EFFECT OF CULTURAL PRACTICES ON THE PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF WINTER MEXICAN LIME

Abstract

In this research we evaluated cultural practices such as branch girdling, pruning, fruit thinning, drought stress and its combinations, to induce flowering and fruit production in the Winter, as well as their effects on the fruit quality of Mexican lime 〔Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle〕. The cultural practices applied in August including and the absolute control (foliar spray of urea 1 % p/v) induced an increase of 600 % in the amount of flowers. Branch girdling, drought stress, pruning and fruit thinning promoted gains of 500 to 1000 % in fruit yield during the Winter. However, branch girdling and drought stress might damage the trees. Application of urea increased flowering, but not fruit yield. Branch girdling improved fruit quality regarding fruit weight, diameter and the sugar/acidity ratio, but it reduced color index and pulp firmness.