Mosambi (sweet lime / Batavia)

Mosambi is a sweet-orange cultivar of Citrus sinensis, locally known as sweet lime, battayi, chini or Batavia, and is the dominant citrus type in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra as well as in parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Despite the English name "sweet lime", it is botanically a sweet orange rather than a lime (C. limettioides).

Key characteristics

Scientific name: Citrus sinensis (sweet orange)
Fruit: large, round to slightly oblong; pale yellow-green rind at maturity; juicy, low-acid, sweet pulp
Climate: tolerant of a wide range of subtropical and semi-arid conditions
Soil: well-drained loams with good calcium status

Cultivation

Mosambi is propagated by budding on rootstocks suited to the local soil. Rangpur lime is the historical default rootstock in central India, while Jamberi (rough lemon), Sour orange and newer selections such as New Sellar Gold and Brazilian Orange are also used in different belts. Spacing is conventionally 6 x 6 m, but ICAR-CCRI Nagpur has evaluated denser spacings down to 2 x 2 m for high-density planting; very close spacings increase early yields but accelerate canopy merger and shading problems (Citrus Spacing Canopy Collapse).

Pest and disease profile

The variety is highly susceptible to Phytophthora gummosis (Citrus Gummosis), the principal cause of orchard decline in Marathwada. Citrus greening (HLB), Tristeza, citrus canker and orchard mites are also significant problems and are managed through indexed planting material, vector control and orchard sanitation.

Adoption and use

Mosambi is consumed primarily as fresh juice in roadside and street markets across India; processing into ready-to-serve beverages and canned squash is also significant. ICAR-CCRI Nagpur has worked on triploid seedless Mosambi through endosperm culture and has extended Technology Mission on Citrus support to Marathwada growers.

References

Production of Triploid Seedless Mosambi. ICAR-CCRI Nagpur.
ICAR-CCRI Nagpur institutional page.