Israel expects rise in soft citrus plantings

The Israel Citrus Growers' Association has revealed that it anticipates a further 11,000 soft citrus trees will be planted in the country during 2011, slightly more than the number planted in 2010.

Data from nurseries in Israel indicate that propagation of easy-peelers is on the rise, while the volume of grapefruit and pomelo being planted is on the way down.

Lemon production, meanwhile, reportedly remains fairly static.

According to detailed figures seen by Fruitnet.com, a significant increase in plantings of the Or clementine variety is expected next year, although new production of other key cultivars like Ora, Michal and Morcot is forecast to fall.

In recent years, most of the young trees have been sourced from independent nurseries spread throughout the country (about 570,000 trees), while about 160,000 have been sourced from the Association's own nursery at the Gilat Agricultural Research Centre.