Growth of combinations of scion and citrus rootstocks under water stress in greenhouse

The objective of this study was to identify combinations between the varieties of scion and rootstocks that have better response to water stress, from the initial growth until the beginning of flowering. The experimental design was a randomized block, in factorial arrangement (4 x 2 x 2), four water levels (50, 75, 100 (control) and 125% of evapotranspiration real applied in two citrus grafted on two rootstocks the 'Rangpur' lime 'Santa Cruz' (Citrus limonia Osbeck) and the Trifoliate Hybrid-069. The reduction in water depth applied hampered growth in number of leaves, stem diameter of rootstock, stem diameter of graft and line diameter of stem, as well as the dry matter of shoot and root. Under water stress condition, buds in Rangpur lime showed better development when irrigated with depths corresponding to 100 and 125% of actual evapotranspiration. The acid lime 'Tahiti CNPMF-2001' showed higher dry biomass production of shoots and roots under water stress. THe hybrid HTR-069 determined reduction in the size growth of the scion grafted on it.

Citrus spp.; Poncirus trifoliata; water deficit; irrigation