Performance of the Brasiliano 92 orange cultivar with six trifoliate rootstocks

Abstract

The rootstock plays a crucial role in the fruit tree. For several decades, sour orange (<i>Citrus aurantium</i> L.) has been the most widely used rootstock in citrus cultivation. However, the spread of the <i>Tristez</i>a virus (CTV) has prevented the use of sour orange rootstock in new plantings in many areas because it is sensitive to CTV. The objective of this experiment was to study the vegetative, productive, and fruit qualitative performance of six graft combinations obtained from grafting Brasiliano N.L. 92 onto <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf. (PT); Flying dragon [<i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf. cv. Monstrosa] (FD); Citrange Carrizo [<i>Citrus sinensis</i> (L.) Osbeck × <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf.] (CC); Citrange C35 [<i>Citrus sinensis</i> (L.) Osbeck, cv. Ruby's <i>poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf., cv. Webber Fawcett] (C35); Citrange Troyer [<i>Citrus sinensis</i> (L.) Osbeck × <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf.] (CT); and Swingle Citrumelo [<i>Citrus paradisi</i> Macf. <i>Poncirus trifoliata</i> (L.) Raf.] (SC). Sampled fruits were assessed for biometric measures, maturation index, and nutraceutical parameters. At 225 days after full bloom (DAFB), the oranges were harvested and the number and weight of fruit per tree were determined. The differences were recorded, and statistical analysis showed that each of the six combinations had specific characteristics. Particular attention must be given to the combination B92/FD; despite the fruit being smaller, it showed better organoleptic and nutraceutical results. For the lower yield per tree higher density of planting is required compared to the other rootstocks. The cost of planting a higher number of trees using the B92/FD graft combination at planting time can be justified for an orange cultivar that guarantees high income, such as the Brasiliano 92 cultivars.