Francesca Di Girolamo - entrepreneur and an expert on the Sicilian citrus sector - said, "Final rush for the farming work. We are providing the last care to the citrus groves before the harvesting. Clementines come first, and then the oranges immediately after."
Francesca Di Girolamo
“This is the period in which the fight against the enemies of the citrus groves has ended. The organic citrus growers, like us, sprayed the plants with mineral white oil for prevention against the strong red cochineal. This year, in the area surrounding Ragusa we have recorded a massive presence of cochineal – especially in the plots near the rivers".
“Additionally, launches of Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri are also carried out to counter the Planococus Citri. Following the infestations of aphids, we noticed a massive presence of ladybug larvae that prey on the aphid itself. Also, the fight against the fruit flies is carried out with traps activated with deltamethrin”.
Cultivating with the organic farming method requires great competence and knowledge of natural antagonists. But what are the expectations for the next citrus fruit campaign in the South-Eastern part of Sicily – especially regarding the areas to the south of the Tunis parallel?
“For the next 2018/2019 campaign, no particularly abundant production of citrus fruit is expected. This is because of the production alternation phenomenon and the spread of the Citrus Tristeza Virus – which is damaging all the old Italian bitter orange groves. The Sicilian government is taking care of this. Indeed, there is a call for tenders from the affected companies for the renewal of the diseased citrus groves".
Qualitative Aspects
Francesca di Geronimo concludes, “If the expected harvest is not abundant, we can at least count on a higher quality. Fewer fruits mean greater size. Yet, it is a bit disappointing that we will see a wild import from non-EU countries. However, we must say that some countries have stated their intention to suspend their orange exports to Europe. This is due to the presence of the Citrus Black Spot. In this way, the risk of spreading the disease to our citrus groves is avoided”.