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

A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal-Lesriwal, Jalandhar 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 were recorded in C-35 citrange and Swingle citrumelo, respectively. The number of leaves/plant was highest in X-639. Volkameriana lemon and Benton citrange had the longest and thickest roots at the buddable stage, 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 the 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, as well as stionic compatibility, should be carefully considered before making any commercial recommendations.