Rootstock evaluation for sweet orange cv. Early Gold in arid irrigated region of Punjab

Abstract

The performance of sweet orange cv. Early Gold on different rootstocks was evaluated at Regional Research Station Abohar, Punjab during 2013-16. The plants budded on different rootstocks were supplied by Punjab Agri Export Corp. Ltd., imported from USA. The data was analyzed in a randomized block design, replicated four times. Fruit yield was significantly higher and comparable in trees raised on Carrizo citrange (39.1 kg/tree) and Jatti khatti rootstock (37.7 kg/tree) than other rootstocks. Fruits on Carrizo rootstock registered maximum juice content (48.47%), which was statistically same as observed on Jatti khatti and Volkamer lemon. Total soluble solids were also highest on Carrizo. Fruit quality index (TSS:acid ratio) was comparable in Volkamer lemon, Jatti khatti and Carrizo citrange rootstocks. The trees raised on commercial Jatti khatti rootstock were quite younger but resulted comparable yield and fruit quality to that of Carrizo. Hence, Jatti khatti seem to be the most suitable rootstock for raising ‘Early Gold’ sweet orange in arid irrigated regions of Punjab.