Dekopon Orange

Dekopon Orange: Description and Farming

🟠 Description of Dekopon Orange:

Dekopon Orange (also known as Shiranui, Sumo Citrus, or Shiranuhi) is a premium seedless citrus fruit, originally developed in Japan. It is a hybrid between Kiyomi and Ponkan mandarins.

🔹 Key Characteristics:

• Shape: Large, slightly flattened with a distinctive knob or bump at the top.
• Color: Bright orange rind, slightly rough and thick but easy to peel.
• Size & Weight: Typically weighs 200–300 grams; some fruits can weigh up to 400 grams.
• Taste: Exceptionally sweet, low acidity, and very juicy.
• Sweetness (Brix): Very high, usually between 13–18° Brix, making it one of the sweetest citrus varieties.
• Texture: Tender, melt-in-mouth pulp with no seeds.
• Aroma: Strong, citrusy fragrance with floral hints.

🌱 Farming and Cultivation of Dekopon Orange:

🔹 Climate Requirements:

• Temperature: Prefers subtropical to mild-temperate climates.
• Frost: Sensitive to frost during flowering and early fruiting stages.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and sweetness development.

🔹 Soil Requirements:

• Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• Drainage: Essential to prevent root rot.

🔹 Propagation:

• Usually propagated through budding or grafting onto compatible citrus rootstocks like Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) or Carrizo citrange.

🔹 Planting:

• Spacing: 4–5 meters apart.
• Time: Best planted in spring or post-monsoon.

🔹 Irrigation:

• Requires moderate but consistent watering, especially during fruit development.
• Avoid water stagnation.

🔹 Fertilization:

• Needs balanced NPK fertilizers with micro-nutrients like zinc, boron, and magnesium.
• Organic compost or farmyard manure enhances fruit quality.

🔹 Pruning:

• Regular pruning helps to shape the tree and improve air circulation.
• Remove dead/diseased branches after harvest.

🔹 Flowering & Fruiting:

• Flowering Season: Late winter to early spring.
• Harvest Season: 7–9 months after flowering, typically December to March depending on climate.

🔹 Pest & Disease Management:

• Common issues include citrus psylla, scale insects, and fungal diseases like root rot and citrus canker.
• Use of neem oil, copper fungicides, and integrated pest management (IPM) is recommended.

🔹 Post-Harvest:

• Fruits are graded by size and sweetness.
• Shelf life is relatively long if stored in cool, dry places.

✅ Highlights:

• Seedless & easy to peel
• Extremely high sweetness
• Premium export fruit
• Good storage quality
• Niche market with high demand

Would you like a short version or a comparison with another orange type?