Comparison of field performance of citrus trees on rootstocks propagated by seedlings, cuttings, and tissue culture

Comparison of field performance of citrus trees on rootstocks propagated by seedlings, cuttings, and tissue culture

Report Date: 04/15/2022
Project: 18-028C   Year: 2022
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Ute Albrecht
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

 1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them: Objective 1. Investigate effects of rootstock propagation method and the interaction with rootstock on root structure, root growth, and tree performance during the first 3 years of growth in the field.Fruit yield was determined in both commercial trials, but fruit production on these young trees was still low. Fruit samples were collected from each experimental unit and fruit quality was determined. Because of the earlier than usual harvesting time (determined by the grower collaborators) due to the freeze events in January/February, fruit quality was generally poor. Tree ratings (HLB symptoms, canopy color, canopy density) were conducted. Due to the freezes there was considerable defoliation (especially in the SW FL trial) and new flush had died off. Trees at the central ridge location were not as affected by the freezes. Objective 2. Investigate if trees on rootstocks propagated by tissue culture or cuttings differ in susceptibility to Phytophthora-induced decline or wind-induced blow-over compared with trees on rootstocks propagated by seed. We continued our root crowns analyses (measurements and photographic documentation) on the trees that were uprooted during the previous quarter. An in-person/virtual seminar with research results from this project and a hands-on demonstration of root crowns from the uprooting trials was held at SWFREC on March 23rd. Other information from this project was presented at the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute in Avon Park on April 5th.   3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): This project is being continued under an NCE because it was underspent for reasons outlined in the NCE agreement.  


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