Origin Of Orange
The orange is the fruit of various citrus species in the family; it is primarily referred to as Citrus sinensis, also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related Citrus aurantium, bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually. Orange trees are a perennial crop.
Some species and varieties of orange are economically important, namely the China orange also called the sweet, or common, orange. The sweet orange tree is usually 6 meters (20 feet) high. The evergreen leaves are broad, glossy, medium-sized, and ovate with narrowly winged leafstalks.
Its white five-petaled flowers are very fragrant. The orange fruit is divided into segments called carpels. It has a round shape; its color is usually pulp orange, although there are different species.
Oranges do not ripen or improve in quality after being picked; hence they are plucked when fully ripe. Orange trees still produce fruits in abundance up to 50 to 80 years and even more.
Nutrient Composition Of Orange
The major nutrients in oranges are carbs, water, and fiber. Here are the nutrients in about half of a large orange (100 grams):
- Calories: 47
- Water: 87%
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Carbs: 11.8 grams
- Sugar: 9.4 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Orange
- Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, and they may help reduce the risk of colon cancer and get off free radicals that cause damage to the system.
- Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is suitable for preventing colds and preventing recurrent ear infections.
- Antioxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
- Vitamin B6 is a nutrient in oranges. It supports the production of hemoglobin and helps to regulate blood pressure.
- Orange is a good fruit for diabetic patients because it contains fiber that controls blood sugar levels. Fructose in oranges can prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating.
- Eating oranges may prevent lung, skin, and breast cancer due to the D-limonene compound.
- The original orange nature is acidic before digestion; the many alkaline minerals in it aid digestion. Lemons also have a similar property.
- Oranges help keep the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy due to vitamin A.
- Orange contains soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps prevent irritable bowel, keeps the intestines and stomach function smooth, and helps treat constipation.
How To Grow Orange
Yield Information Of Orange
A mature orange tree produces 200 to 350 oranges. However, experienced orange farmers can harvest between 400 to 600 fruits from each tree. Under a dense planting system, with 400 trees per hectare, the expected yield of an experienced farmer would be 40-50 tons per hectare.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements Of Orange
- Begin by planting seeds indoors. Once they have germinated and grown into small trees, transplant them directly into the garden with a new pot.
- Place your tree into the pot and fill the area around the roots with soil. While setting the tree, maintain the level at the nursery and press in the soil well.
- Young orange trees need plenty of water until they are settled in their new home. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, for at least a week or two and the water regular.
- Make sure your orange tree has total sun exposure.
- If you choose to plant your tree in a container, ensure that the container is three times bigger than the seedlings root ball.
- If using a container, use a well-draining potting mix with compost.
- If planting in the ground, amend the soil with organic material.
- Drainage is important as they do not like to be soaked in water.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Orange
A suitable soil to plant orange is highly fertile and lime-free soil with good salt absorption and light loam. Soil pH of 6-7 is best. Orange trees grown in full sun produce the most fruit; they can also be grown in partial shade. Up to 6-8 hours of sunlight is very suitable for healthy growth.
Orange trees in lightly filtered shade produced by nearby tall trees will do well.
Watering Requirements Of Orange
An orange tree in its growing stage will require 1.5 inches of water each week. At maturity, the amount of rainfall each year and other aspects of the climates determine the amount of water your orange tree will need to grow.
Planting And Spacing Requirements Of oranges
The spacing requirements for planting oranges is 7 meters between the rows and 7 meters apart. However, the spacing in orange is determined by the type of soil, method, and the varieties selected for planting.
Harvesting Of Orange
Ripe oranges are usually firm; they have thin, smooth skin and soft spots. Riper oranges have more weight than their actual size. If the tree is at the ground level, grasp the fruit and twist it gently until the stem cuts off from the tree.
For high trees, place a ladder on the tree trunk, climb to a point and then shake the branches for the fruits to fall off.
Storage Of Orange
Oranges are best stored when they have not yet been washed because wet skin oranges will grow mold and spoil. You can store oranges out of direct sunlight at room temperature or in the refrigerator for two weeks. The storage container should not be airtight but an open bowl so that air can circulate freely.
Oranges kept in the refrigerator will store for about ten days, while dried orange seeds will store for longer.
Diseases And Pests Of Orange
Anthracnose
Symptoms include leaves dropping prematurely, leaves covered in dark fungal spores, and red to green or black streaks on the mature fruits. Apply fungicides to the whole tree if the disease is causing damage to it.
Armillaria Root Rot
Symptoms include:
- Sudden wilt and collapse of trees or decline slowly.
- Leaves become chlorotic and drop from the tree.
- The whole become affected if the larger part of the root is destroyed.
- The bottom of the trunk may have an area of rotting bark.
- Spots on the trunk look similar to Phytophthora gummosis.
An orchard that has been infected may be difficult to control. However, removing affected trees that are showing symptoms can be removed along with the root system.
Black root rot
Symptoms include small brown-black lesions on roots that may merge and turn the entire root black; root cortex may slough off to reveal the vascular tissue below; plant leaves may be chlorotic. Using good quality potting soil provides good aeration.
Brown rot
Symptoms include water-soaked lesions on fruit close to maturation; leather tan to dark brown lesions on fruit; lesions with a pungent smell; leaves, twigs, and flowers may be turning brown. To control brown rot, you should focus on reducing leaf wetness. Do the following to reduce leaf wetness culturally:
- Mow around the tree to prevent grasses from growing too long.
- Manage irrigation properly.
- Delay harvest for infected fruit by allowing the fruit to drop to the ground to reduce contamination in the harvest.
Citrus canker
Bacteria cause citrus canker, and symptoms include:
- Raised lesions on leaves, often at leaf margin or tip.
- Lesions may also be present on twigs and fruits.
- A yellow halo usually surrounds young lesions.
- Depressed brown craters formed from the collapse of lesions.
You can manage the disease by removing and destroying all infected trees, using cultural methods like controlling leaf miner’s population, windbreaks, and applying copper sprays.
Conclusion
The health benefits of oranges are abundant, thanks to their abundance of vitamin C. This powerful nutrient not only boosts the immune system, but also promotes collagen production for healthy skin. Loaded with antioxidants, oranges are powerful fighters against free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Plus, the fiber in oranges aids in digestion, while the presence of potassium helps keep blood pressure in check for a healthier heart. Additionally, the flavonoids found in oranges may have benefits for cardiovascular health.
Additionally, the fruit’s natural sugars provide a quick energy boost. With their refreshing taste and nutritional value, oranges are a delicious and wholesome addition to a balanced diet, promoting overall wellness and vitality.