Overview
The Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore is a hybrid plant originating from the cross between the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and the tangerine (Citrus reticulata). It is also known as the chironja, honeybell, or the temple orange.
Appearance
The Citrus ×tangelo plant is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 to 15 feet tall. It has a dense and round canopy of semi-deciduous leaves that have an oblong-shaped, dark green glossy appearance. The tree has numerous thorns on its branches and stems, which helps protect itself from potential predators. The fruits have a shape that is similar to a mandarin but slightly larger. They have a deep orange color and a thin, smooth skin with several prominent oil glands that emit a fragrant aroma when punctured.
Uses
The Citrus ×tangelo is cultivated for its sweet and juicy fruits, which are harvested when they are fully ripe and have a high sugar content. They are commonly eaten fresh as a snack, used in salads, or freshly squeezed for refreshing juice. The fruit is also used in the production of jams, marmalades, and other preserves.
The essential oil from the tangelo fruit is used in the fragrance and perfume industry due to its fresh and uplifting scent. The plant's leaves and stems are also used in traditional medicine to treat digestive problems, fever, and respiratory diseases.
Cultivation
The Citrus ×tangelo is mostly grown in Florida and other warm, humid regions with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. They are sensitive to frost and require adequate moisture to flourish. The best time to plant the tree is in the spring or fall, and it can take up to three years to reach full maturity. Fertilization, pruning, and regular irrigation are essential in the cultivation of this tree to ensure optimal fruit production.
Light Requirements
The Citrus ×tangelo plant requires a lot of direct sunlight and thrives well in full sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this tree in an area with full sun exposure for optimum growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Citrus ×tangelo plant thrives best in warm temperatures, and it cannot tolerate extreme cold conditions. The optimal temperature range for growing this plant is between 15°C (59°F) to 35°C (95°F). Hence, it is essential to protect the plant from frost during winter periods.
Soil Requirements
The Citrus ×tangelo plant grows well in moist, well-drained soils. It prefers acidic to neutral soil with a pH of between 5.5 - 7.5. The ideal soil type for this plant is sandy or loamy soil, which should be rich in organic matter. It also enjoys being planted on slightly elevated land to ensure proper drainage and prevent waterlogging that may cause root rot.
Cultivation methods for Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
The Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore, commonly known as honeybell, is a hybrid variety of citrus fruit. It is a cross between tangerines and pomelos or grapefruits. Cultivation of this fruit requires specific conditions that meet its preferred growth requirements.
The honeybell fruit thrives well in areas with sunny and warm environmental conditions. Planting should be done in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and the planting hole should be three times deeper and wider than the root ball.
Another essential cultivation method is to provide enough spacing between trees. Standard honeybell trees require a spacing of 14-16 feet apart, while dwarf trees require 8-10 feet apart. Proper spacing allows sufficient airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Watering needs for Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
Honeybell trees require consistent watering to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. New plants should be watered frequently, while mature trees require deep watering once or twice a week depending on the season. A deep watering method involves soaking the soil at the root zone to enable the roots to absorb moisture easily.
The frequency of watering can be adjusted according to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil drainage. During the dry winter season, supplemental watering may be necessary to prevent water stress even when the rain frequency is low.
Fertilization of Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
Proper fertilization supplies the essential nutrients required for healthy tree growth and fruit development. The honeybell tree requires a balanced fertilizer with slightly higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Fertilizer should be applied three times a year, starting with early spring, late spring, and late summer.
Application of fertilizer should be done at a distance of twelve inches from the trunk to the tree's dripline. Overfertilization should be avoided, as it may cause salt buildup or toxicity in the soil, leading to stunted growth or damage.
Pruning of Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
Pruning is essential for maintaining honeybell tree shape and size, enhancing new growth, and promoting fruit production. Pruning should be done annually to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which can act as entry points for pests and diseases.
The best time for pruning is during the dry winter season before new growth appears. Light pruning can also be performed during the growing season to remove weak, crossing, or inward-growing branches.
Proper pruning techniques involve cutting at a forty-five-degree angle above a healthy bud or node to promote outward growth. Large branches should be cut at the joint to avoid leaving stubs, which can attract pests or cause decay. Ensure that pruning tools are sharp and disinfected to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore can be propagated by various methods like seed propagation, budding, grafting, and cutting.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore is by seed. It is important to choose a quality seed that comes from a healthy, disease-free parent plant. The seeds should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept warm and moist. It is recommended to use a heating mat under the pots and to cover them with clear plastic to help maintain humidity. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and once the seedlings have reached approximately 2 inches in height, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Budding and Grafting
Budding and grafting are common methods of propagation for Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore. Both methods involve the use of a scion, which is the part of the plant that will produce the fruit, and a rootstock, which is the base onto which the scion is grafted or budded. This method is commonly used to produce large quantities of plants that are identical to the parent plant.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can be done by taking cuttings of Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore and rooting them in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be approximately 6 inches in length. The leaves at the base of the cutting should be removed to prevent rotting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in the soil. The cutting should then be kept warm and moist until roots have formed.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore
Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore, also known as tangelo, is a citrus hybrid that is vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. Proper care, monitoring, and prompt treatment are essential for successful management of these issues. This article provides information on common diseases and pests that might affect tangelo plants and suggests ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Citrus Canker: Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that affects all citrus plants, including tangelo. The symptoms include lesions or sores on leaves, fruit, and twigs, which cause defoliation and fruit drop. The primary management options for this disease include early detection, removal of infected plant parts, and copper sprays that act as a protectant.
Sooty Mold: Sooty mold is a fungal disease that forms blackish-brown crusts on leaves and fruit of citrus plants. It is caused by the growth of sap-sucking insects such as scales or mealybugs, which excrete honeydew that attracts fungi. Proper management of sooty mold involves controlling the insects with insecticides, spraying a horticultural oil to suffocate the mold, and improving air circulation around the plant.
Greasy Spot: Greasy spot is a fungal disease that causes yellowish-brown spots on the leaves of citrus plants. The spores of this fungus can survive in the soil for months. Proper management involves control of leaf miner, removal of fallen leaves, and sprays of copper fungicides.
Common Pests
Citrus Leaf Miner: Citrus leaf miner is a small caterpillar that tunnels into the leaves of citrus plants, leading to the characteristic squiggly lines seen on leaves. The best way of controlling this pest is by removing and burning affected leaves. Insecticides may also be used if the population is particularly large.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are another type of sap-sucking insect that affects citrus plants, including tangelo. The insects form a waxy shield on the branches and leaves that can cause stunted growth and distortion of the plant. To manage these pests, prune off heavily-infected portions and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Citrus Psyllids: Citrus psyllids are small insects that suck plant juices, which stunt growth and reduce fruit quality. They can also spread a bacterial disease called Huanglongbing. The primary management options include the use of insecticides, biological control measures, and removal of infected plant parts.
Conclusion
Citrus ×tangelo J. Ingram & H. Moore plants can be vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. Proper management involves early detection, prompt treatment, and good cultural practices. By following these practices, you can successfully grow and enjoy healthy tangelo plants.
