Citrus Decline in Coorg Mandarin: Soil and Nutrient Management Aspects

Abstract

Citrus decline is a major problem of Citriculture in India and is caused by combined effects of many biotic and abiotic factors. Coorg mandarin is an ecotype grown in Southern India mainly Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Area and production of Coorg mandarin are drastically come-down during the last three decades due to citrus decline. Sub-optimal crop management, unavailability of quality planting materials, nutrient deficiencies, poor soil, water, nutrient and drainage management, pest and disease incidences are major reasons for citrus decline. Coorg mandarin is not given much attention as cultivated along with coffee and pepper plantations which resulted in reduction of average yield of a plant from 50 kg to less than 10 kg. This article mainly focuses on soil and nutrient related constraints in Coorg mandarin and suitable corrective measures to improve plant and soil health of Coorg mandarin orchards for sustaining the production.