It looks rather popular.....but published a while ago. I found it when researching some other plant thing, and there was an add. They are selling used copies for 2.95 or something, the shipping is more than the cost of the used book. New it's 9.99.

Is this book as good as it looks? I was able to see the first 7 pages or so on line, so I got a good look at the table of contents.

In my opinion the book is worthless, but does have some pictures. - Millet

Wow, really? I am not as well learned as most of you... what book would you suggest?

Given the fact that there are few books on citrus, and that this one is under ten bucks, I give this one a thumbs up. Packed with useful info (IMO).
This book, and the sunset book, comprise my citrus library.
I like the subtropical fruits described in the book. It opened my eyes to uncommon fruit I'd never heard of before.

So Millet, why is the book worthless? Bad info? Written by citrus amateurs?
Your review of the book is worthless. I found it useful in learning about other varieties of citrus, cultural requirements of other kinds of fruit trees,
and uh, oh yeah......cool pictures!

Please name some books that make the grade. I'd like to expand my citrus library. Ten bucks? Its like water-boarding a citrus tree.. no brainer!!!

Scott, my friend, your correct, I was to harsh on the Ortho book, and I apologize to the authors of the series. Ortho and Sunset books, were never intended to be text books per se, nor are they, nor were they ever intended to go in depth on any subject. They do make for some light casual reading, and your correct in that the book could be worth $2.95. However, one will not know much about the culture of citrus, and one will know nothing about the citrus industry, after reading an Ortho or Sunset book. I actually have the Sunset and the Ortho book in my library. I would recommend the following books as a good source of in-depth information and study, for someone that desires to learn about citrus and the citrus industry.

Biology of Citrus** (230 PP) Author: P Spregel-Roy & E.E. Goldschmidt
The Citrus Industry** (4-volumes) Author: Batchelor & Webber
Citrus Crop Production Science in Horticulture** (254 PP) Davies & Albrigo
Citrus Handling Guide (68 PP) Author: B. Tugwell
Citrus Varieties of the World 2nd Edition (450 PP) Author: J Saunt
Growing Citrus in Florida (313 PP) Author: L. Jackson & Frederick Davies
The Cultivation of Citrus Fruits** (561 PP) Author: H. Harold Hume
Compendium of Citrus Diseases** (120 PP) Timmer & Gamsey
Handbook of Citrus Byproducts & Processing Technology** (247 PP)
Author: R. J. Braddock

International Organization of Citrus Virologists Proceedings. 1st to 15th Conference
The Genus Citrus** (640 PP) Author: Giovanni Dugo & A. Di Giacomo
Florida Guide To Citrus Insects, Diseases & Nutritional Disorders
(191 PP) Author: Robert M. Prell.

Plant Production in Containers-II ***** (1,129 PP) Author: Carl Whitcomb
Citrus (112 PP) Author Lance Walheim (light reading - good pictures)
Understanding pH Management For Container-Grown Crops** (67 PP)
Author: William R. Argo & Paul R. Fisher

I'll stop there.

** = Excellent book

Scott, thank you for bringing to my attention the abruptness of my first answer. I was wrong in my approach. I'll try to smooth the edges. I hope to see you in Virginia Beach at the Expo. Are you going to bring your award winning Pommelo again ?? Take care. - Millet

You guys are funny


Do you think that book would be of worth for someone like me? Millet, as profound as your knowledge is, I find it going over my head at times. So this being said, would this book give me any insight? I mean the price is a joke so I am game...I have a feeling some of your book suggestions are also over my head.

Thanks in advance

Gen, you can't go wrong for $2.95. Books are subjective, what one does not rate highly another might find OK. I can tell you would make a great student of the Genus Citrus, by the obvious interest that shows through in your postings. - Millet

I've just submitted the following recap to another forum:

Quote:

This Ortho Books publication, in spite of its tantalizing title and cover, provides a limited amount of information on citrus and what's there lacks detail. ISBN: 0897210654

There are better books if you're looking primarily for citrus information. For example, Walheim's book is much better for varietal information. On the other hand this one does provide an interesting overview of the various sub-tropical fruits.

I guess it all depends on the level you are at in citrus growing. TK for your remark Millet, I really do want to learn as much as possible. I think I will go ahead and get the book, Millet's right, the price is a no brainer. Maybe one day I will seek the indepth knowledge you guys do. For now I'm content with getting a fruit or two a season.

TK : )

FYI: The folks at Meredith Books are going to update this book in the near future with more accurate up to date information. I'm not sure when it is scheduled for release though, Sometime next year I would guess. I'll keep the group posted when I hear more.

As much as it may seem rather old fashioned now, this book
was one of the first ones that came out with some information
on some of the Subtropical Fruits that several of the CRFG
members had pretty much just begun to grow for the most
part. At the time when I bought my copy which has a 1985
copyright it was a good, easy to read general book on Citrus
with information on Avocados, Figs and a variety of other
plants that were being grown in the Los Angeles basin at the
time. If I remember correctly, there were some fellow CRFG
members that were consultants for this book. Considering
at that time, this book did provide some valuable information
that could be applied in the growing of these plants in an area
(L.A.) that was pretty much devoid of written or published
information previous to this book on some of the more popular
Subtropical Fruits that were available to members from the
CRFG seed bank and a few grower sources that had some
plants in Southern California. The book was essentially
written for people living and wanting to grow these plants
South of Bakersfield, from the Central Coast and inland areas
all the way down to San Diego. At the time of its publishing
it was one of the few books that we could get our hands on
with information regarding several of the plants mentioned.

Jim

Thanks Aaron & Jim. Please keep us posted on the new edition.

Ecomtl. I find that more useful information can be found on forums such as this. Which is free. Many members refer from books. Yet it is their hands on experience that accounts for success which many are willing to share.

Myself I can't get this kind of information out of a book. This is more hands on.

well said drichard