Early performance of mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) of different rootstocks in the submontane region of Wywad in Kerala

Abstract

Twenty stionic combinations involving scions of five mandarin orange varieties and four rootstocks were evaluated for their performance under the agroclimatic conditions of Wynad, Kerala since 1980. The first six years study showed that Coorg mandarin on Rough lemon was the most vigorous combination in respect of all the biometric characters recorded. Rough lemon was the most invigorating rootstock, while Trifoliate stock induced dwarfness of scions. Though it was too prematureto assess the yield potential, data recorded in 1984, 1985 and 1986 showed that Coorg mandarin on Rough lemon was comparatively higher in yield than most other combinations. With regard to quality also, it was on par with other combinations. Further studies will be continued.