Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pomelo and limes. The most recent research indicates an origin in the Himalayas. Previous research indicated an origin in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeast India, Burma (Myanmar) and the Yunnan province of China and it is in this region that some commercial species such as oranges, mandarins and lemons originated. Citrus fruit has been cultivated in an ever-widening area since ancient times. It has also been cultivated for the production and consumption of citrus juice.

Introduction and importance

Citrus fruit is grown in all four provinces of Pakistan but Punjab produces over 95% of the crop because of favorable growing conditions. Citrus is divided into different groups namely Sweet oranges, Mandarins, Grape fruits, Lemons and Limes which are commercially grown on an area of 5 lack acres throughout the country with an average yield of 4.5 tons per acre.