Differences in Fruit Quality and Plant Growth of ‘Shiranuhi’ Mandarin Trees, Planted and Top-Grafted Stock

Abstract

Differences in fruit characteristics (soluble solids content, acidity and fruit weight) and growth properties of fruiting branches in both planted and top-grafted stock for ‘Shiranuhi’ mandarin [(C. unshiu x C. sinensis) x C. reticulate] trees were determined when fruit was harvested. It was found that fruiting branch length, leaves and soluble solids contents tended to be higher in the planted stock compared with the top-grafted trees. Fruit diameter, fruit weight, stem end protrusion, pulp weight and pulp thickness were larger in the planted than top-grafted stock. However, titratable acidity was higher in the top-grafted than in the planted stock. These results suggest that planted stock should be cultivated as part of crop management for improvement of fruit quality and plant growth in ‘Shiranuhi’ mandarin trees.