African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6945

Full Length Research Paper

Citric acid treatments on the vegetative, fruit properties and yield in Interdonat lemon and Valencia orange

Murat Guneri1*, Adalet Misirli2 and Ibrahim Yokas1
  1Program of Horticulture, MuÄŸla University, Ortaca Vocatinal School, 48600 Ortaca, Mugla, Turkey. 2Department of Horticulture, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 10 May 2012
  •  Published: 23 October 2012

Abstract

 

The aim of the research is to apply two different doses (0.05 and 0.1%) of citric acid to the leaves of Valencia orange and Interdonat lemon, which are cultivated in regions with higher soil pH, in order to lessen / decrease the negative effects of higher pH values. The effects of these treatments on the vegetative and fruit properties and yield were investigated. As a result of the evaluations; 0.05% citric acid has increased leaf width from 5.89 to 5.95 cm for Interdonat lemon and from 4.26 to 4.30 cm for Valencia orange; leaf area respectively from 49.43 to 50.78 cm2 and from 27.04 to 27.99 cm2. Average fruit weights of Interdonat lemon and Valencia orange have reached higher amounts, in 0.05% citric acid treatment (139.3 g) and in 0.1% citric acid treatment (213.0 g), respectively. The amount of vitamin C in Interdonato lemon had higher amounts in 0.05% citric acid treatment (48.26 mg/100 g) and in 0.1% citric acid treatment (48.80 mg/100 g). For the amount of vitamin C, the value in Valencia orange (0.05%: 47.92 mg/100 g and 0.1%: 46.19 mg/100 g) was the same with Interdonat lemon. Compared to the control group (37.59%), the 0.1% citric acid treatment (38.47%) caused a rise in the ratio of lemon juice. Moreover, compared to the control group (43.22%), the 0.05% citric acid treatment (44.17%) and the 0.1% citric acid treatment (45.44%) has caused a gradual rise in the ratio of orange juice.

 

Key words: Soil pH, vegetative characteristics, fruit characteristics, yield.