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.