ABSTRACT The genetic improvement of sour passion fruit has the main objective of obtaining genotypes with high fruit yield and quality. The determination of the ideal early selection is extremely relevant to reduce costs and time in the selection of promising genotypes for use in genetic improvement programs. In this context, this work aimed to determine the ideal selection phase through estimates of genetic parameters, phenotypic, genotypic correlations and analysis of repeatability. A total of 14 yellow passion fruit hybrids in Lençóis (Bahia State, Brazil) were evaluated in a randomized block design with five replications and nine agronomic traits from three harvests with five fruits evaluated per repetition. Genetic parameters, repeatability coefficient and phenotypic and genotypic correlations were estimated for each evaluation cycle. For most parameters, the traits changed according to the evaluation cycle. Most of the genetic parameters showed favorable genetic conditions for the selection in the first harvest. The correlations between the traits fruit weight, peel and seedless pulp weight, fruit length and diameter were more stable in the different harvests. Through the repeatability analysis based on the principal components of covariance and correlation, it was possible to estimate a sample of 13 fruits per hybrid for prediction with accuracy of 90% for the physical traits of sour passion fruit.

Abstract Soil cover with plastic film is a practice used to optimize the agronomic performance of different crops, but its behavior in the citrus growing conditions of Brazil remains unknown. Five experiments in commercial orchards located in the state of São Paulo, in rainfed or irrigated systems, were carried out to evaluate the effect of soil cover with plastic film (white/black or silver/black color) on the vegetative growth and initial production of sweet orange trees up to 3.5 years after planting. In each location and experiment, completely randomized design was used, with four to ten replicates and five to twelve useful trees per plot. Considering the set of results, soil cover with plastic film increased the average canopy volume by 27% and the average production per tree by 33% compared to control trees without plastic cover. The positive effect of plastic cover was observed until the third year of its application, gradually decreasing with its degradation. In general, greater relative increases were observed in variables evaluated with the use of plastic cover in rainfed experiments than irrigated ones, while the effect of white/black either silver/black films was similar.

Resumo A cobertura do solo com filme plástico é uma prática utilizada para otimizar o desempenho agronômico de diferentes culturas, mas não se conhece seu comportamento nas condições de cultivo de citros no Brasil. Cinco experimentos em pomares comerciais localizados no Estado de São Paulo, em sequeiro ou irrigados, foram realizados para avaliar o efeito da cobertura de solo com filme plástico (cor branca/preta ou prata/preta) no crescimento vegetativo e na produção inicial de laranjeiras-doces até 3,5 anos após o plantio. Em cada localidade e experimento, utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro a dez repetições e de cinco a doze plantas úteis por parcela. Considerando-se o conjunto de resultados, a cobertura de solo com filme plástico aumentou, em média, 27% o volume de copa e 33% a produção média por planta em relação à testemunha sem cobertura. O efeito positivo da cobertura foi observado até o terceiro ano de sua aplicação, reduzindo-se gradativamente com sua degradação. Em geral, observaram-se maiores incrementos relativos nas variáveis avaliadas com o uso da cobertura nos experimentos de sequeiro em relação aos irrigados, enquanto o efeito de filmes nas cores branca/preta e prata/preta foi similar.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the influence of eight rootstocks on the yield, fruit quality, and survival of 'Pêra CNPMF D6' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) trees grown under rainfed conditions in a cohesive soil of the Brazilian Northeast. In 2014-2018, the yield, fruits, and survival of trees planted in 1997 were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Yield was assessed using annual fruit production, yield efficiency, and the alternate bearing index. Tree survival was considered the percentage of plants that remained alive until 2018. Fruit quality was evaluated by physicochemical attributes. 'Cravo' confirmed its good yield performance. Despite the lower number of trees, the 'Mazoe' rough lemon rootstock induced the highest fruit yield. The 'Cravo' x 'Cleópatra' hybrid and 'Volkameriano' lemon favored the highest trees survival, whereas 'Indio' citrandarin and 'Cravo' lime resulted in intermediate levels. The 'San Diego' and 'Riverside' citrandarins induced shorter tree with a high yield efficiency and a higher alternate bearing index, respectively. Fruits with less juice and mass were induced, respectively, by 'Riverside' citrandarin and 'Volkameriano' lemon. It can be concluded that the 'Mazoe' rootstock induces a higher fruit yield and 'Cravo' x 'Cleópatra' and 'Volkameriano', a greater survival. In addition, all rootstocks, except 'Riverside' and 'Volkameriano', induce fruit that meet the minimum quality requirements.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a influência de oito porta-enxertos no rendimento, na qualidade do fruto e na sobrevivência de laranjeiras (Citrus sinensis) 'Pêra CNPMF D6' cultivadas, em regime de sequeiro, em solo coeso do Nordeste brasileiro. Em 2014-2018, foram avaliados, no delineamento de blocos ao acaso, o rendimento, os frutos e a sobrevivência de árvores plantadas em 1997. O rendimento foi avaliado a partir da produção anual de frutos, da eficiência produtiva e do índice de alternância produtiva. A sobrevivência das árvores foi considerada a percentagem de plantas que permaneceram vivas até 2018. A qualidade dos frutos foi avaliada por meio de atributos físico-químicos. 'Cravo' confirmou seu bom desempenho produtivo. Apesar do menor número de árvores, o porta-enxerto limoeiro rugoso 'Mazoe' induziu a maior produtividade de frutos. O híbrido 'Cravo' x 'Cleópatra' e o limoeiro 'Volkameriano' favoreceram a maior sobrevivência das árvores, enquanto o citrandarin 'Indio' e o limoeiro 'Cravo' resultaram em níveis intermediários. Os citrandarins 'San Diego' e 'Riverside' induziram, respectivamente, árvores menores, com alta eficiência de produção e maior índice de alternância produtiva, respectivamente. Frutos com menos suco e massa foram induzidos, respectivamente, pelo citrandarin 'Riverside' e o limoeiro 'Volkameriano'. Conclui-se que o porta-enxerto 'Mazoe' induz maior rendimento de frutos e 'Cravo' x 'Cleópatra' e 'Volkameriano' maior sobrevivência. Além disso, todos os porta-enxertos, exceto 'Riverside' e 'Volkameriano', induzem frutos que atendem os requerimentos mínimos de qualidade.

ABSTRACT The search for alternative rootstocks to the ‘Rangpur’ lime tree is a challenge to the sustainability of citrus in the Tabuleiros Costeiros (Coastal Tablelands) of Northeastern Brazil. New varieties should meet high drought tolerance with water deficit, cohesive soils, resistance to citrus diseases and inducing high production of fruit. In this work, the performance of ‘Pera’ sweet orange was evaluated on ‘Tropical Sunki’ mandarin and 27 hybrid citrus rootstocks in Umbaúba, Sergipe. A local selection of the ‘Rangpur’ lime was the control. Planting was in 2013 at tree spacing of 6.0 × 3.0 m, without irrigation. Tree size, fruit yield and quality, tree survival rate and graft-compatibility were assessed until 2019. Experimental design was completely randomized blocks with 29 treatments, three replicates and four plants in the plot. Two selection indices were applied to the data to assist in decision making. The ‘Tropical Sunki’ mandarin induced similar cumulative fruit yield in relation to the ‘Rangpur’ lime, suggesting a good drought tolerance of the former rootstock. The TSKC × (LCR × TR) - 073 induced slightly lower productivity, compensated by higher productive efficiency and higher concentration of soluble solids, whereas LCR × TR - 001 and HTR - 166 were highly efficient dwarfing rootstocks. The multiplicative and the rank sum indices showed high correlation, both classifying ‘Tropical Sunki’ mandarin, ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime, LVK × LCR - 010 and - 038, HTR - 127, in addition to the three aforementioned hybrids, as superior to the local selection of ‘Rangpur’ lime.

ABSTRACT The water deficit is one of the main limiting factors to the yield of sweet oranges. The present study aimed to determine alternative rootstocks to ‘Rangpur’ lime for ‘Pera’ sweet oranges grown on tropical hardsetting soils with greater potential tolerance to water deficit. Six citrus scion/rootstock combinations were grown during eight years in an orchard established in Sergipe, Brazil. The tree height, number of fruits per plant, cumulated fruit yield, leaf proline content and survival rate of trees were evaluated between 6th and 8th year after planting. Greater rate of tree loss occurred among the sweet orange onto ‘Orlando’ tangelo, which also induced the lowest cumulative fruit yield. After prolonged water deficit, moderate to high proline content was found in trees grafted on Sunki of Florida mandarin × C13 citrange – 012° (TSKFL × CTC13-012), ‘Orlando’ tangelo, ‘Indio’ and ‘Riverside’ citrandarin. Conversely, after a short water deficit during the wet season, trees on ‘San Diego’ citrandarin and Rangpur lime clone of Centro Nacional de Pesquisa Mandioca e Fruticultura – CNPMF 03 ‘Rangpur’ lime showed higher proline content. Trees onto TSKFL × CTC13-012 and ‘Indio’ also induced the greatest accumulated fruit yield at the 8th year after planting. It is assumed that ‘San Diego’ and CNPMF 03 ‘Rangpur’ induce response more quickly to water deficit, whereas TSKFL × CTC13-012 and ‘Indio’ are less susceptible to prolonged deficit. Therefore, trees on ‘San Diego’ and Indio citrandarin, CNPMF-03 ‘Rangpur’ lime, TSKFL × CTC13-012 hybrid present greater potential to tolerate water deficit and produce more fruits on the hardsetting soils of the coastal tablelands of the Brazilian Northeast.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate types of cuttings, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations, and potting media on the rooting of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) cultivars, and to compare the initial performance of flowering-competent cuttings cultivated in a trellising system or in a nonstaking method on ground covered with plastic mulch. The passion fruit cultivars evaluated were BRS Gigante Amarelo, Isla Redondo Amarelo, and FB 200 Yellow Master were evaluated. The assessed treatments were: softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings; five concentrations of IBA (0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg L-1); and the pine bark or phenolic foam potting media. Initial growth, fruit yield, and bacteriosis severity were evaluated in the field in flowering-competent cuttings and seedlings, both in the trellising system and in the nonstaking method on mulched ground. For the evaluated cultivars, a high rooting rate (>90%) was observed for both softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings grown in phenolic foam or decomposed pine bark for potting media, regardless of the IBA concentration. In the espalier system, 14 months after transplanting, fruit yield was 45% higher for cuttings than for seedlings. Unstaked plants had a low number of flowers and fruit set, and a great damage by bacteriosis according to the used cultivar. The evaluated cultivars can be propagated either by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings, in phenolic foam or decomposed pine bark, without IBA application. Flowering-competent cuttings have the potential to anticipate the production in the trellised cultivation of yellow passion fruit.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar tipos de estacas, concentrações de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) e substratos de cultivo, no enraizamento de cultivares de maracujá (Passiflora edulis), e comparar o desempenho inicial de estacas floríferas conduzidas em sistema de espaldeira ou no método de cultivo rasteiro em solo protegido com cobertura de plástico. Avaliaram-se as cultivares de maracujá BRS Gigante Amarelo, Isla Redondo Amarelo e FB 200 Yellow Master. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: estacas herbácea ou lenhosa, cinco concentrações de AIB (0, 500, 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 mg L-1); e os substratos de cultivo casca de pinheiro ou espuma fenólica. Em campo, o crescimento inicial, a produção de frutos e a severidade da bacteriose foram avaliados em plantas de estacas competentes para florescer e em mudas, tanto no sistema em espaldeira como no método rasteiro em solo com cobertura de plástico. Para as cultivares avaliadas, observou-se alta taxa de enraizamento (>90%) tanto para as estacas herbáceas como para as semilenhosas, em substrato de espuma fenólica ou casca decomposta de pinheiro, independentemente da concentração de AIB. No sistema de espaldeira, após 14 meses de cultivo, a produção foi 45% maior para plantas obtidas de estacas que para mudas. As plantas rasteiras apresentaram baixo número de flores e frutos e grande severidade de bacteriose conforme a cultivar utilizada. As cultivares avaliadas podem ser propagadas por estaquia herbácea ou semilenhosa, em espuma fenólica ou em casca de pinheiro decomposta, sem aplicação de AIB. As estacas floríferas apresentam potencial para antecipar a produção em cultivo de maracujá-amarelo em espaldeira.

Abstract The production of mandarins is incipient in Northeastern Brazil in spite of the large regional market. Few studies have reported the performance of mandarins under the tropical conditions in Brazil, considering that, in general, the quality and yield of these fruits are more expressive in regions of subtropical and Mediterranean climates. In this work, tree size, fruit production and quality of four mandarin hybrids (‘Piemonte’ mandarin-tangor, ‘Murcott’ tangor and ‘Page’ and ‘Nova’ tangelo-mandarin) grafted on ‘Rangpur’ lime rootstock in Umbaúba, State of Sergipe, Brazil, were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates and three trees per plot. Planting was carried out in 2008 at tree spacing of 6.0 x 3.0 m in rainfed cultivation system. ‘Piemonte’ mandarin-tangor was more productive than ‘Murcott’ tangor and ‘Nova’ and ‘Page’ tangelo-mandarin, under the conditions evaluated in Umbaúba up to the eleventh year after planting. Regarding fruit quality, ‘Piemonte’ mandarin-tangor and ‘Page’ tangelo-mandarin can be indicated both for fresh consumption and for processing due to their higher total soluble solids, ratio and vitamin C content in relation to ‘Murcott’ tangor.

Resumo A produção de tangerinas é incipiente na região Nordeste, embora o mercado consumidor regional seja expressivo. Há poucos estudos sobre o desempenho de tangerineiras nas condições tropicais do Brasil, considerando-se que, em geral, a qualidade e o rendimento de frutos dessas frutíferas sejam mais expressivos em regiões de clima subtropical e mediterrâneo. Neste trabalho, avaliaram-se crescimento de plantas, produção e qualidade de frutos de quatro híbridos de tangerineira (tangerineira-tangor ‘Piemonte’, tangor ‘Murcott’ e tangerineira-tangelos ‘Page’ e ‘Nova’ ) enxertados em limoeiro ‘Cravo’, em Umbaúba-SE. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com três repetições e três plantas por parcela. O plantio foi realizado em 2008, no espaçamento de 6,0 m x 3,0 m, em cultivo de sequeiro. A tangerineira-tangor ‘Piemonte’ foi mais produtiva que o tangor ‘Murcott’ e os tangerineira-tangelos ‘Page’ e ‘Nova’ , nas condições avaliadas em Umbaúba-SE, até ao décimo primeiro ano de plantio. Para a qualidade dos frutos, a tangerineira-tangor ‘Piemonte’ e o Tangerineira-tangelo ‘Page’ podem ser indicados tanto para o consumo in natura quanto para processamento, pois apresentaram resultados superiores para sólidos solúveis totais, ratio, rendimento industrial e vitamina C em relação ao tangor ‘Murcott’.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate five nonparametric selection indices for the selection of hybrid citrus rootstocks grafted with 'Valência' sweet orange, using horticultural traits relevant for the juice processing industry. Forty-six rootstocks were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with three replicates and five trees in the plot, in the period from 2009-2015, in a rainfed cultivation. The means of the variables plant height, accumulated fruit yield, fruit yield efficiency, total soluble solids concentration, juice yield, and drought-tolerance were used to calculate the following indices: multiplicative index (IEi), sum of classification (IMMi), genotype-ideotype distance (DiI), and ranking indices (IRKi, based on simple means; and IRKii, based on linear normalization). The indices were efficient to classify the hybrids in relation to general performance. Spearman’s correlation showed a high similarity between most nonparametric indices, notably between IRKi and IRKii. The ranking indices, mainly IRKii, provide a more coherent classification of the hybrids, which allows of the selection of more productive and drought-tolerant rootstocks to produce high-quality fruit for processing.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar cinco índices de seleção não paramétricos para a seleção de citros híbridos como porta-enxertos, enxertados com laranjeira 'Valência', com base em atributos horticulturais relevantes para a indústria de processamento de suco. Avaliaram-se 46 porta-enxertos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e cinco plantas na parcela, no período de 2009-2015, em cultivo de sequeiro. As médias das variáveis altura de planta, produção acumulada de frutos, eficiência produtiva de frutos, concentração de sólidos solúveis totais, rendimento de suco e tolerância à seca foram utilizadas para calcular os seguintes índices: multiplicativo (IEi), soma de classificação (IMMi), distância genótipo-ideótipo (DiI) e ranqueamento (IRKi, baseado em médias simples; e IRKii, baseado em normalização linear). Os índices foram eficientes em classificar os híbridos em relação ao desempenho geral. A correlação de Spearman mostrou alta similaridade entre a maioria dos índices não paramétricos, notadamente entre IRKi e IRKii. Os índices de ranqueamento, principalmente o IRKii, fornecem uma classificação mais coerente dos híbridos, o que permite a seleção de porta-enxertos mais produtivos e tolerantes à seca, para a produção de frutas de alta qualidade para processamento.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of nine rootstocks on 'Jaffa' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) for its vegetative, productive, and qualitative traits, and for its susceptibility to three pest mites (Eutetranychus banksi, Tetranychus mexicanus and Phyllocoptruta oleivora). The following parameters were evaluated: vegetative growth, yield, physiochemical characteristics of fruit, and density of pest mites. 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin conferred high cumulative yields whereas 'Orlando' tangelo and 'Rugoso Vermelho' lemon imparted bigger fruit with low brix, and less acidity to 'Jaffa'. Indio and 'Riverside' citrandarins induced more acid fruit of smaller sizes, as well as low-cumulated yields and canopy volumes. Also, the 'Cravo Santa Cruz' lime, 'San Diego' citrandarin, and the hybrids HTR-051 and LVK x LCR-010 conferred lower-cumulated yields to 'Jaffa'. The rootstocks did not influence the population levels of the evaluated mites. 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin, 'Cravo Santa Cruz' lime and 'Rugoso Vermelho' lemon stand up as excellent rootstock options for 'Jaffa' sweet orange in the Northeastern Brazil.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de nove porta-enxertos sobre os parâmetros vegetativos, produtivos e qualitativos da laranjeira-doce 'Jaffa' (Citrus sinensis) e sobre a sua suscetibilidade a três ácaros-praga (Eutetranychus banksi, Tetranychus mexicanus e Phyllocoptruta oleivora). Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: crescimento vegetativo, produtividade, características fisioquímicas dos frutos e densidade de ácaros-praga. A tangerineira 'Sunki Tropical' conferiu elevada produtividade à laranjeira 'Jaffa', enquanto o tangeleiro 'Orlando' e o limoeiro 'Rugoso Vermelho' induziram frutos maiores, com baixos valores Brix e menos ácidos à laranjeira 'Jaffa'. Os citrandarins 'Indio' e 'Riverside' induziram frutos mais ácidos e de tamanhos menores, assim como baixa produtividade acumulada e menor copa. Adicionalmente, o limoeiro 'Cravo Santa Cruz', o citrandarin 'San Diego' e os híbridos HTR-051 e LVK x LCR-010 conferiram menor produção acumulada à laranjeira 'Jaffa'. Os porta-enxertos não influenciaram os níveis populacionais dos ácaros avaliados. A tangerineira 'Sunki Tropical', o limoeiro 'Cravo Santa Cruz' e o limoeiro 'Rugoso Vermelho' se destacam como excelentes opções de porta-enxertos para a laranjeira 'Jaffa' na região Nordeste do Brasil.

ABSTRACT Although Brazil is the sixth producer of mandarins in the world, fresh fruit exports are neglectable, and few cultivars are available for the domestic market. Main harvest season comprises May to November, with Ponkan mandarin and Murcott tangor representing more than 70% of the production. Therefore, there is a need for alternative early season, seedless varieties that should also be preferably resistant to Alternaria brown spot. We investigated the horticultural performance of ten selections of Satsuma mandarin in subtropical conditions in Bebedouro, northern state of São Paulo, Brazil. Clausellina, Okitsu, Unshu SRA-529, Saigon SRA-227, Panaché SRA-579, Salzara SRA-341, Miyagawa SRA-444, Kowano SRA-167, FCAV-59 and A2 60.0 selections were grafted on Swingle citrumelo and evaluated up to 7 years old. Unshu, Miyagawa and A2 60.0 presented the highest tree size. These three selections, in addition to Okitsu and Kowano mandarins, resulted in higher fruit yield for the five first harvests (mean of 31.3 kg∙tree–1∙year–1). Panaché had the smallest yield efficiency. Miyagawa and A2 60.0 selections presented lower alternate fruit bearing in the evaluated period due to their early bearing habit. These same selections had the largest fruits with the earliest maturation; similar to the Okitsu mandarin, but with lower soluble solids and higher juice content. The overall performance of the Satsuma mandarin selections grafted on Swingle citrumelo and drip irrigated was promising under subtropical climate. The Okitsu, Miyagawa and A2 60.0 mandarins were selected because of their highest productive potential and their valuable quality traits for the Brazilian domestic market.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to select rootstocks, based on the agronomic characters and fruit quality of the 'Valência' orange tree. The evaluated rootstocks were: the 'Cleópatra' mandarin; the TSKFL x CTTR-013, LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, LVK x LVA-009, TSK x TRENG-256 ('Indio' citrandarin) hybrid genotypes; the 'Santa Cruz' Rangpur lime; and the TSKFL x CTC-25-002, and TSKC x CTSW-038 hybrids. The experiment was installed in 2010 and evaluated from 2013 to 2017. The parameters plant height, canopy volume, yield efficiency, scion:rootstock ratio, survival percentage, and drought tolerance were evaluated in 2017. The yield average of five harvests was estimated, as well as the annual production per plant and the accumulated production. The analyzed fruit traits were: mass, diameter, peel length and thickness, juice yield, soluble solids, acidity, and technological index. 'Valência' shows a lower plant height and canopy volume, besides a higher yield efficiency, when grafted on TSKC x CTSW-038 than on the other rootstocks. LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, 'Indio' citrandarin, and 'Santa Cruz' Rangpur lime increase the production of the 'Valência' orange. LVK x LCR-038 and the 'Indio' citrandarin induce the scion to produce a better quality fruit.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar porta-enxertos, com base nos caracteres agronômicos e na qualidade de frutos da laranjeira 'Valência'. Os porta-enxertos avaliados foram: a tangerina 'Cleópatra'; os híbridos TSKFL x CTTR-013, LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, LVK x LVA-009 e TSK x TRENG-256 (citrandarin 'Indio'); o limoeiro-cravo 'Santa Cruz'; e os híbridos TSKFL x CTC-25-002 e TSKC x CTSW-038. O experimento foi instalado em 2010 e avaliado de 2013 a 2017. Os parâmetros altura da planta, volume da copa, eficiência produtiva, relação entre copa e porta-enxerto, percentagem de sobrevivência e tolerância à seca foram avaliados em 2017. Foram estimadas a produtividade média de cinco safras, assim como a produção anual por planta e a produção acumulada. As características dos frutos analisadas foram: massa, diâmetro, comprimento e espessura de casca, rendimento de suco, sólidos solúveis, acidez e índice tecnológico. A 'Valência' apresenta menor altura de planta e volume da copa, bem como maior eficiência produtiva, quando enxertada sobre TSKC x CTSW-038 do que sobre os outros porta-enxertos. LVK x LCR-038, TSKC x CTQT 1439-004, citrandarin 'Indio' e limão-cravo 'Santa Cruz' estimulam o aumento da produção da laranjeira 'Valência'. LVK x LCR-038 e o citrandarin 'Indio' induzem o enxerto a produzir frutos de melhor qualidade.

Abstract Citriculture is an important agricultural activity worldwide, occupying a relevant position in Brazil among fruit tree production for both the fresh fruit market and the processing industry for concentrated orange juice export. Recent advances in the country’s citrus nursery tree production system have been essential to guarantee the efficiency and competitiveness of Brazilian citriculture. The implementation of strict laws and regulations to produce trees in protected environments and improvements in production techniques for basic citrus propagation materials and nursery trees in São Paulo state has excluded the insect vectors of destructive diseases such as citrus variegated chlorosis and huanglongbing, making this an innovative reference system for citrus propagation around the globe. The main aspects of these advances are presented and discussed in this review, including advances in propagation techniques, scion and rootstock selection, genetic characterization and certification, tree size standards, cultural practices such as irrigation and fertilization for the production of citrus propagation materials and nursery trees, and nursery management tools.

Resumo A citricultura é uma atividade agrícola de grande expressão mundial, ocupando posição de destaque no Brasil entre as frutíferas com elevado volume e valor de produção para o mercado interno de frutas frescas e para exportação de suco concentrado. Considerando as limitações de ordem técnica do agronegócio dos citros, principalmente as ameaças fitossanitárias, os avanços no sistema de produção de mudas e de material básico de citros nas duas últimas décadas foram essenciais para garantir a competitividade e eficiência da citricultura brasileira. A implementação e aprimoramento de normas e técnicas envolvendo a produção de mudas e material básico em ambientes protegidos de vetores de doenças como clorose variegada dos citros e huanglongbing no Estado de São Paulo, proporcionou o estabelecimento de um sistema produtivo de referência mundial. São apresentados e discutidos nesta revisão os aspectos mais relevantes destas mudanças, envolvendo técnicas de propagação, variedades copa e porta-enxerto, caracterização e certificação genética, legislação e manejo para produção de material de propagação e muda, bem como as ferramentas de gestão do viveiro.

Abstract In Brazil, few mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) cultivars are being currently exploited, limiting the availability of fresh fruit in the local market. This study was aimed to investigate the performance of 15 Clementine mandarin selections and 3 hybrids, seeking for alternative varieties for production under subtropical conditions. Fifteen Clementine selections, namely: ‘Oroval-SRA335’, ‘Tomatera-SRA535’, ‘Reina-SRA534’, ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Nules-SRA389’, ‘Ragheb-SRA386’, ‘Oroval-Y45’, ‘2-Kr-Monreal’, ‘Commune-SRA88’, ‘Commune-SRA85’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘De Nules-VCR’, ‘Commune-SRA92’, ‘Clemenules-EECB128’ and ‘Marisol-EECB126’; three hybrids (‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Caçula-1’ and ‘Caçula-3’) and the standard commercial varieties ‘Ponkan’ and ‘Cravo’, grafted on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo [C. paradisi Mafad. cv. ‘Duncan’ x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], were evaluated in Bebedouro, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 2004 to 2008. The experimental plot was planted in 2001 with the 20 genotypes disposed in a randomized block design, with three replications and two plants per plot. The ‘Cravo’ variety and the ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’ hybrid presented the smallest plant size. The selections ‘Cravo’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Marisol-EECB126’ and ‘Ragheb-SRA386’ had the smallest cumulative yield. Fruits of ‘Caçula-1’ had the highest soluble solids content and those of ‘Caçula-3’ showed the highest juice content. Among the Clementine selections, ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Clemenules-EECB128’, ‘De Nules-VCR’ and ‘Reina-SRA534’ reached earlier maturity. In terms of yield efficiency, ‘Ponkan’ trees performed similarly or outperformed the other selections, with larger fruits and earlier ripening. The ‘Reina-SRA534’ selection outstood due to its high fruit yield and quality, with medium fruit size and early bearing, while ‘De Nules VCR’ and ‘Tomatera-SRA535’ had high yield, low alternate-bearing and fine fruit quality, despite of their large plant size. Good performance of Clementine selections and hybrids encourages further studies on cultural practices for growing this group of mandarins under subtropical climatic conditions.

Resumo No Brasil, poucas cultivares de tangerineira (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) são exploradas atualmente, o que limita a oferta de frutas frescas no mercado. Este estudo avaliou o desempenho de 15 seleções e 3 híbridos de tangerineira Clementina, visando a buscar alternativas para produção em condições subtropicais. Quinze selecções de Clementina (‘Oroval-SRA335’, ‘Tomatera-SRA535’, ‘Reina-SRA534’, ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Nules-SRA389’, ‘Ragheb-SRA386’, ‘Oroval-Y45’, ‘2-Kr-Monreal’, ‘Commune-SRA88’, ‘Commune-SRA85’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘De Nules-VCR’, ‘Commune-SRA92’, ‘Clemenules-EECB128’ e ‘Marisol-EECB126’); três híbridos (‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Caçula-1’ e ‘Caçula-3’) e duas cultivares comerciais controle (‘Ponkan’ e ‘Cravo’), enxertadas em citrumelo ‘Swingle’ [C. paradisi Mafad. cv. ‘Duncan’ x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], foram avaliadas no município de Bebedouro-SP, Brasil, de 2001 a 2008. O pomar experimental foi plantado em 2001, com os 20 genótipos dispostos em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições de duas plantas por parcela. O controle ‘Cravo’ e o híbrido ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’ apresentaram o menor vigor das plantas. As seleções ‘Cravo’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Marisol-EECB126’ e ‘Ragheb-SRA386’ tiveram as menores produções acumuladas. Os frutos do híbrido ‘Caçula-1’ apresentaram o maior conteúdo de sólidos solúveis, e os do ‘Caçula-3’, o maior teor de suco. As seleções ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Clemenules-EECB 128’, ‘De Nules-VCR’ e ‘Reina-SRA534’ atingiram o início de produção antes das demais seleções de Clementina. Em termos de eficiência produtiva, a variedade ‘Ponkan’ igualou-se ou até ultrapassou as seleções, com frutos maiores e de maturação precoce. A seleção ‘Reina-SRA534’ destacou-se pelos frutos de tamanho médio e precocidade de produção, enquanto ‘De Nules VCR’ e ‘Tomatera-SRA535’ apresentaram rendimento elevado, apesar do maior tamanho de planta. O bom desempenho das seleções e dos híbridos de Clementina deste estudo estimula a avaliação de práticas culturais para o cultivo desse grupo em clima subtropical.

Abstract The diversification of scion and rootstock varieties is tremendously necessary for the citrus industry in Northeastern Brazil. The initial performance of 13 sweet orange varieties grafted onto ‘San Diego’ citrandarin, and of ‘Cara-Cara’ navel orange and ‘CNPMF-02 Persian’ lime grafted onto several rootstocks was evaluated in the municipality of Inhambupe, northern coast of the state of Bahia. Three trials were carried out separately, and tree size, fruit production and quality were assessed in the first three crops, with planting in 2008 at 6.0 m x 3.0 m spacing with supplemental irrigation. ‘Aquiri’, ‘Biondo’, ‘Agridoce’, ‘Kona’, ‘Pineapple’, ‘Russas CNPMF-03’ and ‘Salustiana’ sweet oranges showed the largest cumulative production in the first three crops. ‘Pera CNPMF D-6’, ‘Westin CNPMF’ and ‘Salustiana’ sweet oranges had fewer seeds per fruit, being more appropriate for fresh fruit market, in addition to greater production efficiency for the first one. Although ‘Westin CNPMF’ has shown good fruit quality, its initial production was low. ‘Florida’ rough lemon and ‘Volkamer’ lemon induced higher cumulative production compared to ‘Cara Cara’ navel orange, but tree size and fruit quality were not influenced by any evaluated rootstock. ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin and ‘Riverside’ citrandarin led to higher tree size and cumulative production and heavier fruits of ‘CNPMF-02 Persian’ lime. All scion and rootstock combinations have potential for cultivation on the northern coast of the state of Bahia and appear as an alternative to the prevalent ‘Pera’ sweet orange on ‘Rangpur’ lime combination.

Resumo A diversificação de variedades-copa e porta-enxerto é altamente necessária à citricultura no Nordeste do Brasil. Avaliou-se o desempenho inicial de 13 variedades de laranjeira-doce enxertadas em citrandarineiro ‘San Diego’, além da laranjeira-de-umbigo ‘Cara Cara’ e da limeira-ácida ‘Tahiti CNPMF-02’ sobre diversos porta-enxertos, em Inhambupe, no Litoral Norte do Estado da Bahia. Três experimentos foram conduzidos separadamente, sendo o plantio realizado em 2008, no espaçamento de 6,0 m x 3,0 m, com irrigação suplementar. Avaliaram-se tamanho da planta, produção e qualidade dos frutos nas três safras iniciais. As laranjeiras ‘Aquiri’, ‘Biondo’, ‘Agridoce’, ‘Kona’, ‘Pineapple’, ‘Russas CNPMF-03’ e ‘Salustiana’ acumularam maior produção de frutos no período. As laranjeiras ‘Pera CNPMF D-6’, ‘Westin CNPMF’ e ‘Salustiana’ apresentaram frutos com poucas sementes, sendo apropriadas ao mercado in natura, além da maior eficiência de produção da copa da primeira. Apesar de a ‘Westin CNPMF’ apresentar boa qualidade de frutos, sua produção inicial foi menor. Os limoeiros ‘Rugoso da Flórida’ e ‘Volkameriano’ induziram maior produção acumulada à laranjeira ‘Cara Cara’. O tamanho das árvores e a qualidade dos frutos não foram influenciados pelos porta-enxertos avaliados. A tangerineira ‘Cleópatra’ e o citrandarineiro ‘Riverside’ determinaram à limeira-ácida ‘Tahiti CNPMF-02’ maiores volumes de copa, produção acumulada e tamanho de frutos. Todas as combinações apresentadas acima de copa e porta-enxerto apresentam potencial para cultivo no Litoral Norte da Bahia, sendo alternativas à combinação predominante, laranjeira ‘Pera’ enxertada em limoeiro ‘Cravo’.

Abstract In the state of Bahia, Brazil, citrus production is mainly on the Northern Coast region, with major cultivation of ‘Pera’ sweet orange grafted onto ‘Rangpur’ lime. The production of mandarins and mandarin-like fruits is very low in spite of the increasing regional consumption. Varieties that are adapted to tropical sub humid conditions should be evaluated on different rootstocks for cultivation recommendation. This study assessed the performance of ‘Piemonte’ tangor over 14 rootstocks in Rio Real, BA. Planting was performed in 2006 on a cohesive yellow argisol, at 6.0 m x 4.0 m spacing and with no irrigation. Plant growth, production, and physicochemical attributes of fruits in 2010-2014 were assessed, in addition to tree survival and drought tolerance based on leafroll. At nine years of age, rootstocks that induced greater cumulative production of ‘Piemonte’ were ‘Riverside’ and ‘Indio’ citrandarins, ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime, and ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Sunki Tropical’ and ‘Sunki Maravilha’ mandarins. Although four hybrid rootstocks were semidwarfing, their mean efficiency was equivalent to the other rootstocks (˜ 5.5 kg m-3), resulting in the lowest production. Drought tolerance and tree survival were similar among rootstocks with minimal loss, except for TSKFL x CTSW - 049 hybrid with only 33.33% of survival. ‘Piemonte’ tangor produced fruits with general good quality under the evaluated conditions, but only peel thickness and technological index (TI) were influenced by rootstocks, with the lowest TI averages recorded for fruits harvested from scions grafted onto TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 001 and ‘Volkamer’ lemon.

Resumo Na Bahia, a produção de citros é concentrada no Litoral Norte, com cultivo predominante da laranjeira ‘Pera’ enxertada em limoeiro ‘Cravo’. A produção de tangerinas é muito baixa, apesar do consumo regional crescente. Variedades adaptadas ao clima tropical subúmido devem ser avaliadas em combinação com diferentes porta-enxertos visando à recomendação de cultivo. Neste estudo, o desempenho do tangor ‘Piemonte’ foi avaliado sobre 14 porta-enxertos em Rio Real-BA. O experimento foi instalado a campo em 2006, em um Argissolo Amarelo coeso, no espaçamento 6,0 m x 4,0 m, sem irrigação. O crescimento de planta, a produção e os atributos físico-químicos de frutos foram avaliados em 2010-2014, além da sobrevivência de árvores e a tolerância à seca com base no enrolamento foliar. Aos nove anos de idade, os porta-enxertos que induziram maior produção acumulada foram os citrandarins ‘Riverside’ e ‘Indio’, o limoeiro ‘Cravo Santa Cruz’ e as tangerineiras ‘Cleópatra’, ‘Sunki Tropical’ e ‘Sunki Maravilha’. Embora quatro porta-enxertos, híbridos tenham sido semiananizantes, sua eficiência foi semelhante à dos demais (˜ 5,5 kg m-3), resultando na menor produção. A tolerância à seca e a sobrevivência foram similares entre os porta-enxertos com perda mínima de plantas, à exceção de TSKFL x CTSW - 049, com apenas 33.33% de plantas vivas. Em geral, o tangor ‘Piemonte’ produziu frutos com boa qualidade nas condições avaliadas, e apenas a espessura da casca e o índice tecnológico (IT) foram influenciados pelos porta-enxertos, com menores médias de IT sobre TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 001 e limoeiro ‘Volkameriano’.