Photoselective coverings influence plant growth, root development, and buddability of citrus plants in protected nursery

Abstract

Use of protective coverings can be an economically viable option in fruit nurseries than in fully mature commercial orchards. In protected nurseries, photoselective coverings can influence the growth of rootstocks, budding success, and budding growth of the budded scion cultivar. The effect of photoselective coverings (white, silver, green, red and stainless steel net house) along with open conditions (control) was studied on plant growth, nutrient uptake and root growth of rough lemon and Carrizo citrange rootstock seedlings which were subsequently budded with Kinnow and Daisy mandarin cultivar buds, respectively. The rough lemon plants under red net had better height, internodal length and budding success, while in open conditions, higher seedling diameter, root diameter, shoot and root dry weight, leaf number and secondary root number were recorded in rough lemon seedlings. The Carrizo seedlings in red net had better seedling diameter, internodal length, leaf area and number, shoot dry weight and budding success. The higher nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc levels were recorded in the leaves of rough lemon and Carrizo citrange under red shade net. The plant height of rough lemon seedlings was positively correlated to internodal length, budding success and leaf areaas well as leaf phosphorus and iron levels. The highest buddable seedlings were recorded in open conditions but, budding success in red shade net house. The highest sprout lengths of Kinnow and Daisy mandarin saplings were recorded in red net followed by green net and white net. Higher photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were recorded under red shade net, whereas lowest PAR interception was recorded in open conditions.