Proposal of an empirical model to estimate the productivity of ‘Valencia’ orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) in the Colombian low tropics

The response of the citrus crop to environmental supply largely determines speed and intensity plant's ecophysiological processes, which affect development production crop. main objective was analyze effects climatic conditions on productivity ‘Valencia’ orange agroecosystems (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) previously typified in department Meta, Colombia. climatological variables precipitation (PPT), maximum minimum temperatures (Tmax Tmin), wind speed, relative humidity solar brightness were analyzed an observation window spanning years 2013 2015. Using FAO CropWat model, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) obtained applied agroclimatic indices. statistical software STATGRAPHICS Centurion XVI v. 16.2.04, empirical model proposed that relates according indices, for vegetative reproductive phenological phases. It found explains 49% (P=0.0233) oscillation study area agroecosystems. based indices associated with PPT, ETo, Tmax Tmin, relationship between is non-linear. established variation mainly influenced by occurrence magnitude volume quality fruit. On other hand, whereas increases air temperature water deficits pre-flowering flowering phases positively favor production, same factors produce a negative effect setting phase.