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Innovations in citrus growing permitted accelerated growing
experiences. Some of the innovations include: Improved
irrigation, fertigation systems, higher density planting, virus-
free trees, disease control, pesticides, intensive fertilization,
and genetic development. Fertigation is a technology that
combines fertilization and irrigation to permit continuous
fertilizer application and thereby promote more rapid growth.
The corporation invested in and employed the above-described
technologies. The corporation invested extensively in land
preparation, water management, fertilization, and other measures
to maximize tree growth and fruit production. Generally, the
corporation exploited techniques that would accelerate the growth
of its citrus crop and maximize its crop output. The corporation
employed Henry Hooker, educated in mechanized agriculture and
experienced in fertigation, to assist in its citrus growing
activities.
Most citrus trees are grafted trees that consist of two
parts, the scion or variety which is grafted or “budded” onto the
rootstock, which comprises the tree’s root system. In the citrus
industry, it is customary to measure a tree’s life from the date
it is permanently planted, and prior development is disregarded.
During May through July 1989, 39,382 citrus fruit trees
(1989 trees) were planted. Eight varieties of citrus were
acquired from a commercial nursery and planted by a commercial
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