Rootstock’s and scion’s impact on lemon quality in southeast Spain
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1
Department of Plant Science and Microbiology, Miguel Hernández University, Ctra Beniel 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Alicante, Spain
2
Citriculture and Vegetal Production Center, Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Apartado Oficial, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
3
Agricultural Technological Development Service;
Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Apartado Oficial, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
Publication date: 2018-07-02
Int. Agrophys. 2018, 32(3): 325-333
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ABSTRACT
In terms of growth, yield and fruit quality, three lemon varieties (‘Fino49’ F49, ‘Verna50’ V50 and ‘FinoElche’ FE) were tested on three new hybrid root stock selections (Forner-Alcaide 2324, Forner-Alcaide 418 and Forner-Alcaide 5). Yield was weighed within a nine year period and fruit quality was determined in two harvests. Tree size was similar on the Forner-Alcaide 5 and Forner-Alcaide 2324 rootstocks, but reduced by 50% on Forner-Alcaide 418. Forner-Alcaide 2324 and the Forner-Alcaide 5 rootstocks showed similar cumulative yield, while it was decreased by 66% in Forner-Alcaide 418. In all cases, ‘Verna50’ was the less efficient scion. Rootstock was found to significantly affect fruit quality variables. The Forner-Alcaide 418 rootstock induced the lowest peel thickness and peel percentage, but the highest juice content and colour index. Forner-Alcaide 5, together with Forner-Alcaide 418, showed the highest total soluble sugars. In conclusion, both the Forner-Alcaide 5 and Forner-Alcaide 2324 rootstocks generate standard tree size and high yield in the varieties tested, together with great fruit quality, being a suitable alternative for replacing C. macrophylla rootstock when used in lemon varieties. Forner-Alcaide 418 reduces tree size without decreasing yield efficiency and improves alternate-bearing of the harvest. Thus, it may have use in intensifying citrus production as it behaves as a dwarfing rootstock.