Fruit size management guide

The information in this guide has been based on the Australian Citrus Industry funded project "Optimisation of Citrus Production and Fruit Size: An Interactive Management Model". The project was led by Dr. Ken Bevington (then NSW Agriculture) and the research, which focussed on navel and Valencia oranges, was conducted between 1999-2002.

Fruit size is a critical management issue for citrus growers and the single most important factor in determining market returns. One of the most important factors affecting fruit size is crop load. Throughout the growing season there are several management options available to growers that can be used to help modify crop load.

The Fruit Size Management Guide Part 1 includes:

  • Citrus Growth Stages, the Citrus Phenological Cycle and Key Management Actions (1-4);
  • Crop Manipulation Strategies for Improving Fruit Size;
  • Key Elements of Nutrition (Summary) and Tree Nutrition for Improving Fruit Size.

The Fruit Size Management Guide Part 2 covers:

  • Estimating Crop Load;
  • Measuring Fruit Size;
  • Using the Predictive Fruit Size Model