Edaphoclimatic characterization of the productive zone of Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) in Tolima (Colombia) affected by a physiopathy

Abstract

In the department of Tolima (Colombia), citrus orchards affected by a physiopathy that induces a progressive death of the trees was observed. A physiopathy is a plant damage or disorder caused by abiotic origin agents. A similar problem called wood pocket was reported for the United States and Mexico. In California (U.S.A.), the problem was solved with the use of resistant rootstocks. In Saudi Arabia and Oman this result could not be replicated. It has been reported that this physiological disorder is enhanced in dry hot climate, typical condition found in the study area: High temperatures, water deficit, high soil infiltration rates and poor irrigation management. These factors lead to plants having low water availability to meet the high atmospheric demand, causing a state of stress during the productive season. The citrus production area shows eight months of water deficit during the year, and the evapotranspiration exceeds in 34 % the precipitation. In very dry years, as 2015, the anomaly may occur throughout the year. Likewise, the soil storage capacity does not exceed 7.3 %, i.e. a lower value than the 14 % reported for sandy soils. It is necessary to adjust the irrigation programs in affected and unaffected areas to prevent this problem.