Sugar oranges, particularly the esteemed Satsuma mandarins, have garnered significant global popularity, driven by their sweet and juicy flavor.
This variety is in high demand worldwide, with major producers including the United States, Brazil, and Spain.
Consumers, with an increasing emphasis on food quality and taste, are incorporating sugar oranges in their direct consumption and in various products such as beverages, juices, salads, and more. The granulated orange market is poised for sustained growth, propelled by the ongoing trend of consumption upgrading.
As a natural fruit, Satsuma mandarins offer a delightful taste and a rich array of vitamins and minerals. This nutritional profile aligns seamlessly with the modern quest for healthier dietary choices. Thus, the satsuma mandarin market is expected to develop further against rising health awareness.
Proper planning and adherence to best practices are crucial when cultivating Satsuma mandarins, commonly known as Shatsugange. The ideal planting period spans from February to March, ensuring a favorable start in fertile soil.
For paddy fields and river alluvial soil, raised beds should be arranged in rows, while on less fertile dry land with a slope, a 1-meter square deep pit should be prepared. The pit requires a blend of 3 kg phosphate fertilizer, 5 kg lime, 100 kg garbage mud or pond mud, and 30-50 kg cow or chicken manure.
After mixing the fertilizer and soil, the pit is filled, with the tree plate ideally positioned about 20 cm above the ground. Trimming branches and leaves before planting helps reduce water evaporation, and pruning the main root while preserving fibrous roots is essential for optimal growth.
During planting, fibrous roots should be allowed to spread naturally in a shallow pit, and after backfilling, the soil should be compacted without burying the grafting mouth too deep.
Following planting, covering the tree tray with straw or other weeds and thorough watering is advised.
In the initial month, maintaining soil moisture around the root system is crucial, especially during hot and dry weather. Daily watering is necessary in these conditions, while moderation is key to avoiding waterlogging in rainy weather.
Challenges persist despite ongoing research in sugar orange cultivation technology providing valuable insights.
Issues like inappropriate varieties, inefficient pest control methods, and unscientific fertilization techniques must be addressed. To overcome these challenges, relevant agricultural authorities must intensify efforts in promoting sugar orange cultivation and pest control technologies.
A well-devised promotion program can significantly enhance sugar orange production, reduce the risk of diseases and pests, and foster an environment conducive to their growth. This initiative will improve the overall technical proficiency of local farmers and promote the sustainable development of the sugar orange planting industry.
While the yield and quality of sugar oranges, especially Satsuma mandarins, continue to improve, concerted efforts are required to tackle existing challenges in cultivation. Rational fertilization, irrigation, and pest control can be implemented by aligning planting practices with the local community's specific conditions.
Adopting new agricultural technologies is essential for elevating the scientific level of sugar orange planting and fostering the healthy development of this vital industry.
