Characterization of ‘Valencia Late’ orange on different rootstocks, in "Entre Ríos", Argentina

Abstract

In fruit production, rootstocks are used to control factors such as plant height, resistance to pests and diseases and production earliness. The aim of this study was to evaluate size, production and production efficiency of ‘Valencia Late’ orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] plants over different rootstocks, grouping them according to these characteristics and define the most efficiency rootstocks for the studied region. Field data was collected between 1994 and 2010, from ‘Valencia Late’ orange plants, grafted on seventeen different rootstocks, with a density of 333 plants per hectare in "Entre Ríos", Argentina. During all seasons, growth variables (plant height, crown diameter, trunk diameter and standing) and production per plant were recorded. Also canopy volume and production efficiency were determined. To describe the production and growth variables and to identify rootstocks groups according to plants size, production and production efficiency, Principal Component Analysis, Biplot graph and Multivariate Analysis of Variance and Hotelling test were applied. Three groups of rootstocks could be identified: the first group with larger plants, higher production but lower production efficiency; the second group, with an intermediate behavior and the third group, with smaller plants, lower production but higher production efficiency. Rootstocks of the third group showed more efficiency, can be recommended for the studied region with higher density of planting.