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A Publication by Citrus Research Institute Sargodha
Citrus fruits of the country have assumed ever increasing significance both area and production wise. These Fruits are grown on an area of 199.9 thousands hectares with the production of 2132.20 thousand tons (Pakistan Agri. Statistics 2008-09), However, the disturbing phenomenon of citrus fruits is the one varietal dominance i.e. Kinnow mandarin, which has created a condition of monoculture. It is an established reality that one varietal reliance is always fraught with the serious repercussions. The prominent among these are gradual susceptibility to diseases, pests, physiological disorders, degradation in quality characters and tendency of fruit crops to enter in all declining syndrome. Moreover, monoculture is economically less benefit multiplier and market restrictive. Realizing the very narrow base of diversification of citrus sector; Citrus research institute, Sargodha managed to import the bud wood of various important citrus groups i.e. Sweet oranges Mandarins, Tangerines, Tangelos, Grape fruits, Lemons, Limes and rootstocks. Worth of all such varieties has been tested under local agro Climatology and varieties of proven performance recommended for commercial cultivation. It has also been noted with concern that Citrus growers awareness about these high merit varieties has been observed very poor.
This concern has prompted the institute to develop a Citrus varietal compendium for its wide circulation. Scientists of Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha toiled hard to complete the evaluation in a concise form which is worth appreciation. It is hoped that the effort will go a long introducing new varieties of commercial significance to widen the much needed goal of diversification. The information produced in this document of varietal description will best serve the academia, Citrus growers and industry persons in a broad way and the country will come out of the problems of mono culture a dire need of the day.
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