1.Climatic conditions:
Mandarin grows well in warm subtropical and tropical regions, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 38°C. It requires a minimum of 300-500 mm rainfall per year, and the ideal humidity for mandarin cultivation is between 60% to 70%.
2. Soil:
Mandarin can be grown in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is susceptible to waterlogging and therefore, requires well-draining soil.
3. Propagation:
Mandarin can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively through cuttings or grafting. However, propagation through grafting is more common and preferred.
4. Planting:
Mandarin can be planted during the rainy season or winter. The ideal time for planting is from July to September. The seed rate is about 200-250g per hectare, and the spacing of planting is about 5-6 meters between rows and 3-4 meters between plants.
5. Irrigation:
Adequate irrigation is crucial for the growth and development of mandarin. Irrigation should be done from the day of sowing and should be continued regularly.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
The recommended dose of manure and fertilizers for mandarin cultivation is about 20-25 tons of farmyard manure per hectare, along with 200-250 kg of NPK fertilizer. The recommended NPK dose is 80-50-50 kg per hectare.
7. Training and pruning:
Training and pruning are essential for maintaining the shape and size of the mandarin plant. Pruning should be done regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and to promote new growth.
8. Varieties names:
Some popular varieties of mandarin include Clementine, Dancy, Satsuma, Owari, and Tangerine.
9. Harvesting stage and yield:
Mandarin fruits are ready for harvesting after 8-10 months of planting. The fruit should be harvested when it is fully ripe and has attained a bright orange color. The yield of mandarin varies depending on the variety, location, and cultivation practices. On average, a well-maintained mandarin orchard can yield about 20-30 tons per hectare.
