Effect of different rootstocks in the plant vigor and yield of 'pera' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis, (L.) Osbeck)

Abstract

The present study was carried out aiming to determine the effect of different rootstocks in plant vigor and yield of 'Pera' sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, (L.) Osbeck. The research work was conducted in plants of a rootstock experiment, established at Lageado Experimental Farm, UNESP, Botucatu, State of São Paulo. The eight rootstocks studied were: 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia, (L.) Osbeck); 'Volkamer' lemon (Citrus volkameriana, Pasquale); 'Florida rough' lemon (Citrus jambhiri, Lushington); 'Cleopatra' mandarin (Citrus reshni, hort. ex. Tanaka); 'Sunki' mandarin (Citrus sunki, hort. ex. Tanaka); 'Caipira' sweet orange (Citrus sinesis (L.) Osbeck); 'Trifoliata' orange (Poncirus trifoliata, Rasfinesque) and 'Carrizo' citrange (Citrus sinensis x Poncirus trifoliata) . The results showed that 'Cleopatra' and 'Sunki' mandarins and 'Florida' rough lemon induced the greatest plant vigor. The rootstocks 'Volkamer' lemon, 'Florida' rough lemon, 'Rangpur' lime and 'Sunki' and 'Cleopatra' mandarins induced the greatest total yields. The greatest values of eficiency index (yield (kg)/m³ canopy volume) were obtained in plants budded on 'Trifoliata' orange, 'Carrizo' citrange and 'Rangpur' lime. Characteristics of these rootstocks are discussed.