Citrus Cultivation in Venezuela

摘要

This short review focuses on a few aspects related to the citrus industry that have received attention in Venezuela. From a well, culturally speaking, established citrus industry, consistent efforts have been made to study the main pests and pathogensthat cause diseases and economic losses in citrus orchards across Venezuela. Despite the knowledge gathered from almost a century of phytopathological studies, however, very few advances have been attained in the improvement of citrus germplasm in Venezuela. In the same way, postharvest management of the produce has not shown a successful history of accomplishments. The marginal increase of production and yield in recent times that seems to be decelerating the tendency of the last fifteen years to accumulate losses, however, have yet to demonstrate that the industry is experiencing a renewal of its cultural practices and an increase in financial and technological inputs. Increases in the consumption of fruits have also been recorded in the last few years, but consumption has not yet reached the recommended levels set by international standards. The citrus industry in Venezuela has still much to do, despite being one of the most important in the country, to contribute to food security and to offer theproducers an attractive source of personal and professional satisfaction as well as financial reward.