Breaking the cycle: managing alternate bearing in citrus orchards
One year the trees are loaded with fruit. The next, production drops dramatically. Sound familiar?
Alternate bearing remains one of the biggest challenges facing citrus growers, particularly in mandarins and easy peelers. Beyond fluctuating yields, it can impact fruit size, pack-outs, harvest timing, and overall orchard profitability.
Why does it happen?
While carbohydrate depletion has long been blamed, research now points to a more complex picture involving:
- Excessive crop loads
- Reduced vegetative growth
- Hormonal signals that suppress flowering
- Environmental and orchard stress factors
The result? Trees struggle to maintain the balance needed for consistent production year after year.
Can it be managed?
The good news is that growers are not powerless against alternate bearing. Key management practices include:
✓ Crop load regulation and fruit thinning
✓ Strategic harvest timing
✓ Pruning to maintain canopy balance
✓ Optimised nutrition and irrigation management
The goal isn’t simply to maximise production in a single season—it’s to build sustainable, consistent yields over the long term.
Read the full article to explore the latest research behind alternate bearing and discover practical strategies to help keep your orchard productive year after year. From Issue 9 of our ROOTED e-mag: https://duroinursery.co.za/media/
