Effects of fluoride air pollution on citrus growth and fruit production
Citrus foliage will accumulate relatively large amounts (several hundred parts per million) of fluoride when exposed for prolonged periods of time to a few parts per billion by weight of HF in the air or when sprayed periodically with dilute concentrations of NaF or HF in water. Accumulation of fluoride in young citrus leaves in quantities exceeding 50 ppm on a dry weight basis often produces the following effects: mean leaf size is reduced 25 to 40%, a marginal and interveinal chlorosis may develop, leaves may become senescent and absciss prematurely causing a thinning of foliage on the tree. Axillary buds may be stimulated, resulting in proliferation of small branches, thereby resulting in a more compact or semi-dwarfed growth habit. Citrus trees which are exposed to sufficient fluoride to result in the seasonal accumulation of 75 ppm or more fluoride in spring cycle leaves will eventually (in 2 or 3 seasons) be reduced 15% or more in fruit production. 11 references, 3 figures, 4 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California, Riverside
- OSTI ID:
- 5963295
- Journal Information:
- Proc. First Intern. Citrus Symp.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. First Intern. Citrus Symp.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN XY505
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Effects of acute hydrogen fluoride and nitrogen dioxide exposures on citrus and ornamental plants of central Florida
Chlorosis produced by fluorine on citrus in Florida
Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CITRUS
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
GROWTH
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INORGANIC ACIDS
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
REPRODUCTION
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM FLUORIDES