RESUMO: O estabelecimento de condições de crescimento mínimo é fundamental para a conservação in vitro de germoplasma. Alterações nas concentrações do meio básico, na fonte de carbono, são fatores importantes na desaceleração do crescimento de plantas in vitro. Este trabalho teve como objetivo ajustar um protocolo de conservação in vitro de plantas do limoeiro ‘Rugoso da Flórida’. Microestacas de plantas previamente cultivadas in vitro, com aproximadamente 1 cm, foram inoculadas em tubos de ensaio contendo 10 mL do meio de cultura WPM em diferentes concentrações (1/1, 1/2 e 1/4), suplementado com 0; 12,5; 25 e 50 g.L-1 de sacarose, solidificado com 7 g.L-1 de ágar e o pH ajustado em 5,8. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 15 repetições, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4, e mantido sob condições controladas durante 360 dias. Após este período, foram avaliadas altura de planta em cm (AP), número de folhas verdes (NFV), número de folhas senescentes (NFS), número de microestacas (NM) e massa da planta seca em g (MPS). As variáveis que mais contribuíram para explicar a diferença existente no comportamento das plantas do limoeiro ‘Rugoso da Flórida’ no meio de cultura WPM foram NFV e AP com 61,63 e 35,08%, respectivamente. O meio de cultura WPM na sua concentração original com a adição de 25 g.L-1 de sacarose promoveu os melhores resultados na redução do crescimento das plantas in vitro do limoeiro ‘Rugoso da Flórida’, mantendo-as fisiologicamente sadias.

ABSTRACT: The establishment of minimum growth conditions is essential for in vitro germplasm conservation. Changes to the basic medium and carbon source concentrations are important factors for reducing plant growth in vitro. This study adjusted a protocol for the in vitro conservation of ‘Florida Rough’ lemon plants. Microcuttings (approximately 1 cm) from plants that were previously cultivated in vitro were inoculated into test tubes with 10 mL of woody plant medium (WPM) at different concentrations (1/1, 1/2 and 1/4) and supplemented with 0, 12.5, 25 and 50 g.L-1 of sucrose, solidified with 7 g.L-1 agar and adjusted to pH 5.8. The experiment was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial design with 15 replications and was maintained under controlled conditions for 360 days. After this period the plant height in cm (PH), the plant dry mass in g (PDM) and the 21 numbers of green leaves (NGL), senescent leaves (NSL) and microcuttings (NM) were evaluated. The variables that best explained the observed behavior of the ‘Florida Rough’ lemon plants were NGL and PH, with values of 61.63 and 35.08%, respectively. The original concentration of the WPM with the addition of 25 g. L-1 of sucrose yielded the best ‘Florida Rough’ lemon plant growth reduction in vitro while maintaining the physiologically health of the plants.

RESUMO: A diversificação do uso de variedades porta-enxerto, com a consequente redução de riscos fitossanitários, é de fundamental importância para a sustentabilidade da citricultura do Sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento de 42 porta-enxertos na formação de mudas de laranjeira ‘Valência Late’ em fase de viveiro. Nesse sentido, seedlings (plantas oriundas da germinação de sementes) nucelares dos porta-enxertos estudados foram avaliados relativamente aos caracteres altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, taxa de mortalidade e percentagem de pegamento de borbulhas após a enxertia. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições de 20 unidades amostrais. Genótipos não adaptados tiveram altas taxas de mortalidade, os híbridos LCR x CTSW - 009 e LVK x LCR - 038 apresentaram 100% e 90% de mortalidade, respectivamente. Mais 13 genótipos apresentaram mortalidade superior a 30%, destes, dez têm como parental feminino a tangerineira ‘Sunki’. O citrumelo ‘Swingle’ foi o porta-enxerto que apresentou maior desenvolvimento (altura da planta e diâmetro do caule), associado a uma baixa taxa de mortalidade. Quanto aos demais porta-enxertos, destacaram-se por atingir rapidamente o diâmetro de enxertia, associado a baixa taxa de mortalidade, os híbridos HTR - 053, LRF x (LCR x TR) - 005, CLEO x TRBN - 245, CLEO x TRSW - 287, citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ e ‘San Diego’, assim como o limoeiro ‘Cravo’ e o Trifoliata. Além do Trifoliata, amplamente utilizado no Rio Grande do Sul, estes porta-enxertos são promissores para a citricultura do Sul do Brasil.

ABSTRACT: Diversification of rootstock varieties, with consequent reduction in phytosanitary risks, has great importance to the sustainability of citrus cultivation in the south of Brazil. This study evaluated the performance of 42 rootstocks in the nursery phase to generate ‘Valencia Late’ sweet orange seedlings. Therefore, nucellar seedlings from the rootstocks under study were analyzed in relation to plant height, stem diameter, mortality rate and percentage of bud set after grafting. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 20 sample units. Not adapted genotypes had high mortality rates, and the ones of both hybrids LCR x CTSW - 009 and LVK x LCR - 038 were 100% and 90%, respectively. Other 13 genotypes had mortality rates above 30%, and ‘Sunki’ mandarin was the female genitor of ten of them. ‘Swingle’ citrumelo was the rootstock with the highest development (plant height and stem diameter), associated with low mortality rate. In relation to the other rootstocks, the best results were the fast grafting diameter, associated with low mortality rate obtained by hybrids HTR - 053, LRF x (LCR x TR) - 005, CLEO x TRBN - 245, CLEO x TRSW - 287, and citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ and ‘San Diego’, as well as Trifoliate orange and ‘Rangpur’ lime. In addition to Trifoliate orange, which is widely used in Rio Grande do Sul, these rootstocks have great potential in citriculture in the south of Brazil.

RESUMO O desempenho produtivo dos citros é limitado por fatores abióticos, a exemplo da salinidade. A resposta a esses fatores é variável entre porta-enxertos, podendo-se identificar, em conformidade com cada ambiente de cultivo, genótipos agronomicamente mais adequados, que garantem a sustentabilidade do sistema produtivo. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo da limeira ácida ‘Tahiti’ em combinação com distintos porta-enxertos irrigados com águas contendo diferentes níveis de salinidade, durante o primeiro ano de produção de frutos. Foram avaliadas três condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação (0,14, 2,40 e 4,80 dS m-1) e 13 porta-enxertos (limoeiro ‘Cravo Santa Cruz’, citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ e ‘San Diego’, tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’ e oito híbridos gerados pelo Programa de Melhoramento Genético de Citros da Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e uma planta por parcela. No período entre 300 e 720 dias após o transplantio (DAT) para vasos com capacidade de 60 L, adaptados como lisímetros, foram realizadas colheitas de frutos, contabilizando-se a produção de frutos, em peso e número, além de serem mensurados o tamanho e a espessura da casca destes. Constatou-se que águas de até 2,4 dS m-1 podem ser utilizadas na irrigação de citros sem comprometer, significativamente, a produção da inicial de frutos da limeira ácida ‘Tahiti’ quando enxertada na tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’, no citrandarin ‘Riverside’ e nos híbridos TSKC x TRBK - 007, TSKC x CTTR - 012, HTR - 069, TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 040 e TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 059, que determinaram maior precocidade de início de produção. Quanto ao nível de salinidade da água de 4,8 dS m-1, a limeira ácida ‘Tahiti’ mostrou-se mais produtiva e menos sensível em combinação com a tangerineira ‘Sunki Tropical’ e com os híbridos TSKC x TRBK - 007, TSKC x CTTR - 012, HTR - 069, and TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 040.

ABSTRACT The productive performance of citrus plants is limited by abiotic factors such as salinity. The response to these factors varies among rootstocks, and to guarantee sustainability of the production system, it is possible to identify the most suitable genotypes agronomically for each growing environment. Given the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of the ‘Tahiti’ acid lime combined with different citrus rootstocks irrigated with water at different levels of salinity during the first year of fruit production. Three levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.14, 2.40 and 4.80 dS m-1) and 13 rootstocks (‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime, ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ and ‘San Diego’ citrandarins, ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin and eight hybrids generated by the Citrus Breeding Program of Embrapa Cassava & Fruits). The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with four replications and one plant per plot. The fruits were harvested from 300 to 720 days after transplanting (DAT) to pots with a capacity of 60 L, which had been adapted for use as lysimeters. Fruit production was determined by weight and number, in addition to measuring the size and the thickness of the peel. It was found that water of up to 2.4 dS m-1 can be used for citrus irrigation without significantly compromising early fruit production in the ‘Tahiti’ acid lime when grafted on the ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin, ‘Riverside’ citrandarin, and on the hybrids TSKC x TRBK - 007, TSKC x CTTR - 012, HTR - 069, TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 040 and TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 059, which resulted in an earlier start to production. At the salinity level of 4.8 dS m-1, the ‘Tahiti’ acid lime proved to be more productive and less sensitive when grafted onto ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin, TSKC x TRBK - 007, TSKC x CTTR - 012, HTR - 069, and TSKC x (LCR x TR) - 040 hybrids.

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 Arid and semiarid regions are vulnerable to water deficits and salinity. Citrus plants are sensitive to saline stress and require the use of tolerant scion-rootstock combinations. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and classify citrus scion-rootstock combinations with respect to their tolerance to salinity during seedling formation in a protected environment. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with a 5 x 12 x 2 factorial scheme corresponding to five levels of water salinity (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, and 4.0 dS m-1) applied in 12 citrus rootstocks grafted with two scion varieties: ‘Tahiti’ acid lime and ‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit. The scion-rootstock combinations were evaluated for accumulated dry matter and survival index at 330 days after sowing the rootstocks. Salinity exerted different effects on the dry matter formation of scion-rootstock combinations. ‘Star Ruby’ was less sensitive to salinity, particularly when the rootstocks were the hybrids from ‘Sunki of Florida’ mandarin (TSKFL) with ‘Troyer’ citrange (CTTR) - 013 (TSKFL x CTTR - 013), common ‘Sunki’ mandarin (TSKC) with ‘Argentina’ citrange (CTARG) - 019 (TSKC x CTARG - 019), TSKC with ‘Swingle’ citrumelo (CTSW) - 031 (TSKC x CTSW - 031), and the trifoliate hybrid (HTR) - 069, as well as the varieties Volkamer lemon and Santa Cruz Rangpur lime. When grafted with ‘Tahiti’ acid lime, the rootstocks displaying the less sensitive to salinity were TSKFL x CTTR - 013 and TSKC x CTARG - 019.

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 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 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 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: 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 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 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: 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.

Abstract Citrus plants have a long juvenile period, which has hampered the breeding progress of these species. In this sense, research focused on reducing the juvenile phase is needed to accelerate the breeding process. In this study, the morphology of the hybrid {[(‘Rangpur’ lime) x YMCT (‘Yuma’ citrange) - 005] x (Microcitrus papuana) - 001} (H011), which has a short juvenile period, and the gene expression levels of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) were evaluated. Morphological studies indicated early flowering and fruiting of the hybrid, characteristics that make it a promising candidate for citrus breeding. In addition, winter temperatures influenced the expression of the FT gene in stems and leaves.

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: 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 avaliar o desempenho agronômico de laranjeira 'Valência' (Citrus sinensis), em combinação com 13 porta-enxertos cultivados nas condições edafoclimáticas do Rio Grande do Sul. Avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis agronômicas: altura e volume da copa, produção por planta, eficiência produtiva, produtividade, diâmetro dos frutos, massa dos frutos, massa das cascas, rendimento do suco, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, relação sólidos solúveis:acidez, ácido ascórbico, coloração da casca, capacidade antioxidante e compostos fenólicos. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e nove plantas por parcela, em arranjo bifatorial (13 porta-enxertos e as safras 2015 e 2016). Destacaram-se os porta-enxertos: TSKC x TRDP-023, quanto ao rendimento de suco (54,0 e 51,7%), à relação açucar:acidez (8,66 e 6,99) e ao ácido ascórbico (49,3 e 51 mg 100 g-1); e o citrandarin 'San Diego', quanto ao teor de compostos fenólicos (106,4 e 74,9 100 g-1 de ácido gálico), à coloração (76,2 e 75,9 hue) e ao ácido ascórbico (42,2 e 44,7 mg 100 g-1). Os porta-enxertos TSKC x TRDP-026 e TSKC x CTQT1434-004 induzem a formação de copa e a precocidade produtiva de laranjeira 'Valência' nos primeiros anos, na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of 'Valência' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) tree, in combination with 13 rootstocks cultivated in soil and climate conditions of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The following agronomic variables were evaluated: scion height and volume, plant production, production efficiency, productivity, fruit diameter, fruit mass, peel mass, juice yield, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, soluble solids:acidity ratio, ascorbic acid, peel color, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compounds. A randomized complete block experimental design was used, with three replicates and nine plants per plot, in a two-factor arrangement (13 rootstocks and the 2015 and 2016 harvests). The following rootstocks stood out: TSKC × TRDP-023 for its juice yield (54.0 and 51.7%), soluble solids:acidity ratio (8.66 and 6.99), and ascorbic acid (49.3 and 51 mg 100 g-1); and the citrandarin 'San Diego', for its higher phenolic-compound content (106.4 and 74.9 100 g-1 gallic acid), coloration (76.2 and 75.9 hº), and ascorbic acid (42.2 and 44.7 mg 100 g-1). The TSKC × TRDP-026 and TSKC × CTQT1434-004 rootstocks induce canopy formation and productive precocity in 'Valência' orange trees grown in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the first few years of growth.

ABSTRACT: Rootstocks influence certain characteristics of the scion, such as vigor, fruit yield and quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors. In conventional citrus breeding programs, hybridization is the main method used for obtaining rootstock varieties. Between Sept and Oct 2006, controlled pollinations were carried out resulting in nine progenies, totaling 461 hybrid seedlings. The female parents were the ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime (SCRL) and the ‘Sunki of Florida’ mandarin (SFM), while the male parents, in addition to this mandarin, were the ‘Indio’ and ‘Riverside’ citrandarins, the ‘Thomasville’ citrangequat (THOM), the ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, the ‘Argentina’ citrange (AGC) and the ‘Benecke’ trifoliate orange (BKTO). Fruit setting rates of these crosses were measured and the hybrids generated were planted in the field in 2008 and evaluated from 2010 to 2014, for the variables of plant mortality, visual vigor, plant height and trunk diameter. The descriptive statistics mean, variation range, coefficient of variation and Pearson skewness coefficient were calculated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means of the treatments were grouped by the Scott-Knott test, both at 5 % significance. The progenies, having the ‘Sunki’ mandarin as the female parent, presented higher fruit setting rates and lower plant mortality rates than those obtained from the female parent ‘Rangpur’ lime, while zero plant mortality was observed in the SFM × BKTO cross. The crosses SCRL × SFM, SFM × BKTO, SFM × AGC and SFM × THOM have the potential to generate vigorous hybrids, resulting in rootstock varieties adapted to the landscape unit of Coastal Tableland.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a methodology that uses water deficit induction to increase the frequency of hybrids in Citrus varieties that have a high and an intermediate level of polyembryony, respectively. The experiment examined the ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin and ‘Rangpur Santa Cruz’ lime genotypes at three water stress intensities: 20, 40 and 100% of the pot capacity (PC). The generated fruits were harvested, and the seeds were counted. After germination, the number of nucellar and hybrid seedlings was determined. For ‘Rangpur Santa Cruz’ lime genotype, the highest hybrid frequency generated was 64.2%, which occurred at a PC of 40% and exceeded by 12% that occurring at a PC of 100%. For ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin, the highest observed hybrid frequency was 21.75%, which occurred at a PC of 20% and was more than double the hybrid frequency of 8.57% observed at 100% of the PC.