Citurs rootstocks are dependent of the growdcover management systems. This study aimed to identify the divergences of seven rootstocks for 'Folha Murcha' sweet orange trees in two groundcover management systems on a Paleudult. The study was performed at the IAPAR research station, in Paranavai, northwestern Paraná, Brazil. The experiment was in a complete random block design with threer replications for the bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) groundcover treatment and one replication for the perennial groundnut legume (Arachis pintoi Krap. & Greg.). Yield, vegetative growth and leaf nutrient contents were evaluated yearly in 'Folha Murcha' sweet orange trees (1997 to 2002). Multivariate analyses were based on canonic variables and main components, which were grouped according to the Tocher's method. The groundcover management with perennial peanut legume reduced the differences among rootstocks of 'Folha Murcha' orange trees. On the other hand, the groundcover management with bahiagrass increased the divergence among rootstocks regarding leaf nutrients, fruit yield and vegetative growth of orange trees. Bahiagrass is a preferable cover crop when aiming to evaluate the performance of grafted 'Folha Murcha' orange trees.
Citrus sinensis; soil management; cover crops; nutritional status; multivariate analysis
