The Persian lemon: its characteristics The Persian lemon tree is moderately vigorous, medium to large, where it can reach heights of 4.5 to 6 meters, with branches with few short and pointed thorns. The leaves are broad-lanceolate and with winged petioles; young shoots are purple, which later turn green. It has small white flowers. The fruit is oval and generally rounded at the base. The peel of the Tahiti lemon is bright green until ripe and turns pale yellow, while the flesh is greenish-yellow when ripe. The fruit is usually seedless.
Temperature. The temperature range for optimal growth of the Persian lime is from 25 to 31 °C. The temperature influences the development of the crop to such an extent that the time from flowering to fruit ripening varies according to the temperature conditions of each region, while in hot climates the time is shortened, in cooler climates it is lengthened. The minimum temperature for cultivation is 18 °C and the maximum is 38 °C. It should be noted that the Persian lemon is a crop that is sensitive to low temperatures, and it is essential to know the minimum temperatures of the site where the crop is to be established. Low temperatures cause paralysis in tree growth and in fruiting stages induce fruit falls, which strongly affects the income of the producer.
Solar radiation. The amount of available light is vital for the development of the Persian Lemon and this element of the climate is closely related to the rate of growth of the tree, as well as the quality of the fruit, especially the flavor and color of the fruit. Also, the amount of light the plant receives is important for the formation of flower buds.
Precipitation. The availability of water is essential in the development of any plant, such is the case of the Persian lemon that demands a reasonable supply of this liquid to carry out its different physiological and metabolic processes. Regions with rainfall of the order of 400 to 1,200 mm per year are optimal for the Persian lemon. Water deficit inhibits flowering and fruiting, in addition, when the plant goes through a state of water stress, it stimulates the early ripening of the fruit, as well as the production of smaller-sized fruits with low juice content. In places where rainfall is greater or is not well distributed throughout the year, it is necessary to implement irrigation systems to supply the water demand of the plant.
Wind. Tahiti lemon trees have abundant leaf area, so it is not recommended to establish lemon orchards where the wind speed is greater than 20 km/h, as it can cause leaf and flower drop, as well as fruit rubbing against branches, affecting the quality of the fruits and their acceptance in the market. In areas where the winds are strong, windbreaks should be established to counteract the adverse effect of this natural phenomenon.
Soil Requirements for Persian Lemon
The soil is one of the most important resources for the development of the Persian lemon, since its properties strongly influence the crop. The soil is the medium where plants are anchored, take nutrients and water, so before establishing a crop it is important to diagnose its physical, chemical and biological fertility. Here are three of the most important: pH. The Persian lemon, like most limes, grows best in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Orchards established on calcareous soils with high pH can cause severe micronutrient deficiencies in trees, mainly manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies. Texture. It develops best in soils with a sandy loam texture, although clay loam soils are also suitable for the plant. Soils must have good drainage for good fruit production and growth. Soils with poor drainage favor the incidence of diseases such as gummosis. Depth. Being a perennial plant, it requires deep soils to develop its root system for anchoring and absorption. Soils more than 60 cm deep are optimal for the establishment of Persian lemon.
INTAGRI. 2018. Climate and Soil for Persian Lemon Cultivation. Fruit Series No. 40. INTAGRI Technical Articles. Mexico. 3 p.m. Literature consulted
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2 окт 2024
