madhukarkai :

Fruiting tree in Florida Photograph by: North Carolina State University Herbarium

Cultivation:

Three main climates are suitable for commercial citrus production - tropical climates, subtropical with winter rain such as in the Mediterranean and semitropical with summer rainfall as found in Florida and southern Brazil The optimal temperatures for citrus cultivation range between 25 - 30°c, with the coldest month having an average minimum of at least 15°c

Growth generally ceases below 13°c and above 38°c

If there are dry periods of more than three months, then irrigation will be necessary In the production centres of Thailand mean monthly temperatures are about 25 - 30°c with a few cooler (and dry) months; the dry season lasts for 3 - 4(-5) months and annual rainfall is about 1,500 - 1,800mm

The crop is not grown commercially above elevations of 400 metres

Prefers a deep, well-drained but moisture-retentive loamy soil in full sun

Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6

In the tropics the trees flower 2 - 4 times per year, mainly in conjunction with shoot growth flushes

The main flowering period follows the onset of the monsoon rains, unless it is brought forward by irrigation

A load of growing fruit limits fruit set from subsequent blossom periods

Some fruit is usually available throughout the year

Yields greatly depend on cultivar and environment, but there appears to be no reason why the potential yield of pomelo should be lower than for other citrus species

Thai sources put yield at 70 - 100 fruit per tree per year, equivalent to the 20 t/ha per year reported as a good yield in Malaysia

Propogation:

The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it is ripe, after thoroughly rinsing it

Sow stored seed in containers as soon as possible]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembryonic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant

When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 10cm or more tall before planting out into their permanent positions.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. This species grows easily from cuttings

Air layering.

Harvesting:

The dull skin of unripe fruit brightens upon ripening as the oil glands in the skin become more prominent and shiny. This change starts near the tip of the fruit; as it progresses towards the stalk, the fruit attains its full taste and is ready to be picked

Kotakkal Ayurveda - Mother land of modern ayurveda

madhukarkai - Citrus maxima - Rutaceae

madhukarkai :

Cultivation:

Propogation:

Harvesting:

Medicinal Plants