Citrus plants produce a number of flowers, but just a few of them however, become mature fruits. Many factors, as well as organic and inorganic nutrients, influence prebloom and flowers setting. The objective of this work was to evaluate the repartition of macro and micronutrients in citrus flowers, leaves and branches. Branches of "Natal" sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) grafted on Rangpur lime rootstock were collected and separated in flowers, leaves and wood during anthesis. Orange flowers represent a drain for organic compounds and macro and micronutrients as well. Their dry matter on anthesis is equal to that of leaves and higher than that of the branches. The highest proportion of Ca, Mg and Ni of the three parts is found in the flowers where possibly migrate in part, into the developing fruits. It is thought that leaf sprays of calcium, magnesium and nickel could raise yield under conditions of deficiency due to their effect on flowering.
Citrus; macronutrients; micronutrients; nickel
