Mandarins/Tangerines
Botanically, mandarins refer to three classifications of oranges: satsumas, tangerines, and miscellaneous hybrids. Thought to be named as a result of being transported through the port of Tangier in Morocco, Tangerines are believed to be native to Southeast Asia. These varieties are typically grown in warm weather climates around the world, though tangerines are more tolerant to cold temperatures than other varieties of citrus.
Fruit Set
Fruit set is categorized as the critical transition period shortly after fertilization as plant processes switch over to fruit formation and growth. A successful fruit set is integral to a healthy crop at harvest. This process can be improved with the addition of Cytokin® at key timings. Cytokin® contains plant growth hormones responsible for cell division, cell enlargement, and various other plant growth functions. The nature-based plant growth regulator effects help to maximize conditions necessary for fruit set and early fruit development.
Environmental Stress
Environmental or abiotic stress has the potential to negatively impact plant health, productivity, crop quality and yield. With the unique formulation of Greenstim®, these abiotic stressors can be mitigated via a multifaceted approach. Water retention, overall plant metabolism, as well as general plant recovery can be improved with the addition of Greenstim®. By managing abiotic stress effects, yield losses can be potentially minimized. The best effects are observed when applied prior to stressful conditions.
Brix Development
Uniform fruit ripening, color development, and Brix accumulation can be affected by numerous factors, such as photosynthesis, leaf age, nutrient deficiencies, and disease pressure. As plants begin to senesce—or age—closer to harvest, their photosynthesis and metabolic rates may be reduced. This can lead to uneven ripening and poor sugar development. Sugar Express® applications provide key nutrients which help aid the normal photosynthetic processes that drive Brix development. The accumulation of Brix earlier may improve ripening and color, which is necessary for uniform quality.
Rind Disorders
Various types of degenerative rind disorders can impact citrus crops, including mandarins. Research suggests that these disorders are a result of abiotic stressors such as excessive moisture. Utilizing Pinolene® technology, Vapor Gard® provides an additional physical layer of protection on the outside of the fruit rind. This added layer helps to reduce the effects of excessive moisture. Vapor Gard® has shown significant improvements compared to control at reducing various rind disorder symptoms and damage.
