Kinnow Farming: A Comprehensive Guide

Kinnow ( Citrus reticulata) is a hybrid citrus fruit that was created by crossing the King (Citrus nobilis) and Willow Leaf (Citrus Deliciosa) mandarins. It was initially created at the University of California in the 20th century. It later became a commercial success in India and Pakistan because of its large yield, its juiciness, and rich taste.

Kinnow is a popular fruit across The Punjab area in India as well as Pakistan besides areas in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, where it thrives in a subtropical climate. The fruit is famous due to its bright orange hue, its thin peel, and high Vitamin C levels, which makes it a sought-after option for fresh consumption as well as juice production.

Key Features of Kinnow Farming

• High Yield An individual tree can yield up to 200-250 kilograms of fruit every year.
• Ability to adapt: Grows well in subtropical and semi-arid regions.
• Nutritive Value High in Vitamin C, as well as antioxidants and important minerals.
• Economy: A major export commodity that is seeing a growing demand in international markets.

If you take care of proper orchard management as well as pest prevention and post-harvest processing, Kinnow farming can be a profitable business that farmers can profit from.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Success in cultivating kinnow is dependent on choosing the appropriate environment as well as the right soil conditions. The right environmental conditions will ensure the health of trees as well as high yields and better fruit quality.

Climatic Requirements

Temperature:

• Kinnow thrives in Kinnow thrives in a Subtropical Climate.
• Optimal temperature range: 10degC to 35degC.
• Young plants are prone to frost (<5degC) and extreme heat (>40degC).
• Fruit set and flowering are best at conditions of moderate temperature ( 20-30degC).

Rainfall:

• Ideal annual rainfall is 500-1000mm and evenly distributed all through the day.
• Water logging and excessive rainfall can cause root dry or fungal illnesses.

Sunlight:

• Requires complete sunshine for at minimum 6-8 hours a day.
• The proper amount of sunlight improves the color of fruits and sweetens them.

Wind Conditions:

• Strong winds can trigger drops of fruit and breakage of branches.
• The windbreaks (such as Eucalyptus and Poplar trees) are a good way to protect the kinnow orchards.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

• A well-drained sandy loam and sandy loam soils are the most suitable.
• Avoid using heavy clay-based soils because they hold excess water.

Soil pH:

• The optimal pH range is 5.5 To 7.5.
• Acidic soils (<5.5) require an application of lime in contrast to the soils that are alkaline (>7.5) will require the use of gypsum and organic matter.

Soil Drainage:

• Proper drainage is vital to avoid flooding and root disease.
• Beds that are raised or drains are a great option for areas that are not draining areas.

Organic Matter:

• The rich organic content increases soil fertility as well as retains water..
• Apply properly decomposed farmyard manure (FYM) (or compost) prior to planting.

Best Soil Preparation Practices

1. Drilling deep (30-40 centimeters depth) to remove weeds and loosen soil compacted.
2. organic matter (10-15 tons FYM/ha) before planting.
3. Proper leveling to ensure drainage.
4. Test of the soil to determine nutrient deficiencies as well as pH adjustment.

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Propagation and Planting

Proper propagation and proper planting techniques are vital to creating the foundation for a productive and healthy Kinnow Orchard. Kinnow is usually propagated by budding on suitable rootstocks that will ensure greater adaptability, disease resistance, and increased yield potential.

Propagation of Kinnow

Method: Budding

• T-budding is the most widely employed method of propagating kinnow.
• It involves putting the buds of a chosen Kinnow tree into a suitable rootstock.
• The ideal time to start budding is July to September (monsoon season) when the plants are in full growth.

Common Rootstocks for Kinnow

Rootstock	Characteristics
Rough Lemon (Citrus jambhiri)	The most widely used, robust, and drought-resistant.
Carrizo Citrange	Tolerant of Phytophthora and nematodes. Suitable in sandy soils.
Troyer Citrange	Excellent for high-density planters It is resistant to foot rot.
Sour Orange (Citrus aurantium)	Tolerant of fungal infections, however, susceptible to the tristeza virus.

Choosing the Right Rootstock:

• Zones that are prone to drought Make use of the rough Lemon.
• Areas with waterlogged Do not use Carrizo Citrange.
• High-density planting – Prefer Troyer Citrange.

Planting of Kinnow

Best Time for Planting

• The ideal time to plant is July to September (monsoon season) and February to March (spring season).
• Avoid planting in the winter and summer.

Land Preparation

1. Deep plowing (30-40 centimeters depth): Ensures proper aeration and also removes weeds.
2. Leveling reduces stagnation in water and enhances drainage.
3. Pit Preparation:
   • Dig pits measuring 60 cm by 60 cm and 60cm.
   • Fill the hole with a mixture of topsoil and FYM (10-15 kg) and 100 grams SSP (Single Super Phosphate).
4. Spacing:
   • Standard spacing: 6m x 6m (278 plants per hectare).
   • High-density plants: 4m x 4m ( 625 plants per hectare) for better yields.

Planting Procedure

1. Put your flowering tree in the middle of your pit.
2. The roots should be covered with soil and press them firmly to eliminate air pockets.
3. It is important to water the plant immediately following the planting.
4. Install stakes for support to avoid lodging due to winds.

Intercropping in Young Orchards

• To make the most of space in the initial 3-4 years, farmers can plant short-term crops such as: Legumes (Peas and Beans) vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal) Pulses (Moong, Urad)

Key Planting Tips for Better Growth

Choose healthy, budded plants that are disease-free from nurseries with certification. Keep a 500m distance from other citrus orchards to avoid cross-infection. Avoid planting in areas that are waterlogged areas to prevent the spreading of root diseases. Install drip irrigation systems to ensure efficient water management.

Manure and Fertilization

Proper management of fertilization and manure is vital to good plant growth with high yield and high-quality yields of fruit in the kinnow orchards. A well-balanced intake of organic manure as well as chemical fertilizers will ensure the development of strong roots, faster blooming, and increased fruit size.

Manure and Fertilization Schedule

1. Organic Manure (FYM & Compost)

Farmyard Manure (FYM) or Compost: Improves soil structure, moisture retention, and the activity of microbial organisms..

The young plants (1-3 Years): 10-15 kg/tree each year.

Mature trees (>4 years old): 25-30 kg/tree every year.

• Application Time:
  • Apply FYM while preparing the land before planting.
  • Incorporate well-decomposed manure in July-August (before monsoon).

2. Chemical Fertilizers

Nutrient Requirements per Tree (Grams/Tree/Year)

Age (Years)	Urea (N) (g)	SSP (P2O5) (g)	MOP (K2O) (g)
1st Year	100	100	50
2nd Year	200	200	100
3rd Year	300	300	150
4th Year	400	400	200
5th Year & Above	600-800	600	400

Fertilizer Application Timing:

Nutrient	Application Stages
Nitrogen (N)	Broken into three dosages: February (before flowering) (before flowering), the month of June (fruit set) in September (fruit development).
Phosphorus (P)	Apply only once during February before flowers start to appear.
Potassium (K)	Utilize twice: June (fruit set) and September (fruit development).

Application Method:

• Mix fertilizers using Topsoil all around the trees, 15 to 20 cm from the tree’s trunk.
• It is important to water immediately after fertilizers are applied to facilitate absorption.

3. Micronutrient Management

Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and Ferrous (Fe), Boron (B), as well as Magnesium (Mg), are essential to ensure the quality of fruit and prevent deficiencies.

Foliar Spray Recommendations

Deficiency	Symptoms	Solution (Spray per 100 Liters Water)
Zinc (Zn)	Small leaves, bad fruit set	0.5% ZnSO4 (Twice: February & September)
Iron (Fe)	The leaves of young leaves are beginning to yellow.	0.5% FeSO4 (March & July)
Boron (B)	Poor fruit size	0.2% Borax (Pre-flowering stage)
Magnesium (Mg)	The leaf is beginning to yellow (vein area)	0.5% MgSO4 (During active growth)

Tips: Avoid excessive nitrogen application because it can result in the dropping of the fruit and delayed maturation.

4. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

To achieve sustainable agriculture that is sustainable for sustainable farming, a mixture of organic fertilizers and synthetic fertilizers is suggested.

Best INM Practices

• Utilize 50% nitrogen taken from organic sources (FYM compost, FYM, green manure).
• Supplement 50 percent of nitrogen comes from chemicals used in fertilizers.
• Utilize biofertilizers such as Azotobacter, and PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) to improve nutrient absorption.
• Mulching uses organic matter to preserve soil moisture and increase the amount of nutrients available.

Summary of Manure & Fertilizer Management

Use FYM (25-30 kg/tree) each year to ensure the health of your soil. Use an appropriate NPK fertilizer schedule that is based on the age of the tree. Apply micronutrients through sprays on the foliar to avoid deficiency. Make use of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) to increase productivity over the long term.

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Irrigation Management

Proper water management is vital to ensure the healthy growth of plants as well as a better development of the fruit and increased yields in the kinnow orchards. Under- or over-watering can cause problems such as the dropping of the fruit and root rot. poor quality fruit.

1. Water Requirement of Kinnow

Growth Stage	Water Requirement (Liters per Tree per Irrigation)	Frequency
Young Plants (1-3 years)	10-20 Liters	All the time 4- 7 days
Flowering Stage (Feb-March)	50-80 Liters	All the time Seven to Ten Days
Fruit Set Stage (April-May)	100-150 Liters	Every 10 to 12 days
Fruit Development Stage (June-Aug)	150-200 Liters	Each day for Twelve to 15 Days
Maturity & Harvest (Oct-Dec)	80-100 Liters	Every 15 to 20 days
Winter Dormancy (Dec-Jan)	50 Liters	Every month, HTML0.

NOTE: Water needs depend on the type of soil weather conditions and the age of the plant.

2. Best Irrigation Methods for Kinnow

A. Drip Irrigation (Best for Efficient Water Use)

Reduces water consumption by 50-60% in comparison to conventional methods. It provides a uniform supply of water for the soil’s root zones. It reduces the growth of weeds as well as soil erosion. It is suitable for areas that have limited water supply.

Drip Irrigation Schedule

• Young plants: 4-6 liters per day per plant.
• Mature trees: 20-25 liters per day per tree.

B. Basin Irrigation (Commonly Used)

Ideal for orchards that have adequate water supply.
Basins are constructed around trees to store the water.
Ensures that the roots are well-integrated however, it could also lead to the loss of water through evaporation.

Best Practice:

• Maintain 4-5 feet wide basins for young trees.
• Then, you can increase up to 6- 8 feet in width in mature trees.
• Irrigate every 10 to 15 days by the season.

C. Flood Irrigation (Less Recommended)

This can lead to water wastage and root disease. It causes nutrient leaching and reduces the quality of fruits. Only suitable in dense soils that have low water retention.

3. Seasonal Irrigation Schedule

Season	Irrigation Frequency
Summer (April-June)	Each seven to ten days (High water demand)
Monsoon (July-September)	If required Be careful not to overwater
Autumn (October-November)	Each day for Twelve to 15 Days
Winter (December-February)	Every 15 to 20 Days (Minimal watering)
Spring (March-April)	Every 10 to 12 weeks (Essential in flowering and fruit set)

Tips: Avoid irrigation just before harvesting to preserve the sweetness of the fruit and extend longevity on the shelves.

4. Common Irrigation Mistakes & Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Fruit Drop	Excessive irrigation during flowering & fruit set	Reduce frequency of water use
Fruits of small size	Inadequate water during fruit development	Maintain regular irrigation
Broken fruits	Uncoordinated watering (drought and then excess water)	Make sure that the water is evenly distributed
Root Rot & Fungal Diseases	Waterlogging & poor drainage	Improve drainage of the soil, and avoid flooding from irrigation
Nutrient Deficiency	Leaching as a result of excessive water	Make use of drip irrigation for a controlled supply of water

5. Water Conservation Techniques

Mulching: Spread paddy straw, dry grass, or plastic mulch on trees to help reduce the loss of moisture and reduce evaporation. Recycling rainwater: Store and collect the rainwater that is collected in ponds at farms to be used for irrigation during dry times. Inter-cropping: Plant leguminous plants to increase the retention of soil moisture and to reduce the competition between weeds. Utilize organic matter by adding compost and FYM enhances soil water holding capacity.

Summary of Kinnow Irrigation Management

Use drip irrigation to improve the efficiency of water and for better plants’ health. Avoid excessive watering during flowering and developing phases. Keep the basin irrigated to ensure effective retention of water. Implement a regular irrigation schedule to meet your plant’s requirements for water. Make use of the mulching method and harvesting rainwater to help with water conservation.

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Pruning and Training

Correct pruning and proper education in kinnow agriculture can enhance the structure of trees, as well as air circulation, sunlight penetration and the quality of fruit. Pruning and training properly trained trees yield greater yield, fewer insect attacks, and easier harvesting.

1. Importance of Pruning & Training

Enhances the shape of trees and encourages the development of a strong framework. Improves light penetration, which results in improved fruit development. Removes diseases by cutting off affected branches. Reduces the likelihood of fruit crowding by ensuring the same size and hue. Easy harvesting and the management of orchards.

2. Training of Kinnow Trees

It is crucial to train during the beginning three to four years of growth in trees to build a robust healthy and well-balanced canopy.

Best Training Method: Modified Central Leader System

• Maintains one main branch with three to four well-spaced primary branches.
• This ensures the creation of a solid tree frame to ensure high yield.

Steps for Training Kinnow Trees

1. Pick a single, sturdy branch as the primary trunk. Get rid of weak, diseased, and overcrowded branches. 2nd year: Select three to four primary branches that are growing at different angles to form evenly shaped canopies. Third-Year Takedown low-hanging branches and suckers from the rootstock.

Tips: Maintain a tree’s height of between 3 and 4 meters to allow for easy harvesting and spraying.

3. Pruning of Kinnow Trees

Pruning is the removal of unwanted branches to ensure tree health and efficiency.

Best Time for Pruning:

• After harvest of the fruit (December-January) – to stimulate new shoot growth.
• A premonsoon (June-July) – for getting rid of water sprouts or diseased branches.

Types of Pruning

Pruning Type	Purpose
Formative Pruning	It is done in the early stages of the trees (1-3 years) to build a sturdy frame.
Thinning Pruning	Get rid of weak, crowded, or diseased branches to improve air circulation.
Rejuvenation Pruning	It is done at older orchards to ensure the health of trees by cutting down old branches.
Deadwood Pruning	Elimination of dead dry, broken, or dead branches to prevent the spread of diseases.

4. How to Prune Kinnow Trees?

Step-by-Step Pruning Guide

Use tools that have been sterilized such as pruners and secateurs. Slice suckers as well as water sprouts out of the rootstock. Take out dead, diseased and branches that cross. Reduce the canopy overgrowth to allow more sunlight into the plant. Cut back the excessive vertical growth to keep the tree’s height. Make sure to seal large cuts using Bordeaux paste to avoid diseases.

Tips: Avoid heavy pruning because kinnow fruit can be found on new shoots that were produced in last season.

5. Common Pruning & Training Mistakes

Mistake	Effect	Solution
Over-pruning	Reduces fruiting potential	Only remove weak and sickly branches
Neglecting young trees	Framework development is not as good	Make sure you are properly trained in the the first 3 years of your life.
The delay in pruning	A weak tree structure and disease spread	Prune after harvest (Dec-Jan)
Not sealing pruning cuts	Ingress of diseases and pests	Apply Bordeaux paste on large cuts
Cutting suckers in the middle	Reduces plant vigor	Remove suckers regularly

6. Summary of Kinnow Pruning & Training

Young plants can be trained using The Modified Central Leader System. Prune after harvest (December-January) to stimulate the growth of new plants. Get rid of dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches for improved airflow. Utilize the tools that have been sterilized to prune as well as apply Bordeaux paste to the cuttings. Maintain the height of the tree between 3 and 4 meters for ease of control.

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Pest and Disease Management in Kinnow Farming

Effective control of diseases and pests in Kinnow orchards is vital to ensure the highest yield, top-quality fruit production, as well as the longevity of the orchard. Correct control measures are essential to avoid economic losses resulting from insects and fungal and bacterial illnesses.

1. Major Pests of Kinnow and Their Control

Pest Name	Symptoms/Damage	Control Measures
Citrus Psylla (Diaphorina citri)	Sucks sap from the young shoots, leading to curving and yellowing. Transmits the citrus greening illness.	– Spray Imidacloprid (0.3ml/L) or Thiamethoxam (0.2g/L). Make use of Yellow sticky traps to capture adults.
Citrus Leaf Miner (Phyllocnistis citrella)	Silvery mines on leaves, curling and deformed growth. The disease is particularly harmful to young plants.	– Spray Chlorantraniliprole (0.3ml/L) or Spinosad (0.5ml/L). – Take out the infested leaves.
Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri)	The sticky honeydew on leaves encourages black mold.. – Degrades trees by sucking sap.	– Spray Neem oil (2%) or Acetamiprid (0.2g/L). – Introduce natural predators (Encarsia).
Black Citrus Aphid (Toxoptera aurantii)	Leaf curling is a cause of reduced growth. – Infects others with viral diseases.	– Spray Dimethoate (0.5ml/L) or Neem oil (2%). – Use reflective mulch to deter aphids.
Mealybugs (Planococcus citri)	The white, cottony mass of the stems and leaves. – The development of sooty mold is because of honeydew.	– Spray Buprofezin (1ml/L) or Chlorpyrifos (2ml/L). • Release predators such as the Cryptolaemus beetles.
Citrus Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)	– Maggots develop inside fruits, causing rotting. – Premature fruit drop.	– Use Methyl Eugenol traps. spray Malathion (1ml/L) immediately after the fruit has set.
Scale Insects (Aonidiella aurantii)	Hard, waxy scales that cover leaves, stems, and even on fruits. Plants are weakened via sucking sap.	– Spray Mineral oil (2%) or Buprofezin (1ml/L). Scrape off scales by hand in case of low infestation.
Termites	– Infest young plants, which can cause drying and even death.	apply Chlorpyrifos (2ml/L) in the soil. Make use of the cake of neem in the pit for planting.

TIP: Regularly inspect orchards and apply insecticides only if needed to prevent the buildup of resistance.

2. Major Diseases of Kinnow and Their Control

Disease Name	Symptoms	Control Measures
Citrus Canker (Xanthomonas citri)	Brown, raised lesion and yellow halos that cover the leaves as well as stems and fruits. Reduces the market value of fruits.	– Spray Copper Oxychloride (3g/L) + Streptocycline (500ppm). – Burn and trim damaged plant parts.
Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing – HLB)	The leaves are yellowing with streaks of blotchy mottling. Small, sloppy and bitter fruit.	– Take down and eliminate the affected trees. to control Citrus Psylla (vector) by using Imidacloprid (0.3ml/L).
Gummosis (Phytophthora Spp. )	Cracking of the bark and gum flowing near the tree’s base. Leaves turn yellow and begin to fall.	Make sure to apply copper Oxychloride (3g/L) to be used as an Drench. Enhance the drainage and reduce the risk of injuries on the trunk.
The smell of sooty Mold (Capnodium Spp. )	The growth of black fungal growth is seen on the leaves and fruit because of honeydew that comes from insects.	Control sap-sucking insects like whiteflies and aphids. – Spray Neem oil (2%) or Carbendazim (1g/L).
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)	Black spot that has sunken on the leaves fruit twigs and twigs.	– Spray Mancozeb (2.5g/L) or Carbendazim (1g/L). – Prune dead twigs regularly.
Root Rot (Fusarium, Phytophthora)	Roots change color from light brown to dark brown and then decay, leading to trees to die.	— Drench soil copper oxide (3g/L). – Ensure proper soil drainage.

Tip: Preventive sprays before monsoon help reduce fungal infections.

3. Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) in Kinnow in Kinnow Farming

Cultural Practices

• Make use of plant material that is disease-free.
• Make sure to maintain the proper pruning to improve air circulation.
• Take away the infested fruits and leaves regularly.
• Use Organic mulches to ward off the development of pupae of insects on the ground.

Biological Control

• Utilize insect predators such as ladybugs for the control of aphids.
• Incorporate Encarsia parasitoids to fight off whiteflies.
• The release of Cryptolaemus beetles to control mealybugs.

Chemical Control (As Needed)

• Use insecticides and fungicides only in the case of high infestations.
• Beware of excessive use of pesticides to stop the buildup of resistance.
• Spray chemical sprays at night or in the morning to ensure that pollinators are not hurt.

Organic & Natural Remedies

• Spray Neem oil (2 percent) to control sucking insects.
• Make use of spray made from cow urine (1:10 diluting) to build natural immunity against disease.
• Spray garlic and chili extract to help with psylla and aphid management.

4. Summary of Pest and Disease Management in Kinnow

Check orchards on a regular basis to ensure early disease and pest detection. Utilize IPDM methods (Cultural Bio, Biological, and chemical methods). Prune infected branches and cut off affected fruit. Take care to control Citrus Psylla to avoid the greening of citrus. Use Neem oil and biopesticides and insecticides that are selective. Utilize traps, mulching, as well as beneficial insects to eliminate pests naturally.

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Flowering, Fruit Set, and Harvesting in Kinnow Farming

The proper flowering, set, and harvesting management is crucial to maximizing yield, quality of fruit and profitability of the orchard. Understanding the cycle of flowering as well as the factors that influence the fruit set, as well as the best harvesting methods ensures a high level of productivity in Kinnow farming.

1. Flowering in Kinnow

Flowering Season

• Kinnow trees typically begin flowering between February through April in North India.
• Flowers are delicate, white, and self-pollinating.

Factors Affecting Flowering

Factor	Effect on Flowering
Temperature	15-20degC at night, and 20-25degC during the day, which favors blooming.
Pruning	Pruning properly improves flowering by stimulating the growth of new shoots.
Soil Moisture	Moderate soil moisture is essential. Stress on water during the bud formation stage slows flowering.
Nutrient Supply	The low amount of nitrogen as well as a high level of phosphorus stimulate flowering.
Light Availability	Well-exposed branches will have greater flowers due to improved photosynthesis.

TIP: Avoid excess nitrogen before flowering because it encourages vegetative growth instead of flowering.

2. Fruit Set in Kinnow

Following flowering, kinnows are subject to fruit set after which the fertilized flowers turn into fruit that are young.

Factors Affecting Fruit Set

Factor	Effect on Fruit Set
Pollination	Kinnow can be self-pollinated Kinnow self-pollinates, however honeybees help improve the fruits set.
Temperature	15-25 degrees Celsius is perfect for fruit set. Extreme temperatures (above 35degC) result in a drop in the fruit..
Humidity	A high level of humidity (60-70 percent) prevents excessive flower fall.
Hormonal Balance	Gibberellins (GA3) spray improves fruit set.
Irrigation	Regular gentle irrigation during fruit set helps prevent falling.
Nutrient Deficiency	The absence of zinc, boron, and calcium causes low fruit development and drop in fruit.

How to Improve Fruit Set?

Apply GA3 (15-20 ppm) in the flowering period to increase the set of fruit. Use ozone (0.2 percent) along with zinc (0.5 percent) sprays to ensure better retention of the fruit. Beware of over-watering, as it leads toa drop of fruit.

Tips: Spray Potassium Nitrate (1 percent) at the fruit stage to help reduce the drops in the fruit.

3. Fruit Drop in Kinnow & Its Management

Kinnow trees will naturally lose fruit, however, excessive drops of fruit decrease the yield.

Types of Fruit Drop

1. Early drop – flowers and small fruits fall because of inadequate pollination or a lack of nutrients.2 Mid-Season Drop: Green, immature fruits drop due to stress in the water or hormone imbalance.3 Pre-Harvest Drop: Mature fruit fall because of excessive ripening or fungal infection.

Ways to Reduce Fruit Drop

Apply GA3 (20 ppm) at the time of fruit set to improve retention of the fruit. Spray Calcium Nitrate (1 percent) to enhance the strength of cell walls. Maintain uniform soil moisture through mulching or drip watering. Avoid the application of heavy nitrogen in the time between flowering and setting of the fruit.

4. Harvesting of Kinnow

Harvesting Time

• Kinnow fruit matures between 8 and 9 months after the flowering.
• The ideal time to harvest is between December and February when the fruits are at their peak color and sweet.
• TSS (Total Soluble Solids) should be between 12 and 14 degrees Brix to ensure the highest quality.

Signs of Maturity in Kinnow

Color The skin is bright orange. Firmness: Lightly soft, however not too ripe. Taste balanced sweet and sour flavor. Size Completely developed in line with the standards of the variety.

Tips: Kinnows should be picked when they are fully mature because they are not fully ripe following the picking.

5. Harvesting Methods

Make use of sharp scissors or clippers for cutting fruits with a stem that is small. Avoid pulling the fruits by hand, as it can damage the skin and can reduce shelf life. Harvest in the early morning or late evening to reduce excessive heat stress to the fruits. Take the fruits home in plastic crates to avoid bruises.

Tips: Avoid harvesting during foggy or rainy days to avoid fungal infections.

6. Yield of Kinnow

Tree Age	Expected Yield (Kg/Tree)
3-4 years old	30-50 kg
5-6 years old	80-150 kg
7-10 years old	200-300 kg
> 10 years	350-500 kg

Tips: Proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning can improve yield up to 500 kilograms in a single tree.

7. Post-Harvest Handling

Grading

• Large-sized fruit (A-Grade) Are offered at higher prices.
• Get rid of the blemished, oversized, and overripe fruit.

Washing & Waxing

• To eliminate pathogens and dirt To remove dirt and pathogens, wash fruits with chlorine-free water (100 mg).
• Application of the wax coat to increase appearance as well as shelf-life.

Storage

• Kinnow should be stored at 7°C and 85-90 percent moisture for about 6-8 weeks..
• For transport over long distances, use ventilated cartons with cushioning materials.

Marketing

• Place fruits in 5- to 10-kg boxes to make them easy to handle.
• Kinnow markets of major importance: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Punjab, UAE as well as Bangladesh.

Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing

• Fruits should be cut with hand clippers to prevent damage.
• Grading is made by weight, size, and quality.
• Storage at 4 to 6 degrees Celsius prolongs shelf life by 4 to 6 weeks.
• Products that are processed like Kinnow jam and Marmalade possess an excellent market value.

Economic Importance and Benefits

• Demand is high in both the local and international markets.
• A single tree could produce as much as 200-250 kilograms of fruit each year.
• High in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which makes it nutritionally beneficial.
• It is suitable for small-scale farmers because of its high ROI on investment.

Conclusion

Kinnow farming is a successful business that has huge potential for commercial growth. If you manage your orchards properly along with pest control and post-harvest practices farmers can enjoy an increase in productivity and higher returns on their investments. The growing global demand for the fruits of the citrus will further increase its economic viability.

Would you like additional details on kinnow processing and export potential? 🚜🍊