Effects of girdling on alternate bearing in citrus

Girdling branches increased flowering in citrus. The number of buds sprouted increased following treatment but the response markedly depends on the time of girdling, summer being most effective. All types of shoots, except vegetative ones, are increased in number but with no differences in its characteristics. The alternate bearing cultivars, such as ‘Salustiana’ sweet orange and, in some cases, ‘Satsuma’ mandarin, were improved in productivity by girdling in the following year to one of a high crop. The increase in number of leafy inflorescences was particularly important as this can contribute up to 70% of the total fruit crop.