Author(s): S. N. GHOSH, B. BERA AND S. ROY

Abstract: Considering the beneficial effect of rootstock on productivity, quality and longevity on scion varieties, a root stock trial was conducted for 5 consecutive years on mosambi-sweet orange under irrigated condition in laterite soil. The scion of mosambi was taken from single elite mother plant and budded on seven root stocks, viz., Karna Khatta (Citrus karma), Jambheri (Citrus jambheri), Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia), Gandharaj lemon (Citrus lemon), Sweet lime (Citrus limettoides), Kumkuat (Fortunella spp.) and local strain of lemon (Citrus lemon) were used. Study indicated that plant growth was maximum on Karna Khatta followed by Jambheri and minimum on Kumquat. Maximum number of fruits (291 fruits over a period of 6 years) and fruit yield (7.9 kg) per plant was recorded with karma khatta, followed by Rangpur lime (254 fruits and 7.6 kg respectively); whereas, maximum weight (190 g) and diameter (8.1 cm) of fruits were recorded on kumquat, followed by rangpur lime (150 g and 7.6 cm respectively). Best quality fruits in terms of juice content, T.S.S., total sugar, ascorbic acid and T.S.S./acid ratio, was with Rangpur lime. Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus content (2.8% N and 105% mg P) were highest on Rangpur lime followed by Karna Khatta (2.6% N and 104% mg P), while foliar K content did not differ significantly among the different rootstock used. With respect to yield and fruit quality, Rangpur lime and Karna Khatta rootstocks have been found to be for mosambi-sweet orange under irrigated condition in laterite soil of West Bengal.

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