不同柑橘砧木对锦橙果实品质的影响

 2006—2008年连续3年研究11种砧木对铜水72-1锦橙果实品质的影响。结果表明：不同砧木对果实颜色和内在品质均有影响,其中以卡里佐枳橙为砧的果实亮度最好,黄色度值最高,果实最大,果皮最薄;以路比枳为砧的果实红色度值和固酸比（TSS/TA）最高,果皮最厚;以沃尔卡姆为砧的亮度最差,黄色度值、单果质量和可食率最低,中心柱最小;以C35枳橙为砧的中心柱最大且维生素C含量最低;以光皮酸橙为砧的果实红色度最低而可食率最高;以里其16-6枳为砧的果实可溶性固形物（TSS）含量最高;以孙楚沙橘为砧的果实可滴定酸（TA）和维生素C含量最高,而TSS/TA最低;果实TSS和TA最低的砧木为枸头橙。品质综合评价,性状表现较好的为孙楚沙橘、卡里佐枳橙和C35枳橙,而表现较差的为兰普莱檬和沃尔卡姆柠檬。     

Rootstock influence on the incidence of rind breakdown in ‘Navelate’ sweet orange

Summary

The influence of three rootstocks, Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni Hort. ex Tanaka) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) on the incidence and severity of rind breakdown in ‘Navelate’ sweet oranges was studied over seven years in four orchards. The proportion of affected fruit was greater in trees on Carrizo citrange (60% on an average) followed by Cleopatra mandarin (38%) and then on sour orange (9%). There were also significant differences in the severity of the disorder among rootstocks; more than 35% and 20% of fruit from trees on Carrizo citrange and Cleopatra mandarin, respectively, were rejected for commercialization, whereas only 4% of fruit on sour orange was rejected. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fruit peduncles showed that average diameter of xylem vessel elements of peduncles of fruits on Carrizo citrange rootstock were 6% and 17% larger than those on Cleopatra mandarin and sour orange, respectively. Defoliation of fruit-bearing branches reduced water loss from fruit, maintained fruit peel water potential at a higher value than that of fruit on undefoliated branches and reduced the proportion and severity of affected fruit. It is concluded that fruit-tree water relationships are related to rind breakdown in ‘Navelate’ oranges and low fruit water content might be responsible for the disorder.     

Evaluation of rootstocks for the Cyprus local lemon variety ‘Lapithkiotiki’

The effect of various rootstocks on yield, yield efficiency, tree size and fruit quality of the local lemon variety ‘Lapithkiotiki’ (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F.) was studied under Cyprus conditions. Total cumulative yield over 13 years of production was the highest on rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush) followed by that on Volkameriana (C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.), Yuma Ponderosa lemon (C. limon (L.) Burm. F.), sour orange (C. aurantium L.), Citrus macrophylla Wester, Morton citrange (C. sinensis cv. Washington navel × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), Yuma citrange, Rangpur lime (C. limonia Obs.), Palestine sweet lime (C. limettioides Tan.), C-32 citrange and Citremon 1449 (C. limon × P. trifoliata), although no statistically significant differences were found between sour orange, the commercial rootstock used in Cyprus, and the other above mentioned rootstocks. Next in order as regards to total cumulative yield was Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata Blanko.) followed by Carrizo citrange, with statistically significant differences compared with sour orange. Trees on Citrumelo CPB-4475 (C. paradisi Macf. × P. trifoliata) and C-35 citrange died 3–4 years after grafting. Canopy volume was the lowest for trees on Cleopatra mandarin and Carrizo citrange. Yield efficiency A, expressed as total cumulative yield per trunk cross-sectional area, was the highest on C. macrophylla and lowest on Carrizo citrange. Rootstock significantly affected fruit size and weight, rind thickness, juice content, brix, total acids and brix:acid ratio. The results of the present study reveal that the most promising rootstocks that may replace sour orange for the local lemon variety ‘Lapithkiotiki’ under Cyprus conditions are Volkameriana, Yuma Ponderosa lemon, C. macrophylla and Citremon 1449.     

Rootstocks influence fruit oleocellosis in ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)

Oil spotting or oleocellosis, is a major problem in citrus crops. As the rootstock and fertilization play important roles in citrus growth and fruit development, we investigated the influence of different rootstocks on the growth, mineral nutrition metabolism, water relations, and fruit oleocellosis of eight-year-old field ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange trees. Trees grafted onto Lichi16-6 trifoliata (Poncircus trifoliate) had the greatest rate of oleocellosis (RO), and trees grafted onto Goutou orange (Citrus aurantium) had the greatest degree of oleocellosis (DO). In contrast, trees grafted onto Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) had the lowest RO and DO. Trees were the most vigorous on Rangpur lime rootstocks, followed by Lichi16-6 trifoliata, and then Goutou orange. In addition, because the scion/stock girth ratio showed significant correlations with the RO and DO, oleocellosis parameters can be a good indicator of scion/stock affinity. The total N, total P, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ in leaves from trees on Rangpur lime were significantly lower than in leaves from trees on Goutou orange or Lichi16-6 trifoliata. In addition, the RO showed a significant correlation with the leaf Ca²⁺ and S concentrations and with the peel Mg²⁺ concentration. The DO was significantly correlated with the total peel N and S concentrations. In addition, the RO showed a significant correlation with the net assimilation of CO₂ (ACO₂), stomatal conductance (GS), transpiration rate (ET), and water-use efficiency (WUE). However, the DO showed a significant correlation with the GS, ACO₂, and WUE. Taken together, these results indicate that rootstocks affect the development of oleocellosis in ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange due to their effects on the mineral nutrition balance and water relations.     

Yield,fruit quality,and tree health of ‘Allen Eureka’ lemon on seven rootstocks in Saudi Arabia

Since environmental conditions and cultural practices vary from one area to another, yield, fruit quality, and tree health measurements were conducted over 9 years to evaluate the long-term adaptability and performance to local conditions of ‘Allen Eureka’ lemon (Citrus limon Burm.f.) budded on seven rootstocks in the Najran area of Saudi Arabia. Trees on Citrus macrophylla (CM), Volkamer lemon (VL), and Cleopatra mandarin (Cleo) were the most productive, while trees on Amblycarpa (Amb), rough lemon (RL), Citrus taiwanica (CT), and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) (SO) had the lowest yield. Fruit from trees on CM and VL were also the largest in size and had the thickest rind, but were among those that had the lowest juice content and lowest total soluble solids. None of the trees on Cleo, VL, or RL died until the 14th year. However, there was a high mortality rate and severe tree decline on SO, CT, and Amb.     

Effect of rootstocks on the leaf mineral content of citrus

Leaves from ‘Valencia’, ‘Hamlin’ and ‘Washington Navel’ oranges grown on ‘Rangpur’ lime, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin, ‘Sour Orange’, ‘Troyer’ citrange and ‘Rough Lemon’ root-stocks were analzed for N, P, K, Ca, Na, Cl, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. Significant differences among rootstocks were obtained for K, Ca, $\text{Ca}\text{K}$, Na and Cl, but not for N, P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Scion leaves on ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin tended to be low in K and high in $\text{Ca}\text{K}$ and those on ‘Rangpur’ lime were high in K and low in Ca and $\text{Ca}\text{K}$. ‘Troyer’ citrange induced higher uptake of Na and Cl than all other rootstocks. ‘Washington Navel’ leaves contained more Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn, and less Na, than ‘Hamlin’ or ‘Valencia’ leaves. ‘Valencia’ leaves contained more Ca and less K than the other two cultivars. The nutritional status of the trees was slightly low in N, K and Mn, optimum in Fe, Zn and Cu, normal-to-high in P, and contained non-toxic levels of Na and Cl. The statistical interaction of root stock and scion was found non-significant.     

Root morphology and the effect of rootstocks on leaf nutrient acquisition of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Loureiro × Citrus reticulata Blanco)

The study aimed to understand the root morphological character of 1 year old seedling rootstock of citrus genotypes viz., rough lemon, Karna Khatta, Carrizo citrange, Rangpur lime, Troyer citrange, Jatti Khatti and sour orange as well as to investigate the effect of these rootstocks on the leaf mineral composition of Kinnow. Root morphological traits showed significant genotypic variation. Rough lemon seedlings had a higher root length, projected area, surface area, volume and the number of forks. Sour orange was moderate rootstock of the 7 genotypes for most of the root morphological characters, while citrange rootstocks expressed poor root morphology. The rootstocks also imparted significant influence on the leaf mineral composition. Leaf K, Ca and Mg content was recorded maximum in plants grown on rough lemon seedling, while N, P, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentration was higher on sour orange rootstock. Kinnow trees on Rangpur lime rootstock accumulated more Na in their leaf tissue, where as Troyer citrange restricted the accumulation of Na. Considering the root morphological characters and nutrient accumulation pattern, rough lemon and sour orange for areas free from tristeza virus could be suggested as alternative rootstocks for the studied Kinnow mandarin under similar ecological conditions.     

Growth,yield and fruit quality of ‘Marisol’ clementine grown on four rootstocks in Egypt

To evaluate the most appropriate rootstocks for mandarin production in Egypt, vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of ‘Marisol’ clementine (as newly introduced cultivar in Egypt) grafted on Sour orange (the common rootstock), Cleopatra mandarin, Carrizo citrange and ‘Swingle’ citrumelo were evaluated under the Egyptian conditions during 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons. Trees were grown in a private farm at ‘Wady El-Mullak’ region, Ismailia Governorate (Latitude, 30°36′ N; longitude, 32°14′ E; Altitude, 10 m above sea level).     

Effect of salinity on uptake and distribution of chloride and sodium in some citrus scion-rootstock combinations

The effect of scion on Cl and Na accumulation and the transport properties of rootstocks was investigated using grafted plants. The combinations of Navel orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osb.) and Clementine (C. clementine Hort. ex Tan) scions on Cleopatra mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco) and Troyer citrange (C. sinensis X P. trifoliata) rootstocks, were used in all experiments. Plants were grown under glasshouse conditions for 14 weeks supplied with nutrient solution containing 0-60 mM NaCl. Relative growth and defoliation were studied. The reduction in relative growth caused by salt, treatments was more scion- dependent, whereas defoliation was more rootstock-dependent. Changes in leaf and root ionic contents were measured. Scions on Cleopatra mandarin accumulated less Cl in their leaves and roots than did scions on Troyer citrange. The distribution of Cl in the whole plant showed that Clementine had a reduced ability to transport Cl from roots to leaves. However, sodium content was lower in scions on Troyer citrange than Cleopatra mandarin. The distribution of Na in the whole plant showed that Troyer citrange restricted the transport of Na to the scion. There was little difference in P content in all combinations. Salinity decreased sharply the N content of leaves and roots in plants on Troyer citrange, but there was only a slight effect in plants on Cleopatra mandarin. The pattern of N accumulation was inversely correlated with the pattern of Cl accumulation. Salinity decreased K, Ca and Mg contents in leaves and roots of all combinations.     

不同砧木对先锋橙矿质营养元素含量的影响

在田间试验条件下,观察了12种砧木的先锋橙矿质营养元素含量。在观察的11种营养元素中,不同砧木间除 N、Zn、Mo元素含量无显著差异外,其它元素均达显著或极显著差异。其中微量元素的变幅大于大量元素。植株营养状况以宜昌橙类(除 K)、枳类(除 Fe)和桔类砧木植株的养分含量较高,果实含酸量高的砧木植株养分含量偏低。耐碱砧木主要表现在Fe、Mn及 K、Cu元素含量的差异。     

Plant growth,yield, and fruit quality of ‘Fallglo’ and ‘Sunburst’ mandarins on four rootstocks

Vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Fallglo’ and ‘Sunburst’ mandarins on ‘Rangpur’ lime, ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, ‘Orlando’ tangelo, and ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin were evaluated under subtropical climate of Northern São Paulo State, Brazil, from 2000 through 2006 harvest seasons. ‘Fallglo’ mandarin trees had the highest cumulative yield on ‘Rangpur’ lime, and the smallest on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo and ‘Orlando’ tangelo. Plants of this cultivar had the highest yield efficiency on ‘Rangpur’ lime, and the lowest on ‘Orlando’ tangelo. ‘Sunburst’ mandarin trees began to bear fruits later than ‘Fallglo’ mandarin trees, with no differences in yield induced by the rootstocks. ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin induced the most vigorous growth in ‘Fallglo’ mandarin as compared to plants on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo. On the other hand, the largest trees of ‘Sunburst’ mandarin were registered on ‘Orlando’ tangelo, and the smallest on ‘Rangpur’ lime. ‘Sunburst’ mandarin had higher alternate bearing than ‘Fallglo’ regardless the rootstock. Fruit weight and juice content were not affected by the rootstock. These two mandarin scion cultivars may be considered adequate alternatives to produce good fruit quality for the fresh fruit market. ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin and ‘Rangpur lime are suitable rootstocks for ‘Fallglo’ mandarin, whereas all rootstocks evaluated are adequate for ‘Sunburst’ mandarin.     

几种砧木对哈姆林甜橙植株生长、产量及果实品质的影响

以7种不同砧木的8年生哈姆林甜橙为试材,对植株营养生长、产量和果实品质进行了比较。结果表明,不同砧木对哈姆林甜橙生长和产量有不同影响,其中以卡里佐枳橙为砧的植株树冠体积最大,以光皮酸橘、枸头橙和李齐16-6枳为砧的植株树冠体积较小,单位树冠体积产量以光皮酸橘为砧的植株最高,单株挂果数则以李齐16-6枳和卡里佐枳橙为砧的最多。不同砧木对果实品质有显著影响,其中以光皮酸橘为砧的果实体积和单果质量最大,以兰普来檬为砧的果汁含量最高,以李齐16-6枳和卡里佐枳橙为砧的果实可溶性固形物(TSS)含量最高,以李齐16-6枳为砧的果实可滴定酸含量亦最高,而李齐16-6枳和兰普来檬为砧的果实维生素C含量最高。从外观品质看,枸头橙为砧的果实油斑病发生程度最高。综合评价认为,以卡里佐枳橙、李齐16-6枳为砧的单株具产量高、果汁TSS含量高和风味浓郁等优点,是哈姆林甜橙较为理想的砧木。     

Chemical Analysis and Taste Panel Evaluation of the Fruit Quality of Valencia Late Oranges on Two Rootstocks

Samples of fruit from Valencia orange trees, grafted on either Volkameriana or sour orange rootstocks were examined after standard commercial shipment and handling. Tests demonstrated differences in physical properties and chemical composition due to the rootstocks, and in acceptability as judged by a large taste panel. Fruit from trees grafted on Volkameriana was inferior in a number of respects, notably ease of peeling and flavour; juiciness and ascorbic acid content were also lower.     

Micropropagation of Darjeeling orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by shoot-tip grafting

Summary

Micropropagation of Darjeeling orange (Darjeeling mandarin) was done by shoot-tip grafting on the local rootstocks rough lemon, sour orange and Rangpur lime. Seedlings of these plants were raised in MS medium in standard conditions of temperature, light duration and plant age. Microbuds (0.2 mm long), aseptically excised from the scion, were grafted onto the decapitated rootstock seedlings. The micrografts in culture medium were grown under standard lighting. Rootstock seedlings showed optimum growth at 25–30°C. Optimum growth of the micrografts resulted from treatment in complete darkness for 4 d after grafting followed by exposure to 750 W for 16 h d^?1 for 15 d and 1500–2000 W for 16 h d^?1 for 39 d. The success of micrografting depended on the age of the rootstock seedling which was 21 d, 14 d and 14 d for sour orange, rough lemon and Rangpur lime respectively. The micrografts were then double grafted to the two year old rootstocks seedlings of the respective species and the age of the micrografts for the successful double grafts was also standardized. The survival rate was high with 40 d, 45 d and 45 d micrografts on sour orange, rough lemon and Rangpur lime respectively. The double-grafts were then indexed for tristeza virus and greening disease after six months’ growth in an insect-proof screenhouse and found to be free from these graft transmissible diseases.     

世界柑橘品种改良的进展

 柑橘鲜食品种的发展趋势是容易剥皮、无核、有香味和风味浓。过去30年, 通过芽变选种、杂交育种等途径, 全世界培育出了上百个柑橘品种。芽变选种获得的新品种主要来自如温州蜜柑、脐橙和克里曼丁橘, 它们分别形成了品种群, 不同品种采收期可长达4～6个月; 杂交育种途径培育出70多个品种(系) , 主要利用了单胚性品种克里曼丁橘、胞质雄性不育的温州蜜柑以及外观色泽好的红橘等作为杂交亲本; 新的砧木品种(系) 主要来自中国的枳与酸橘等品种的杂交; 加工品种的选育相对落后。生物技术, 特别是胚抢救及细胞融合等技术大大加快了柑橘育种步伐。     

Horticultural performance of ‘Folha Murcha’ sweet orange onto twelve rootstocks

Despite its outstanding position, the Brazilian citriculture is established on a very limited pool of varieties that limits its expansion and restricts the fruit availability throughout the year. This situation determines the urgent necessity of developing alternative scion and rootstock cultivars, with good performance under local conditions. ‘Folha Murcha’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) is a late-harvest cultivar, suitable both for the juice processing industry and the fresh fruit market, being described as tolerant to citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Schaad et al.), and less affected by citrus variegated chlorosis (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.). A study was conducted in Bebedouro, São Paulo State, Brazil, to evaluate the horticultural performance of ‘Folha Murcha’ sweet orange budded onto 12 rootstocks: the citrandarin ‘Changsha’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) × Poncirus trifoliata ‘English Small’; the hybrid ‘Rangpur’ lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) × ‘Swingle’ citrumelo (P. trifoliata (L.) Raf. × Citrus paradisi Macfad.); the trifoliates (P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.) ‘Rubidoux’, ‘FCAV’, and ‘Flying Dragon’ (P. trifoliata var. monstrosa); the ‘Sun Chu Sha Kat’ mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco); the ‘Sunki’ mandarin (Citrus sunki (Hayata) Hort. ex. Tanaka); the ‘Rangpur’ limes (C. limonia Osbeck) ‘Cravo Limeira’ and ‘Cravo FCAV’; ‘Carrizo’ citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata), ‘Swingle’ citrumelo (P. trifoliata × C. paradisi), and ‘Orlando’ tangelo (C. paradisi × Citrus tangerina cv. ‘Dancy’). The experimental grove was planted in 2001, using a 7 m × 4 m spacing, in a randomized block design, with five replications and two plants per plot. No supplementary irrigation was applied. Fruit yield, canopy volume, tree tolerance to drought and to citrus variegated chlorosis, and fruit quality were assessed for each rootstock. Trees grafted onto the ‘Flying Dragon’ trifoliate were smaller in size, but had largest yield efficiency when compared to those grafted onto other rootstocks. Lower alternate bearing index was observed on trees budded onto ‘Cravo FCAV’ ‘Rangpur’ lime. Both ‘Rangpur’ lime rootstocks and the ‘Sunki’ mandarin induced higher tree tolerance to drought. The ‘Flying Dragon’ trifoliate induced better fruit quality and higher tolerance to citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) to ‘Folha Murcha’ trees. A cluster multivariate analysis identified three groups of rootstocks with similar effects on ‘Folha Murcha’ tree performance. Among the 12 evaluated rootstocks, the ‘Flying Dragon’ trifoliate has a unique effect on plant growth, tolerance to drought and CVC, fruit yield and fruit quality of ‘Folha Murcha’ trees, and may be better suited for high-density plantings.     

Fino lemon clones compared with the lemon varieties Eureka and Lisbon on two rootstocks in Murcia (Spain)

Six clonal selections of the autochthonous Spanish lemon tress cv. Fino, named Fino 46, Fino 47, Fino 48, Fino 49 and Fino 77, and two foreign varieties Eureka and Lisbon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f) grafted on sour orange (C. auramtium L.) and Citrus macrophylla (C. macrophylla Wester) rootstocks were studied in Murcia (Spain). The fruit were harvested for 6 years, and fruit quality and tree size were evaluated after the sixth harvest. Fino 49, Fino 77 and Lisbon trees produced the highest cumulative yield. However, Eureka trees on macrophylla had the highest yield efficiency (cumulative yield/trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA)) due to its small TCSA. There were few differences between Fino group and Lisbon as regards fruit quality; however, Eureka trees on macrophylla produced smaller fruit with a higher concentration of total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable citric acid (TA) than the other varieties. Macrophylla was a better rootstock than sour orange for lemon trees since lemon trees grafted on macrophylla had higher cumulative yield and yield efficiency than those on sour orange. However, sour orange induced the highest TSS and TA in all lemon varieties evaluated.     

Somatic hybridization of high yield,cold-hardy and disease resistant parents for citrus rootstock improvement

Summary

Increasing losses of trees to diseases, expansion of plantings into more marginal production areas and the need to control tree size to reduce harvesting costs have elevated the demand for new improved citrus rootstocks in Florida. A major strategy of the CREC rootstock improvement programme has been to use protoplast fusion to produce allotetraploid somatic hybrids that combine complementary rootstock germplasm. Tetraploid citrus rootstocks have been shown to have a built-in tree size control component due to polyploidy. This report focuses on the incorporation of newly identified superior rootstock germplasm into the somatic hybridization programme. Poncirus trifoliata 50–7, a selection of trifoliate orange selected for superior resistance to Phytophthora nicotianae, was hybridized with sour orange, Changsha mandarin, Navel orange, and a seedy white ‘Duncan’ type grapefruit. High-yielding Benton citrange (Citrus sinensis 3 Poncirus trifoliata) was hybridized with Changsha mandarin and sour orange. More than 200 plants of each of these six new somatic hybrids were propagated via tissue culture and rooted cuttings. To assess their horticultural performance, all the somatic hybrids were budded with commercially important scions and planted in replicated trials representing the two most important soil types in Florida. Seed trees of each somatic hybrid have also been planted in the field to determine fruiting potential and level of polyembryony.     

Influence of rootstocks on the leaf nutrient composition of two scion cultivars of mandarin

The influence of various rootstocks on the leaf nutrient composition of mandarin cultivars ‘Coorg’ and ‘Kinnow’ was studied in a rootstock trial at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta. Differences due to rootstocks in the leaf nutrient composition with respect to N, K, Ca, Mg, Na and Mn were significant. Leaf N content was higher on the rootstocks ‘Trifoliate’ orange and ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ citranges. ‘Trifoliate’ orange, in addition to being more efficient in absorbing N, also resulted in much lower leaf Na content than the others. Rootstocks ‘Rough Lemon’, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin and ‘Kodakithuli’ were more efficient in absorbing cations Ca, Mg and K. The citrange rootstocks ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ resulted in a very low content of leaf Mn, indicating that these may be particularly suitable in high-Mn and highly acidic soils.Significant differences in the leaf nutrient composition with respect to all the nutrients excepting N, P and Cu were observed between the 2 scion cultivars. ‘Kinnow’ mandarin appeared to have a much lower requirement both for Zn and Fe, which makes it more suitable on soils with a high pH.     

Long-term performance of ‘Ellendale’ mandarin on seven commercial rootstocks in sub-tropical Australia

‘Ellendale’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) on seven commercially important rootstocks was assessed over a 26-year period on a site not previously planted to citrus. Tree yield data collected each season from 1969 to 1991 showed that yields were highest on ‘Lockyer’ rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush) and lowest on ‘Emperor’ mandarin. Yields for the two citranges (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.), ‘Troyer’ and ‘Carrizo’, were intermediate, and somewhat higher than those for two selections of sweet orange (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck), ‘Parramatta’ and ‘Joppa’. Linear regression was used to examine changes in yielding pattern across the 23 seasons of fruit production. This revealed that ‘Troyer’ was comparable with the rough lemon selections throughout most of the experiment and significantly higher than ‘Carrizo’ during certain periods in the middle of the experiment. Similarly, while ‘Joppa’ and ‘Parramatta’ produced near-identical results during most of the experiment, ‘Joppa’ out-performed ‘Parramatta’ toward the end of the experiment. ‘Emperor’ showed a low yield trend throughout the experiment, often more than 50 kg per tree per year less than the rough lemon and citrange selections. Detailed assessment of biennial bearing showed a significant pattern commencing when trees were approximately 15 years old and intensifying until the end of the experiment. However, rootstock had no effect on the biennial bearing behaviour of ‘Ellendale’ mandarin. Correlations of cumulative yields at each harvest date with the final cumulative yield (for 23 seasons of cropping) showed instability up until approximately the eighth year of cropping after which it increased steadily, suggesting that in similar experiments there may be only marginal value in assessing yields beyond about the 10th season. Fruit quality assessments made in two consecutive seasons showed expected trends, with rough lemon (both ‘Lockyer’ and ‘Mazoe’) producing the largest and heaviest fruit, with thicker rinds, lower juice content, and lower Brix. The citrange selections (‘Troyer’ and ‘Carrizo’) resulted in fruit quality comparable to the sweet oranges (‘Parramatta’ and ‘Joppa’), with ‘Troyer’ producing significantly higher Brix levels than any other rootstock. All rootstocks produced leaf nutrient levels close to the desirable range, with significant differences for the elements P, Mg, Ca, Mn, and B. These differences separated the seven rootstocks into categories consistent with their genetic relatedness.