Leaf Phosphorus Concentration in Young Rootstocks and Scion Cultivars of Citrus

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to study the leaf phosphorus level in five seedling rootstocks and in their twenty two combinations with certain citrus cultivars, all grown in the field for three years under uniform cultural practices. Data obtained showed highly significant interactions between specific scions and rootstocks. Increase in scion leaf phosphorus was evident in ‘Clementine’ mandarin on ‘Troyer’ citrange, ‘Hamlin’ and ‘Washington’ navel oranges on ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin, and ‘Washington’ navel on sour orange. In general, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin and‘Troyer’ citrange supplied their scion leaves with more phosphorus than ‘ Rangpur’ lime, rough lemon or sour orange. Regardless of the rootstock used, ‘Clementine’ mandarin, ‘Prior Lisbon’ lemon and ‘Washington’ navel orange were able to accumulate more phosphorus in their leaves than ‘Valencia’ or ‘Hamlin’ oranges. Differences in leaf phosphorus content were detected only between two seedling stocks, being higher in rough lemon compared to‘Rangpur’ lime.