Use of compost and interaction with low- and high-vigor rootstocks to accelerate young
sweet orange tree establishment and enhance productivity

Use of compost and interaction with low- and high-vigor rootstocks to accelerate young sweet orange tree establishment and enhance productivity

Report Date: 08/05/2020
Project: 19-030C   Year: 2020
Category: Horticultural & Management
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. To determine the influence of compost during the first three years of tree establishment on growth, productivity, and root and soil health of citrus trees on rootstocks with different vigor-inducing capacity. Horticultural measurements, scheduled for the last quarter but not completed due to the Covid-19 related halt of all research activities, were completed. These include tree height, canopy size, and trunk diameters.Fibrous root samples were collected for assessment of root traits. Rhizosphere samples were collected for microbial community analysis. Root trait analysis and rhizosphere DNA extractions are in progress. Soil sample were collected for nutrient and physical attributes analysis.   2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter: We will complete the leaf sample collection for nutrient analysis and continue with processing of samples in the laboratory and statistical data analyses.     3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why): Approximately 28% of funds have been spent, which includes funds for the initial tree establishment. Spending is in accordance with the timeline.   


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