Common Pests
1. Asian Citrus Psyllid - The Asian citrus psyllid is a small insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. It also transmits the bacterium that causes citrus greening disease, which can be fatal to trees. Control measures include the use of insecticides, the release of natural enemies such as ladybirds and lacewings, and regular monitoring of trees for signs of infestation.
2. Citrus Rust Mite - Citrus rust mites cause scarring on fruit, which can make it unsuitable for sale. Control measures include the use of miticides early in the season and releasing natural enemies such as predatory mites.
3. Citrus Leafminer - Citrus leafminers tunnel through leaves, causing damage and distortion. Control measures include the use of insecticides and the release of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management strategies are essential for the successful cultivation of Citrus reticulata Blanco ssp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Núñez et al. Prevention, early detection, and prompt control measures are key to maintaining healthy trees and ensuring optimal fruit production.
