**2. World production**

Among the main fruits produced in the world, citrus are highlighted. The citrus fruits were the second most produced fruit worldwide in 2021, accounting for 161.8 million tons produced in more than 10.2 million hectares. Only bananas and plantains combined exceeded this amount, reaching more than 170.3 million tons [2].

Oranges world production is the most significant within citrus, reaching 75.57 million tons (46.7% of citrus fruit production) in a harvested area of 9.93 million hectares. The second most important fruits are tangerines, with a production of 41.95 million tons (25.9% of citrus fruit production) in a harvested area of 3.11 million hectares. Otherwise, limes and lemons reached 20.83 million tones (12.87% of citrus fruit production) in a harvested area of 1.34 million hectares. Besides, pomelos and grapefruits (*C. paradisi* and *C. máxima*) and other fruits (*Citrus medica, Citrus bergamia, Citrus myrtifolia* and *Fortunella* spp.) are also notorious. Pomelos and grapefruits have a production of 9.56 million tons while other citrus fruits have a production of 13.90 million tons (**Figure 1**) [2].

Among the largest producing countries, China, Brazil, and India can be highlighted. The great productivity of Chine is mainly due to the larger production of tangerines and other citrus fruits. As for Brazil, it is the largest producer of oranges and the largest exporter of orange juice. In turn, India is the world's largest producer of lemons and limes. Additionally, Mexico, Spain, United States of America,

**Figure 1.** *World production of different citrus fruits between 1961 and 2021 [2].*

Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, and Iran must also be noted as the top 10 producers of citrus fruits in 2021 [2].

Also, world production of citrus has increased almost 5.5 times in the last 60 years. Notably, in the last 10 years (between 2021 and 2011), there was the highest increase to tangerines production, with more than 1.44 million tons produced per year. In turn, oranges production increased by 312 thousand tones per year while the lemons and limes one increased by 578 thousand tons per year (**Figure 1**) [2].
