The Fruit Quality and Potassium Leaf Content of ‘Clementine' Mandarin as Affected by Rootstock and Potassium Fertilizer

Abstract

Seven years old ‘Clementine’ Mandarin grown on five rootstocks, were put under potassium fertilizer programme since establishment in 1972. Rootstocks used were: Sour Orange. Cleopatra Mandarin. Rough Lemon, Rangpur Lime and Troyer Citrange. Measurement of the physical and chemical quality characters of the ‘Clementine Mandarin' showed that fruits grown on Sour Orange rootstock were small in size, but rich in TSS. acidity and ascorbic acid; while fruits grown on Rough Lemon rootstock were large in size but low in TSS. acidity, and ascorbic acid. Other stocks were inconsistent in their effect. Potassium content of leaves was found normal. However, trees grown on Cleopatra Mandarin were significantly lower than those on other rootstocks. Fertilization with potassium was found to be of no significant effect on most fruit quality characteristics. The interaction of rootstocks and potassium was non-significant.