Crops
Citrus fruits
Crop specifications
Morocco:
8th largest citrus exporter in the world
Cultivated areas:
100 000 ha
Citrus families:
about 50% small fruits (clementines, mandarins), and 50% oranges
Production mode:
in orchards; tree lifespan of 15 to 40 years depending on species and variety
Mainly cultivated in Morocco in the regions:
Souss Massa, Gharb, Oriental, Tadla/Haouz
Markets:
The fees for the local market prevails. About a third of the production is exported
Focus on a major problem with citrus fruits: iron deficiency
DESCRIPTION:
Iron deficiency, or ferric chlorosis, is a serious physiological disorder in plants caused by a low level of available iron in the soil. While total iron is often abundant in soils, its uptake by plants can be blocked by certain factors.
FAVORABLE FACTORS:
- High levels of Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese
- Alkaline soils (with high pH)
- Poorly drained, waterlogged soils
- Soils poor in organic matter
ROLE OF IRON:
Iron is involved in respiration, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, nitrogen fixation …
SYMPTOMS:
Young leaves become pale green see yellow or whitish. In case of acute deficiency, leaves fall prematurely.
IMPACTS AND DAMAGES :
Impaired growth and production;
PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF DEFICIENCIES:
- Choice of soil suitable for the requirements of cultivated plants
- Control of soil pH and supply of organic matter (manure, compost, etc.)
- Adequate irrigation (avoid stress and suffocation)
- Supply of chelated iron to the soil (iron protected from oxidation, therefore available to the plant)