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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

The effects of low boron on growth,gas exchange,boron concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on two rootstocks

The effects of low boron (B) on plant growth, photosynthesis, B concentration and distribution of ‘Newhall’ orange (Citrus sinensis Osb.) plants grafted on either Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) or Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] rootstocks were investigated. One-year-old plants of the two scion-rootstock combinations were grown for 183 days in sand:perlite (1:1, v/v) medium under greenhouse conditions. The plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solutions containing four B concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.25 mg l⁻¹). The growth of root, stem of scion and leaves was less affected by low B treatments when ‘Newhall’ scion was grafted on Carrizo citrange than on Trifoliate orange. Thus, the growth of scions under low B conditions was mainly depended on the rootstock used, i.e., Carrizo citrange-grafted plants were more tolerant to low B compared to the plants grafted on Trifoliate orange. Boron concentrations in all plant parts decreased significantly by decreasing the B supply in the nutrient solution. Leaves were the dominant sites of B accumulation and showed the greatest reduction in B concentration compared to the other plant parts, as B concentration in the nutrient solution decreased. Irrespective of the rootstock, B levels in the upper–younger leaves were substantially higher than in basal-older leaves when plants were exposed to low B concentrations (≤0.05 mg l⁻¹), suggesting that under such conditions B was preferentially translocated to upper–younger leaves to support their growth. Furthermore, B distribution in different plant parts indicated that there was a restriction in translocation of B from root to scion tissues (stems and leaves of scion) under conditions of limited B availability. In addition, low B treatments decreased leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate but increased intercellular CO₂ concentration in the leaves of ‘Newhall’ plants, irrespective of the rootstock used.     

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.     

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.     

Growth,root morphology and boron uptake by citrus rootstock seedlings differing in boron-deficiency responses

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for higher plants and has important physiological functions in plant growth and development. Citrus plants are frequently exposed to B-deficiency, but knowledge regarding the effects of B-deficiency on rootstock growth, root morphology and genotypic variations in citrus is limited. To evaluate the variations in plant-growth parameters in response to B-deficiency, five citrus rootstocks seedlings that grown in modified 1/2-strength Hoagland's solution that contained 0.25 μM H₃BO₃ (moderate B-level, Control) or 0 μM H₃BO₃ (B-deficiency, −B) were investigated before and 90 days after treatment. There are significant genotypic variations in plant-growth parameters (dry mass, leaf area and seedling height), root-morphological traits and B-concentrations. B-deficiency inhibited plant dry mass and leaf area expansion of Fragrant citrus, Sour orange and Trifoliate orange seedlings significantly (P < 0.05), whereas no effect was found on the total dry mass of Carrizo citrange and Red tangerine seedlings. Further, B-deficiency reduced the root number, root length and root surface area in Fragrant citrus and Trifoliate orange significantly (P < 0.05); however, no significant effect was detected on these root morphological traits of Carrizo citrange and Red tangerine (P > 0.05). In addition, B-deficiency reduced the B-concentration in the leaves of all the five genotypes and the B-concentration in the roots of Fragrant citrus and Sour orange, none effect was observed on the B-concentration in stems of all studied genotypes and roots. However, there were significant relationships between the root-morphological traits and B-uptake efficiency. These results showed that Carrizo citrange and Red tangerine are B-efficient, Trifoliate orange is the moderate B-efficient genotypic rootstocks, whereas Fragrant citrus and Sour orange are B-inefficient genotypic rootstocks. In addition, Trifoliate orange was the moderate B-efficient rootstocks of five genotypes. The root-to-shoot dry mass ratio (R/S) and longer root numbers were higher in the Carrizo citrange and Red tangerine than that of Trifoliate orange, Fragrant citrus and Sour orange genotypes. That is to say, maintaining higher R/S and numerous longer lateral roots is very important in improving the B-efficiency and thus contribute much to the resistance of seedlings to B-deficiency in the Carrizo citrange and Red tangerine genotypes.     

Evaluation of citrus somatic hybrids for tolerance to Phytophthora nicotianae and citrus tristeza virus

Somatic hybridization is a biotechnology tool that can be used in citrus breeding programs to produce somatic hybrids with the complete genetic combination of both parents. The goal of this work was to test the reaction of citrus somatic hybrids that may be useful as rootstocks to trunk and root infections caused by Phytophthora nicotianae van Breda de Haan (P. parasitica Dastur) and to citrus tristeza virus (CTV). The somatic hybrids evaluated were ‘Caipira’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) + ‘Rangpur’ lime (C. limonia Osbeck), ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (C. reshni hort. ex Tanaka), ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + ‘Volkamer’ lemon (C. volkameriana V. Ten. & Pasq.), ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush.), ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + sour orange (C. aurantium L.), ‘Rangpur’ lime + ‘Sunki’ mandarin (C. sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tanaka), ‘Ruby Blood’ sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Rohde Red’ sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, and ‘Valencia’ sweet orange + Fortunella obovata hort. ex Tanaka. For P. nicotianae trunk and root infection assays, plants of the somatic hybrids, obtained from 9-month semi-hardwood cuttings, were evaluated and compared with diploid citrus rootstock cultivars after mycelia inoculation in the trunk or spore infestation in the substrate, respectively. ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + sour orange, ‘Rangpur’ lime + ‘Sunki’ mandarin, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Ruby Blood’ sweet orange + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Rohde Red’ sweet orange + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, and ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + ‘Volkamer’ lemon had less trunk rot occurrence, whereas the somatic hybrids ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + sour orange, ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + ‘Volkamer’ lemon, and ‘Caipira’ sweet orange + ‘Rangpur’ lime were tolerant to root rot. For CTV assays, plants of the somatic hybrids along with tolerant and intolerant rootstocks were budded with a mild strain CTV-infected or healthy ‘Valencia’ sweet orange budwood. Differences in average scion shoot length indicated that the hybrids ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin + sour orange and ‘Valencia’ sweet orange + Fortunella obovata were intolerant to CTV.     

Tree performance and fruit yield and quality of ‘Okitsu’ Satsuma mandarin grafted on 12 rootstocks

The citriculture in Brazil, as well as in other important regions in the world, is based on very few mandarin cultivars. This fact leads to a short harvest period and higher prices for off-season fruit. The ‘Okitsu’ Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) is among the earliest ripening mandarin cultivars, and it is considered to be tolerant to citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Schaad et al.) and to citrus variegated chlorosis (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.). Despite having regular fruit quality under hot climate conditions, the early fruit maturation and absence of seeds of ‘Okitsu’ fruits are well suited for the local market in the summer (December through March), when the availability of citrus fruits for fresh consumption is limited. Yet, only a few studies have been conducted in Brazil on rootstocks for ‘Okitsu’. Consequently, a field trial was carried out in Bebedouro, São Paulo State, to evaluate the horticultural performance of ‘Okitsu’ Satsuma mandarin 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 mandarins ‘Sun Chu Sha Kat’ (C. reticulata Blanco) and ‘Sunki’ (Citrus sunki (Hayata) Hort. ex. Tanaka); the Rangpur limes (C. limonia Osbeck) ‘Cravo Limeira’ and ‘Cravo FCAV’; ‘Carrizo’ citrange (Citrus 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 6 m × 3 m spacing, in a randomized block design. No supplementary irrigation was applied. Fruit yield, canopy volume, and fruit quality were assessed for each rootstock. A cluster multivariate analysis identified three different rootstock pairs with similar effects on plant growth, yield and fruit quality of ‘Okitsu’ mandarin. The ‘Flying Dragon’ trifoliate had a unique effect over the ‘Okitsu’ trees performance, inducing lower canopy volume and higher yield efficiency and fruit quality, and might be suitable for high-density plantings. The ‘Cravo Limeira’ and ‘Cravo FCAV’ Rangpur limes induced early-ripening of fruits, with low fruit quality. ‘Sun Chu Sha Kat’ and ‘Sunki’ mandarins and the ‘Orlando’ tangelo conferred lower yield efficiency and less content of soluble solids for the latter rootstock.     

Chloride and sodium excluding capacities of citrus rootstock germplasm introduced to Australia from the People's Republic of China

The responses to root zone salinity (0, 25 and 50 mM NaCl) by 40 citrus rootstock genotypes introduced from the People's Republic of China, measured as shoot chloride (Cl⁻) and sodium (Na⁺) ion accumulation, growth and dry matter accumulation, were investigated under glasshouse conditions. Two experiments, one using aerated nutrient solutions and the other irrigated sand cultures, were conducted with plants grown from rooted cuttings taken from representative trees of different mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco and C. erythrosa Hort. ex Tan.), yuzu (C. junos Sieb. ex Tan.), Ichang papeda (C. ichangensis Swing.), sour orange (C. aurantium L.) and trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) genotypes. Two standard genotypes, viz. Rangpur lime (Citrus x limonia Osbeck.) and William's trifoliate orange were included in the experiments as reference controls.     

Rootstock Induced Seasonal Changes of N,P and K Nutrient Levels in Satsuma Mandarin cvs. ‘Okitsu’, ‘Clausellina’ and ‘Silverhill’

Rootstocks-scion relations have critical consequences about nutritional status, tree vigour, resistance to pest and pathogens, yield and yield quality. In this study, we therefore investigated seasonal variations of leaf mineral nutrient concentrations in Satsuma mandarin’s cvs. ‘Okitsu’, ‘Clausellina’ and ‘Silverhill’ budded on different citrus rootstocks under Dörtyol-Hatay, Turkey ecological conditions. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and K (potassium) concentrations of the leaves showed slightly similar trend each other, in general these nutrients reduced from January to March–April, and increased during the growing season until mid- and late summer, then decreased until December. Despite rootstocks did not significantly affect the leaf N, P and K concentrations rootstock-scion relation was pre-eminent and nutrient dependent. Most conspicuous scion dependent changes were recorded for K concentration whereas P concentration was little influenced. In terms of scion-rootstock combination, the range of N and K concentrations were 2.11% (‘Okitsu’/sour orange) to 2.34% (Silverhill/sour orange), and 1.09% (‘Okitsu’/Carrizo citrange) to 1.39% (‘Clausellina’/Carrizo citrange), respectively; but P concentrations were highly similar %0.13 (‘Okitsu’/sour orange) – %0.16 (‘Clausellina’/Carrizo citrange), in the entire growing season. It can be concluded that there are considerable differences in nutrient uptake ability of scion-rootstock combination.     

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).     

Parental chromosome differentiation in citrangequat [Fortunella sp. × (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata)] using CMA banding patterns

The efficiency of chromomycin A₃ (CMA) staining was examined for parental chromosome differentiation in citrange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] and citrangequat (Fortunella sp. × citrange). All of the accessions analyzed had the same chromosome number of 2n = 18. CMA staining revealed six characteristic banding patterns on the basis of the number and position of CMA positive bands (CMA⁺) as follows; A: two terminal and one proximal band, B: one terminal and one proximal band, C: two terminal bands, D: one terminal band, E: no band, and F: one proximal band. Chromosome CMA banding patterns of the accessions were 1A + 1B + 2C + 13D + 1F in Fortunella margarita, 2B + 2C + 7D + 7E in ‘Fukuhara’ orange, 2B + 10D + 6E in Poncirus trifoliata, 1B + 1C + 10D + 6E in citrange and 1A + 1C + 11D + 4E + 1F in citrangequat. The results of this study confirmed the intergeneric and tri-generic hybridity of citrange and citrangequat, respectively.     

Micro-grafting shoot-tip culture of citrus on three trifoliolate rootstocks

Simple techniques and growth regulator treatments to improve micro-grafting success of ‘Mexican’ lime, ‘Valencia’ orange and ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit were studied. Most scion cultivars grafted best on ‘Carrizo’ citrange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Rat. x Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]. Dipping the shoot-tip in 2,4-D or kinetin before grafting doubled the percentage of successful grafts. Highest grafting success occurred when the scion shoot-tip was placed in an inverted-T incision on the epicotyl of the rootstock.     

Performance of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis) on nine rootstocks in the north of Israel

The vegetative and reproductive performances of ‘Coscia’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) grown on nine rootstocks [OHF 69, OHF 97, OHF 217, OHF 333, OHF 513 and BP 1 (P. communis), clonal seedling (Davis AxB) of Pyrus betulifolia and quince BA 29 and EMA (Cydonia oblonga)] were compared during a 9-year period. The trial was conducted at the Experimental Station ‘Avnei Eitan’ in northern Israel (elevation 400 m above sea level, a.s.l.), on a well-drained soil with pH 7.1. Trees were planted in December 1998, spaced at 4.0 m × 2.0 m and trained with a central axis. The most vigorous trees were on P. betulifolia seedlings, followed by the four OHF rootstock (69, 97, 333, 513) and BP 1 (with no significant difference between them). All the above rootstocks demonstrated greater vigor than OHF 217 and quince BA 29 or EMA. The highest cumulative yields per tree were harvested from trees on the four OHF rootstocks (69, 97, 333, 513) and P. betulifolia followed by the BP 1. The two quince rootstocks, as well as OHF 217, had the lowest cumulative yield and the lowest yield of large fruit. A positive correlation was found between the vigor of the tree, as affected by the rootstock, and both the total yield and the fruit size. We conclude that in a warm climate, yield efficiency is not the only parameter that should be taken into account, and building a strong tree for a weak cultivar is the first requirement for establishing an orchard.     

Differential tolerance to iron deficiency of citrus rootstocks grown in nutrient solution

We studied the effects of Fe deficiency on physiological parameters of citrus rootstocks grown in nutrient solution. Three 4-week old rootstocks (‘Troyer’ citrange – Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., Citrus taiwanica Tan. and Shim., and ‘Swingle’ citrumelo – Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. × Citrus paradisi Macf.) were grown in nutrient solutions with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μmol Fe dm⁻³. Calcium carbonate (1 g dm⁻³) was added to all solutions to mimic the natural conditions in calcareous soils. For each rootstock, shoot length, number of leaves, and root and shoot dry weights were measured at the end of experiment. Chlorophyll concentration was estimated using a portable SPAD-502 meter calibrated for each rootstock. The amount of nutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) was determined in shoots. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F₀: basal fluorescence; F_m: maximum fluorescence; F_v = F_m − F₀: variable fluorescence) were measured with a portable fluorimeter. ‘Troyer’ citrange rootstock was the most tolerant to Fe deficiency. These plants grew more and accumulated more chlorophyll and nutrients than the others in the presence of low levels of Fe (10 μmol Fe dm⁻³). ‘Swingle’ citrumelo plants needed 20 μmol Fe dm⁻³ in the nutrient solution to secure adequate growth. ‘Taiwanica’ orange rootstock had an intermediate behaviour, but could be distinguished from ‘Troyer’ citrange based on fluorescence parameters, since there was a variation in the basal fluorescence in the former, whereas in ‘Troyer’ citrange the basal fluorescence was not affected by the supply of Fe.     

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.     

‘Swingle’ citrumelo propagation by cuttings for citrus nursery tree production or inarching

‘Swingle’ citrumelo [Citrus paradisi MacFaden × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] has been extensively used as a rootstock in several citrus growing regions of the World, including Southern Brazil where ‘Rangpur’ lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) is still the predominant variety despite being affected by several important pathogens. In this case, ‘Swingle’ citrumelo is used to produce nursery trees to establish new orchards or to be inarched in adult and healthy groves in order to change the rootstock. We report herein a system to produce trees on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo more rapidly by budding onto non-rooted cuttings, as well as assessing potential to rapidly multiply ‘Swingle’ through rooting of non-budded cuttings. Therefore, two potential products are described: budded trees and rooted rootstock cuttings. ‘Valencia’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] was budded at different heights on cuttings derived from eight-month old rootstocks. Grafted and additional non-budded cuttings were then treated with indole-3-butyric acid (500 mg L⁻¹) or left untreated before rooting. Three types of cuttings were evaluated: softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood. The use of nursery trees derived from pre-budded hardwood cuttings of ‘Swingle’ citrumelo is an alternative grafting method on this cultivar. Softwood cuttings with one leaf pair were considered the most adequate material for rapid multiplication of ‘Swingle’ citrumelo by cutting. This could be particularly useful for inarching production or conventional budding after transplant of cutting-derived rootstocks.