Performance of `Orlando' Tangelo Trees on Ten Rootstocks in Arizona

Abstract

The influence, of 10 rootstocks on growth, yield, and fruit quality of `Orlando' tangelo (Citrus paradisi Macf. × C. reticulata Blanco) was studied for 7 years under the arid climate of southwestern Arizona. Trees on macrophylla (Alemow) (C. macrophylla Wester) were the most precocious and produced the highest yields 4 years after planting. Seven-year cumulative yields of trees on Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck × Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], Yuma citrange (P. trifoliata × C. sinensis), Volkamer lemon (C. limon Burm f.), rough lemon (C. jambhiri Lush), Taiwanica (C. taiwanica), and macrophylla were similar and higher than those on Savage citrange (P. trifofiata × C. sinensis), Batangas mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco), Ichang pummelo (C. ichangensis hyb.), and Palestine sweet lime (C. limettoides Tan.). Trees on Carrizo citrange had relatively large tree canopies and larger fruit, and fruit from trees on Volkamer lemon and rough lemon was lower in total soluble solids concentration (TSS) and total acids (TA) than fruit from trees on other rootstocks. Fruit from trees on Savage citrange was smallest but had the highest TSS. Considering yield, growth, and/or various quality factors, Volkamer lemon, rough lemon, Yuma citrange, and particularly Carrizo citrange, are suitable for `Orlando' tangelo in the arid regions of the southwestern United States. Trees on macrophylla, Savage citrange, and Ichang pummelo had small canopies and were least productive. `Orlando' tangelo trees on Savage citrange and Ichang pummelo rootstocks, however, might be good choices at a spacing closer than 7 × 7 m because of their high fruit TSS and fruit size, respectively. Trees on Palestine sweet lime declined and had low yields, and those on Batangas mandarin had low yields and poor fruit quality. These rootstocks are not recommended for `Orlando' tangelo under conditions similar to those of this experiment.