Introduction: The Description of ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore
×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore is a hybrid plant that is a result of the crossbreeding between the plants belonging to the family Rutaceae. It was originally developed in the early 1900s and is a combination of several different plant species, including the Citrus and Fortunella genera. This plant is also known by several names such as Limequat, Citrofortunella, and Lakeland Limequat, among others.
Origin
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant was initially developed by researchers at the USDA Horticultural Research Station in Florida, USA. It resulted from the crossbreeding of the key lime and kumquat plant species. The plant was first introduced to the public in 1926 and has since been propagated and grown all over the world.
Common Names
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant is commonly known by several names. The most common name for the plant is Limequat, which is a combination of the words “Lime” and “Kumquat” and reflects the plant's parentage. Other common names for the plant include Citrofortunella, Lakeland Limequat, and Eustis Limequat.
Uses
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant is mainly grown for its fruits, which are a cross between limes and kumquats and are used in various culinary applications. These fruits are juicy and acidic, with a sweet and sour flavor. The Limequat fruit can be used to make jams, marmalades, and sauces. The fruit can also be used to make a refreshing and tangy juice. The plant is also an ornamental plant that can be grown in gardens and as a houseplant.
General Appearance
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant is a small shrub or tree that can grow up to 8-10 feet tall. The plant has a compact and bushy growth habit and has glossy green leaves that are ovate in shape. The Limequat fruit is small, round to slightly oblong, and usually measures about 3-5 cm in length. The fruit is green when unripe and turns yellow when it is fully ripe. The plant flowers in early spring, producing fragrant and white flowers that grow in clusters.
Light Requirements
The plant ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore requires bright but indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. A location with partial shade or filtered light can be ideal. This plant can also benefit from artificial lighting, especially in areas with low natural light. It is recommended to keep the plant near a bright window or use fluorescent bulbs for at least 12 hours a day if grown indoors.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical or subtropical regions, and therefore prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can harm or kill the plant. It is crucial to avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Winter heating can also make the air too dry for the plant, requiring additional humidity.
Soil Requirements
For best growth, ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore requires a well-draining soil with good structure. It prefers soil with pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soil, but it does not thrive in highly alkaline conditions. The recommended soil type is a high-quality potting mix amended with organic materials, such as peat moss or compost. It is essential to ensure proper drainage by using containers with drainage holes or adding perlite or sand in the soil mixture.
Cultivation Methods
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant requires well-draining soil, which should be free of weeds and pests. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, so it must be placed in a sunny location, preferably where it can receive sunlight for at least six hours daily. It can be grown outdoors, preferably in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11, or indoors in a container.
Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant, and that it has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. The planting depth should be such that the root ball is just below the soil surface. After planting, water thoroughly and place the container in a sunny location.
Watering Needs
The ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry before watering. Overwatering will lead to root rot, which can be lethal to the plant. During periods of excessive heat, the plant may require daily watering.
Indoor plants may require less frequent watering than outdoor plants, and the drainage holes must be checked regularly to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plants require regular fertilization to promote growth and fruiting. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. However, citrus-specific fertilizer can also be used.
The fertilizer should be applied to the soil surface, then watered thoroughly. Young plants require less fertilizer than mature plants, so the fertilizer dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the shape and size of the ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore plant. It should be done annually, preferably during spring before new growth starts. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease.
The plant should be pruned such that it maintains a compact size, especially if it is grown indoors. High humidity can cause the plant to grow leggy branches, which will require heavy pruning to maintain the desired shape.
Pruning should be done using clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. The cut surfaces should be treated with fungicide to prevent infection.
Propagation of ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore
Propagation is the process of producing new plants from existing ones. The most common propagation methods for ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore are through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore can be obtained from a mature fruit. The seeds are then extracted, washed, dried, and planted in a well-draining seedling mix. The seeds should be planted about 1 cm deep, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered regularly. Germination usually takes place within two to three weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings are another way to propagate ×Citrofortunella J. Ingram & H. Moore. Cuttings are usually taken from softwood or semi-hardwood growth in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and all the leaves on the lower half should be removed. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Regular watering and misting will encourage new roots to grow from the cuttings, which can take up to six months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more complicated propagation method, but it is the most common commercially. The process involves joining a scion (the desired plant) with a rootstock (the root system of another plant). The scion and the rootstock are carefully matched, and the graft union is bound together until they heal and fuse. Grafting ensures the resulting plant has the desired characteristics of the scion while being supported by the rootstock.
Disease and Pest Management for Citrofortunella
Citrofortunella, commonly known as calamondin or golden lime, is a small citrus tree that is popular for its ornamental and edible fruit. Like any other plant, Citrofortunella is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Citrus Canker: Citrus canker is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruit of Citrofortunella. The symptoms include raised, corky lesions on the leaves and fruit, premature fruit drop, and twig dieback. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and keep the plant well-maintained.
Phytophthora Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Citrofortunella. The symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual plant death. To manage the disease, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant the tree in well-draining soil.
Greening Disease: Greening disease is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves and fruit of Citrofortunella. The symptoms include yellowing of the leaves, misshapen and bitter fruit, and eventual tree death. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, use disease-resistant varieties, and control the insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid.
Common Pests
Asian Citrus Psyllid: The Asian citrus psyllid is a tiny insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of Citrofortunella. It is also the vector for greening disease. The symptoms of infestation include yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and misshapen fruit. To manage the pest, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, and monitor the tree regularly.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flat insects that infest the leaves and stems of Citrofortunella. The symptoms of infestation include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold on the leaves. To manage the pest, use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil, and remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts.
Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that infest the leaves of Citrofortunella. The symptoms of infestation include yellowing and stippling of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual leaf drop. To manage the pest, use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil, and maintain a healthy, well-watered plant to reduce stress.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Citrofortunella requires an integrated approach that includes proper sanitation practices, cultural management, and chemical control when necessary. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can help to keep your Citrofortunella healthy and productive.
