Performance of `Ambersweet' Orange Trees on Cleopatra Mandarin and Swingle Citrumelo Rootstocks

Abstract

Because of the many concerns about fruit quality and fruit production of `Ambersweet' cultivar, this study was conducted in Florida to evaluate the performance of this cultivar budded on two rootstocks and grown in three locations. The effects of Cleopatra mandarin (CM) rootstock on tree growth, yield, fruit quality, and leaf mineral concentration were compared to those of Swingle citrumelo (SC). Although tree shape differed with the rootstock, no consistent difference was found in tree growth between the two rootstocks. Significant differences in yield, fruit size, and fruit quality were found between the two rootstocks. Fruit produced on CM were large with a rough, thick peel and poor color. Swingle citrumelo rootstock promoted higher yield and better fruit and juice quality than CM. Earlier fruit maturity and higher soluble solids and juice content were obtained from trees grown on the Flatwoods compared to trees grown on the central ridge. With the exception of magnesium, no consistent difference in leaf mineral concentration was found between the two rootstocks.