Compatibility of Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) mandarin grafted onto three genotypes of citrus rootstock

Abstract

Introduction of Citrumelo and Kanci, an alternative citrus rootstock, into citrus cultivation system in Indonesia as complement of Japansche citroen (JC) is very appreciated. Compatibility of Citrumelo and Fortunella to commercial citrus in Indonesia have not been evaluated. The aim of the study is to assess the compatibility of Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) mandarin citrus grafted onto JC, Citrumelo, and Kanci based on anatomical, morphological and physiological parameters. The results showed that 100% of RGL mandarin shoot bud grew on Citrumelo and JC rootstocks, but only 88.75% on Kanci rootstock. Anatomically, RGL mandarin at 60 days after budding (DAB) had perfectly adhered on Citrumelo rootstock and not yet fully adhered on JC and Kanci rootstock. Morphologically, RGL-Citrumelo and RGL-JC combinations at three years old plant resulted in the same plant growth parameters, better than RGL-Kanci combination. Physiologically, RGL-Citrumelo and RGL-JC combinations had the same chlorophyll index, better than RGL-Kanci combination. RGL-Citrumelo and RGL-JC combinations showed graft compatible and RGL-Kanci combination showed late incompatibility.