This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of leaf and soil water potential on flowering of 'Ponkan' mandarin, 'Tahiti' acid lime, and 'Serra d'Água' orange trees under the climate conditions of Viçosa State de Minas Gerais. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Viçosa-UFV, in an orchard located in the Fruit crop Sector of the Crop Sciences Department in the period of March to September of 2004. Were evaluate daily during the experimental period the air temperature (ºC) and the pluvial precipitation (mm). The soil and the leaf water potential ware analyzed at 7:00 to 8:00 a.m., and from 1:00 to 2 p.m. Were used the 'Serra d'Água' orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb) and 'Ponkan' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and 'Tahiti' acid lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka.) trees grafted on 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia Osb.). The leaf water potential of citrus decreased under conditions of high temperature and hydric deficit in soil, however, changes in function the cultivars, being observed the largest values for the 'Tahiti' lime. The flowering happened after a period of low temperatures and soil water potential. 'Tahiti' acid lime was more precocious when compared to 'Ponkan' mandarin and to 'Serra d'Água'orange.
Citrus; water potential; flowering; induction floral
