THE FUTURE OF LEMONS ON THE PENINSULA: WHY AN URGENT “REFORM” IS NEEDED

 

Lemon cultivation in the Sorrento Peninsula and along the Amalfi Coast is going through a critical phase. Despite the landscape, historical, and commercial value of these areas, current agronomic conditions reveal major structural problems: outdated orchards, recurring plant health issues, inadequate water management, and the gradual abandonment of modern cultivation techniques.

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The outcome is evident: tired plants, irregular yields, inconsistent fruit quality, and a growing loss of competitiveness.To prevent the definitive decline of one of the symbols of Italian citrus growing, a decisive change of direction is required. 

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The solution proposed by Agronomist Vito Vitelli is clear and unequivocal: a true “reform pruning,” understood not as a simple cutting operation, but as a complete rethinking of the cultivation system

 

1. Overcoming the inefficiency of “giant” trees

One of the main problems of historic orchards lies in excessively developed trees, often trained on pergolas or traditional structures that over time have led to:

• An excess of old, unproductive wood
• Poor development of young fruiting branches
• Difficulties in management and harvesting
• Increased pressure from harmful organisms

Although imposing in appearance, these trees are now low yielding and inefficient.

The reform involves removing unproductive wood and encouraging the formation of new, functional main branches that are brighter, better ventilated, and truly productive.

The goal is not to cut in order to reduce, but to rebuild a tree that can perform efficiently again.

2. The density paradox: more plants, but better managed

One of the most innovative aspects of the proposal concerns planting density.

Contrary to what one might expect, thinning is not always the solution; in many cases, higher density is required.

The proposed model includes:

• Row spacing of 4 to 5 meters
• In row spacing of 2.0 to 2.5 meters
• Smaller, balanced, and easily manageable trees

This approach makes it possible to:

• Improve light distribution
• Limit excessive canopy growth
• Simplify pruning and harvesting
• Increase productivity per hectare

This is not about indiscriminately increasing the number of trees, but about completely changing the management philosophy of the lemon grove, moving from a monumental structure to a modern, rational, and sustainable agricultural system.

 

3. Acting now: time is a decisive factor

The real risk today is not only agronomic, but also economic and cultural.

Without timely intervention:

• Abandonment of orchards will increase
• Profitability will decline
• Territorial value will be lost
• The agricultural identity of the area will be compromised

The historical reasons that led to the development of traditional systems are understandable, but they are no longer sustainable in the current context.

What is needed are courageous, technical, and informed decisions.

Conclusion: reform as an act of responsibility

Reform pruning is not merely a technical operation.

It represents a change in mindset.

It means moving:

• From passive maintenance to active management
• From static tradition to informed innovation
• From historical aesthetics to productive functionality

It is like restoring an old building: repainting the facade is not enough if the internal systems are compromised. Deep, well-reasoned intervention is required to make the structure livable, efficient, and durable once again.

Only in this way can lemons from the Peninsula continue to be not just a symbol, but also a concrete economic resource for future generations.

Keywords:
#Lemon #Sorrentopeninsula #Amalficoast #Citrusgrowing #Reformpruning #Lemongrove #Modernagriculture #Citrusreform #Canopymanagement #Sustainability #AgronomistVitoVitelli

Editorial note:
Original content by Agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical enhancement purposes.

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