Abstract

Obtaining new rootstocks that have resistance to biotic and abiotic factors is one of the main goals of breeding programs for citrus. This study evaluated the performance of 42 hybrids of Sunki mandarin (Citrus sunki Hort. ex Tanaka) vs. Poncirus trifoliata cv. Rubidoux, as rootstock for Pera sweet orange. The experiment was conducted in Colômbia, São Paulo, Brazil, in randomized blocks with three replications in a spacing of 6.0 m x 3.5 m. The trees were seven years old and the experiment was conducted without irrigation. We quantified the variables height, diameter and canopy volume, and production of plants, besides the physico-chemical analysis of fruits. After the natural period of drought in the region, the trees were evaluated for resistance to drought, with scale ranging from 1 to 3. Plants were also evaluated for symptoms of citrus sudden death and compatibility canopy/rootstock. Differences were observed in height, diameter and canopy volume of Pera sweet orange grafted on 42 hybrids of Sunki mandarin x Poncirus trifoliata (TSxPT). Differences were observed in the physico-chemical characteristics of fruits of Pera sweet orange grafted on different hybrids TSxPT. Different degrees of drought tolerance were observed and six hybrids were resistant. The hybrids TSxPT 245 and 254 showed incompatibility with variety of Pera sweet orange.

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