Climate changes altered the citrus fruit quality: A 9-year case study in China

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Climate Science
• Horticulture

Background:

• Global climate change poses significant risks to agricultural productivity, especially for perennial fruit crops like citrus.
• Citrus production is vulnerable to climatic shifts, impacting fruit quality and yield.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of climatic variables on the fruit quality of Bingtang orange (Citrus Sinensis L. Osbeck cv. Bingtang).
• To identify optimal climate conditions for enhancing titratable acidity and soluble solids in citrus fruits.
• To develop a predictive model for citrus fruit acidity based on climate data.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fruit quality data from 12 citrus orchards in Yunnan, China (2014-2022).
• Correlation analysis between meteorological data (rainfall, temperature, diurnal range) and fruit quality parameters (titratable acidity, soluble solids).
• Development and validation of a regression model to predict fruit acidity.

Main Results:

• High rainfall and low temperatures promoted higher titratable acidity in young fruits.
• Excessive rainfall, low temperatures, and reduced diurnal temperature range during fruit expansion hindered acidity decrease.
• Low rainfall, high temperatures, and high diurnal temperature range favored soluble solids accumulation.
• A validated regression model accurately predicted citrus fruit acidity based on climate variables.

Conclusions:

• Specific climate conditions significantly influence citrus fruit acidity and soluble solids content.
• Findings provide valuable insights for citrus growers to adapt cultivation practices.
• Optimizing cultivation techniques based on climate predictions can enhance citrus fruit quality under changing climate scenarios.