Several studies conducted in citrus fruit producer countries are currently being carried out to select and assess the rootstocks tolerant to Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) that cam be employed in the different areas.
An evaluation of rootstock suitability must consider productive and qualitative features as well as the adaptability to various weather and soil conditions. In addition, some varieties have qualitative characteristics that are appreciated by consumers but which can be affected by the use of different rootstocks. In Italy, the peculiar characteristics of pigmented or blood oranges are strongly affected by a variety of factors, among which the combination of graft and rootstock.
Researchers from the University of Catania and the Miguel Hernández University of Alicante assessed and compared ten CTV-tolerant rootstocks on Tarocco Scierè oranges grown in a territory part of the IGP Arancia Rossa di Sicilia area.
Five of the ten roostocks, i.e. Bitters, Carpenter, Furr, F6P12® and F6P13, were released recently and performed well in limiting soil conditions. This study proved the important role rootstocks play in determining organoleptic quality, especially when it comes to sugar levels and anthocyanin concentration.
Some of the rootstocks recently introduced in Italy, i.e. Bitters and Furr, looked promising as they had a positive effect on different agronomic and qualitative parameters. "Overall, these results contribute to assessing the role of different rootstocks in the post-CTV citrus fruit industry."
Some of the rootstocks recently introduced in Italy, i.e. Bitters and Furr, looked promising as they had a positive effect on different agronomic and qualitative parameters. "Overall, these results contribute to assessing the role of different rootstocks in the post-CTV citrus fruit industry."
Source: Continella A., Pannitteri C., La Malfa S., Legua P., Distefano G., Nicolosi E., Gentile A., 'Influence of different rootstocks on yield precocity and fruit quality of 'Tarocco Scirè' pigmented sweet orange', 2018, Scientia Horticulturae, Vol. 230, pag. 62-67.