Citrus flowering: A critical evaluation

SummaryDespite much research, Citrus flowering remains poorly understood with many contradictions and conflicts existing between reports. This review is a critical evaluation of various important aspects of the Citrus flowering literature. Factors discussed include general flowering behaviour and phenology, inflorescence leafiness, the age and location of bearing wood, and the major endogenous and exogenous factors influencing flowering. Since many reports fail to include information crucial for critical evaluation of results, several aspects serving as guidelines for the description and quantification of flowering are presented. The Citrus flowering literature, despite its deficiencies, provides a wealth of usable information for citriculturists.