Abstract
Problems with marginal internal quality and fruit colour exist in the South African satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) industry. Timing of summer girdling from 2–11 weeks after the “physiological fruit drop” (APFD) period on fruit quality, maturation, yield, fruit size distribution and tree performance were investigated in three trials: a) girdling under deficit irrigation, b) girdling under normal irrigation, and c) consecutive (two years) girdling under deficit irrigation. The trials were carried out with ‘Mihowase’ satsuma trees on Troyer citrange rootstock in Simondium in South Africa. Girdling, applied 2–4 weeks APFD, significantly (PPP<0.05) decreasing fruit size. Leaf chlorophyll and N contents, six weeks after harvest, were lower in girdled trees than in ungirdled ones.

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