FIELD PERFORMANCE OF TWO CULTIVARS OF MEXICAN LIME ON ROOTSTOCK GROWN IN SOILS WITH DIFFERENT DEPTH

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The objective of this research was to assess the growth, yield and fruit quality of the cultivars Mexican lime with thorns (‘MCE’) and Mexican thornless (‘MSE’) [Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle] grafted on to different vigorous rootstocks established in soils with two different depths. Two different sites were chosen to set up the experiments, one with shallow soil (SS) with a water table 80 to 120 cm deep, and the other with deep soil (SP). Rootstocks evaluated on SS site were Macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla Wester), Rough lemon (C. jambhir Lush), Taiwanica (C. taiwanica) Troyer citrange (Poncirus trifoliate x C. sinensis), and Sour orange (C. aurantium). The same rootstocks, except for Troyer citrange and Sour orange, were used in SP. ‘MCE’ trees had larger crown diameter and yield than ‘MSE’ in both soils. Of all rootstocks, Macrophylla supported the largest tree crown diameter and average yield of the two lime cultivars, in both soil conditions. However, this rootstock was similar to Taiwanica and Rough lemon in tree height and crown volume. Fruit quality was not affected by the rootstocks used. Soil depth affected tree performance of most scion/rootstock combinations throughout the years. On the SS site, ‘MCE’ was more productive than ‘MSE’ on all rootstocks during the six years of production; however tree growth and yield of most combinations were affected by the water table. On the SP site, Mexican thornless lime trees on Macrophylla and Rough lemon were as vigorous and productive as ‘MCE’ on the same rootstocks. The most promising combinations for the SS site were’ MCE’/Macrophylla and ‘MCE’/Troyer citrange. On the SP site, the best combinations were both ‘MCE’ and ‘MSE’ on Macrophylla rootstock.