What is it about?
This study examines the impact of extreme climate conditions, particularly high rainfall due to La Niña, on the phenology, productivity, and quality of Siam citrus (Citrus nobilis var. Microcarpa) in Banyuwangi, Jember, and Lumajang. The research, conducted from 2005 to 2011, found that the continuous high rainfall in 2010 disrupted the typical flowering cycle, increasing the frequency of flowering from 1-3 times per year to 4-6 times, but leading to excessive fruit drop and failed harvests in 2010 and 2011. Productivity significantly declined to 5-10 tons/ha from the previous 20-30 tons/ha, and fruit quality (color, taste, and total dissolved solids) also deteriorated. However, orchards that implemented the Integrated Management for Healthy Tangerine (PTKJS) system demonstrated better resilience, yielding 10-12 tons/ha. The study also identified new potential areas for Siam citrus cultivation, particularly in dry and sandy lands, as an adaptation strategy to extreme climate events
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Why is it important?
This research is important because it highlights the significant impact of extreme climate events, particularly high rainfall due to La Niña, on citrus farming, which is a major agricultural sector in Indonesia. Understanding how climate variability affects phenology, productivity, and fruit quality is crucial for developing adaptation strategies to safeguard citrus production. The study provides valuable insights into how excessive rainfall disrupts the normal flowering cycle, leads to fruit drop, and ultimately reduces yields and quality, affecting farmers' livelihoods and local economies. Moreover, the findings emphasize the importance of implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as the Integrated Management for Healthy Citrus (PTKJS) system, which helped mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather and sustain production levels. Identifying new cultivation areas, such as dry and sandy lands, offers alternative solutions for farmers to continue citrus farming under changing climate conditions. This research serves as a critical reference for policymakers, researchers, and farmers in developing more sustainable and adaptive agricultural systems to ensure food security and economic stability in the face of climate change2158-Article Text-5871-….
Perspectives
From my perspective, this paper provides a critical understanding of how extreme climate variability, particularly La Niña-induced heavy rainfall, disrupts agricultural systems, specifically Siam citrus farming in Indonesia. The study effectively illustrates how prolonged wet conditions can alter plant phenology, reduce yields, and degrade fruit quality, ultimately impacting farmer livelihoods. This research is highly relevant in today's context, where climate change is causing more frequent and unpredictable weather extremes. What stands out to me is the practical approach taken by the researchers in identifying mitigation strategies. The implementation of the Integrated Management for Healthy Citrus (PTKJS) system is a promising adaptation method that has demonstrated its effectiveness in maintaining production under extreme conditions. Additionally, the study’s identification of dry and sandy land as a potential alternative for citrus cultivation is an important finding that could help farmers transition to more climate-resilient farming systems. However, I believe future research should further explore long-term strategies to enhance citrus resilience to extreme rainfall, such as improved soil drainage systems, genetic improvement for climate-resistant citrus varieties, and more widespread implementation of adaptive agricultural practices. There is also a need to assess the economic feasibility of shifting cultivation to dry lands and whether this can be scaled up effectively for broader impact. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights, and I see it as a strong foundation for further studies and policymaking on climate adaptation in citrus farming.
Zainuri Hanif
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Kajian Dampak Iklim Ekstrim Curah Hujan Tinggi (La-Nina) Pada Jeruk Siam (Citrus Nobilis var. Microcarpa) Di Kabupaten Banyuwangi, Jember Dan Lumajang, Planta Tropika, January 2015, JK School of Gov, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta,
DOI: 10.18196/pt.2014.023.49-55.
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