Effect of Rootstock Selection on Tree Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Lemon Varieties Cultivated in Greece

Abstract

Lemon is a prominent citrus fruit that supports regional economies worldwide. Several agronomic and fruit quality attributes are affected by the rootstock selection, thus its selection is essential for a successful grove. This study aims to compare the agronomic and quality attributes of four lemon cultivars (‘Mikrokarpo Messaras’, ‘Nouvel Athos’, ‘Femminello Commune,’ and ‘Zia gara Bianca’) grafted onto three rootstocks (‘Sour Orange’, ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’, and ‘Volkameriana’). The yield and rootstock/scion ratio were estimated along with fruit morphological characteristics (size, equatorial, and polar diameter). Internal fruit quality was also estimated (total soluble solids, total acidity, juiciness, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total antioxidant activity). ‘Volkameriana’ rootstock stood out among the studied rootstocks, as all grafted lemon varieties increased their productivity. Its combination with the Italian cultivar ‘Femminello Commune’ exhibited enhanced tree vigor and tree yield. For all studied cultivars, the use of ‘Volkameriana’ or ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ rootstocks decreased the total soluble content and total acidity, increased the ascorbic acid content, and did not influence the TSS/TA ratio, total phenols or total antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the vigorous ‘Volkameriana’ and ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ rootstocks are a promising replacement for ‘sour orange’. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ as a rootstock for lemons, as existing literature is rather limited.

Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis Provides New Insights into the Effect of Rootstocks on Citrus Fruit Quality

“…Rootstock selection has a direct impact on fruit quality, yield, and tree growth, and ultimately leads to differences in fruit appearance quality and internal quality [28][29][30]. These differences are often determined by metabolic products.…”

Fruit Growing: Cultivation Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Quality Produce

“…In the current Special Issue, two articles pinpoint how rootstock selection affects agricultural production in citrus or vines. In the review paper by Ziogas et al [12], it was emphasized that rootstock selection in lemon cultivation is essential for the development of specific fruit quality traits, yield, and tree growth. The authors presented data on the potential use of the vigorous Yuma Ponterosa lemon and Volkameriana as an alternative to the sour orange lemon rootstock.…”

“…The authors presented data on the potential use of the vigorous Yuma Ponterosa lemon and Volkameriana as an alternative to the sour orange lemon rootstock. The use of Yuma Ponterosa lemon decreased the total soluble content and total acidity of the fruit and increased the ascorbic acid content [12]. Additionally, Mahmud et al [13] provided new data on how rootstock selection alters the seasonal dynamics and vertical distribution of new rootlets of grapevines.…”