Studies on growth, rooting and budding performance of citrus rootstock seedlings

Abstract: A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal-Lesriwal, Jalandhar during 2016-17 to evaluate nursery performance of different exotic rootstocks and their budding compatibility with Kinnow mandarin. The seeds of exotic rootstocks: Swingle citrumelo, Rich 16-6, Rubidoux trifoliate (RTF), US-852, Benton citrange, Troyer citrange, Kuharsuke citrange, C-35 citrange, X-639, Carrizo citrange, Gou Tou, Shin Chu Sha, Rangpur Lime, Volkameriana lemon and Rough lemon were sown in protrays and later transplanted in poly-bags under protected conditions. The results of the experiment revealed that maximum plant height and stem thickness was recorded in C-35 citrange and Swingle citrumelo, respectively. Number of leaves/plant was highest in X-639. Root length and thickness at buddable stage were highest in Volkameriana lemon and Benton citrange, respectively. Fresh and dry root weight was maximum in Rangpur lime rootstock. Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) was budded on all the rootstocks under study and highest budding success was recorded in Rough lemon followed by Volkameriana lemon, Rangpur lime and Kuharsuke citrange. It was concluded that Volkameriana lemon, Kuharsuke citrange and Rangpur lime can also be explored as potential rootstocks along with Rough lemon for raising the nursery of Kinnow mandarin under protected conditions in Punjab. However, their long term effects on fruit yield and quality along with stionic compatibility should also be critically taken into consideration before any commercial recommendation.