Effect of rootstock and environmental factors on fruit quality of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) grown in tropical regions

Abstract

International commerce of Persian limes (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) has grown in recent years. Peel color is the most important quality parameter together with juice content and a good balance between TA and TSS. The rootstock's performance determines the characteristics of the fruit in the environmental conditions where it is established. Consequently, to meet the requirements of the Persian lime fruit market, it is important to know the effects of the rootstock, environmental conditions, and its role in the quality of the fruit. To achieve this aim, Persian lime was grafted onto six rootstocks established in three locations with different environmental conditions and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Results show that the environmental conditions strongly affect the quantity of juice content, as well as TA and TSS, whereas rootstocks influence TSS, and TA. The rootstock's interaction with environmental conditions determined the firmness, and all color parameters evaluated. The study concluded that Persian limes produced under the conditions evaluated led to better fruit quality, fulfilling all the market requirements and desirable traits such as high TSS and TA content and greener fruits.