Citrus

Citrus production brings biology, climate and day-to-day orchard decisions together. This scientific overview follows the crop from its history and genetic relationships through cultivation, crop protection and the handling of harvested fruit, placing citrus production in an international context.

Written by L. Gene Albrigo, Lukasz L. Stelinski and Lavern W. Timmer, this second edition connects foundational knowledge with research and practical management across the citrus industry. Its focus is not a single regional recipe, but the principles and examples that help explain why production choices vary across crops and growing conditions.

From citrus origins to modern cultivars

The opening chapters consider citrus history, distribution and uses, then turn to the complicated taxonomy of citrus and related groups. The discussion covers commercially important species and cultivars, breeding approaches and rootstocks. Together, these subjects offer context for understanding the diversity of citrus and the choices behind selecting and developing trees for production.

How growing conditions shape the crop

Climate and environment affect citrus growth, flowering, fruit set, yields and quality. The book examines those influences across tropical and subtropical production settings, helping readers connect conditions in the orchard with the performance of trees and fruit.

Orchard management, pests and disease

Coverage of plant husbandry ranges from nursery operations and orchard establishment to water management, nutrition, freeze protection, tree-size control, growth regulators and weed control. Separate chapters address major arthropod pests and citrus diseases, including management and control measures. The emphasis on underlying science gives readers a way to understand the reasoning behind cultivation and crop-protection practices.

Following fruit through harvest and beyond

The final chapter explores citrus fruit quality, harvesting, handling and postharvest technology. This completes a production-wide view, linking orchard management to the condition and quality of fruit after it leaves the tree.

For citrus professionals and students

Growers, crop advisers, breeders, researchers and students in horticulture and related plant sciences will find a broad, scientifically grounded introduction to citriculture. Its international outlook and organized treatment of the crop’s life cycle make it useful for readers who want to understand not only what production involves, but also the biological and environmental factors behind it.