A Mini Review of Citrus Rootstocks and Their Role in High-Density Orchards

Abstract

Dwarfing is an important agricultural trait for intensive cultivation and effective orchard management in modern fruit orchards. Commercial citrus production relies on grafting with rootstocks that reduce tree vigor to control plant height. Citrus growers all over the world have been attracted to dwarfing trees because of their potential for higher planting density, increased productivity, easy harvest, pruning, and efficient spraying. Dwarfing rootstocks can be used to achieve high density. As a result, the use and development of dwarfing rootstocks are important. Breeding programs in several countries have led to the production of citrus dwarf rootstocks. For example, the dwarfing rootstocks ‘Flying Dragon’, ‘FA 517’, ‘HTR-051’, ‘US-897’, and ‘Red tangerine’ cultivated in various regions allow the design of dense orchards. Additionally, dwarf or short-stature trees were obtained using interstocks, citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd) and various chemical applications. This review summarizes what is known about dwarf citrus rootstocks and the mechanisms underlying rootstock–scion interactions. Despite advances in recent decades, many questions regarding rootstock-induced scion development remain unanswered. Citrus rootstocks with dwarfing potential have been investigated regarding physiological aspects, hormonal communication, mineral uptake capacity, and horticultural performance. This study lays the foundation for future research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying citrus dwarfing.

Physiological and Full-Length Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Dwarfing Regulation in Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata L.)

“…In fruit production, dwarfism is an essential trait for high-density plantings and offers effective grove management for irrigation water and fertilizer, branch pruning, pest and disease controls, and fruit harvesting [ 1 , 2 ]. Grafting is commonly employed in fruit trees for asexual propagation, and rootstocks contribute to the vigor and growth of grafted trees [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Economic Analysis of Acid Lime Production and Marketing in Nepal: A Benefit-Cost Perspective from Nawalpur East District

“…50 plant -1 compared to non-grafted plants, assuming the yield difference and market prices remain constant. Grafted acid lime trees are often preferred in commercial citrus orchards because they tend to be more diseaseresistant and can produce higher yields compared to non-grafted trees (Hayat et al, 2022), which cost Rs. 100 plant -1 .…”

Assessing the Impact of Diverse Rootstocks on the Quality Attributes of Feutrell’s Early Citrus Fruits

“…Citrus cultivation has a rich history spanning centuries, primarily relying on grafted plants, and rootstocks occupy a pivotal position in shaping the growth and progression of citrus plants (Hayat et al 2022). These rootstocks exert considerable influence over the physiological and biochemical characteristics of scion cultivars.…”

“…In the complex landscape of fruit production, both scions and rootstocks are regarded as fundamental constituents, cohesively determining outcomes. The careful selection of an appropriate rootstock stands as a pivotal decision during orchard establishment, ultimately defining the potential for sustained and optimal returns (Hayat et al 2022).…”