Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Soil and Water Research Department, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticultural Science Department, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran
Abstract
In Mazandaran Province, use of Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis Osb. × Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) as an alternative rootstock for citrus is expanding. Also, due to great changes in lime content of the soils (0- 45%) and soil texture, it is necessary to study the response of this rootstock to the soils conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the growth trend and tolerance of this rootstock to calcareous soils of East Mazandaran. To this end, an experiment was conducted for two years in a randomized complete block design in seven soils with different textures (sandy to clay loam) and calcium carbonate content (2- 45%). Measurements included vegetative growth trend, dry weight, chlorosis rate, fluorescence index (Fv/Fm), and nutrient concentration in leaves and roots. The results showed that the highest dry weight of aerial parts was obtained from soils with loam texture and total lime of 2% and soils with loamy sand texture and total lime of 40%. The highest chlorosis rate was obtained from soils with loam texture and 45% lime with 16% active lime and the lowest chlorosis rate was obtained from active- lime-free soils and 2% total lime. The average of Fe concentration in the roots was about 8.94 times the average concentration in the leaves, indicating accumulation and deposition of iron in the roots. In most soils, the amount of manganese available for citrus trees was excessive, but the mean concentration of leaf was less than adequate. The overall mean Mn concentration in the roots was about 6.67 times more than its mean concentration in leaf. The most limiting element for Carrizo citrange rootstock and scion was Mn and its low transfer efficiency from root to leaf. The results of mean chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence index (Fv / Fm) of leaves showed that soils with loam texture and low total lime and soils with light texture and high total lime had the highest amount of chlorophyll and fluorescence index. According to the results, soil texture influenced tolerance of Carrizo citrange rootstock in calcareous soils and, in relatively medium and heavy texture soils, the use of this rootstock in soils with total lime less than 14% is recommended, but in light-textured soils, its use in soils with total lime about 40% is also recommended. Therefore, in choosing this rootstock, it is recommended to consider soil texture and lime content.
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