Rootstocks and planting types on root architecture and vegetative vigor of ‘Pera’ sweet orange trees

Abstract

Root architecture affects plant growth and agricultural productions. Although it is related to genetic factors, soil physical limitations can affect the root system and volume of explored soil, compromising plant growth and fruit production. Considering the need to mitigate these restrictions, the objective of the present study was to evaluate two planting types (planting of protected seedlings and planting of seeds in definitive place) and two scion-rootstock combinations (‘Pera’ sweet orange, CNPMF D-6 selection, combined with ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime and ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin rootstocks). The experiment was conducted at the Lagoa do Coco Farm, Rio Real, BA, Brazil, in a Oxisol under rainfed conditions. Biometric, physiological, and soil water content evaluations were made during the experiment. Soil mechanical resistance to root penetration and root system characteristics were also evaluated. Roots were concentrated on the soil surface layers (0-0.40 m), extending horizontally up to 1.50 m from the plant, regardless of the management practices used. The total root length in each root diameter classes studied, root length density, and total root mean diameter were higher for planting of protected seedling, resulting in greater root development. Plants from ‘Pera’ sweet orange scion grafted on ‘Santa Cruz Rangpur’ lime rootstock had earlier production and were more vigorous. Soil structure affects root growth, and the root distribution up to 0.40 m depth is correlated with plant vigor, yield, and water status under rainfed conditions.

Plant grafting: Maximizing beneficial microbe-plant interactions

“…Grafting is also applied to native and cultivated tree species from tropical regions ( de Oliveira Castro et al, 2021;Mendes et al, 2020;Trueman et al, 2014;Wendling et al, 2017), and fruit and vegetable crops such as citrus, grapes, coffee, tomato, and others ( de Andrade et al, 2013;de Lima et al, 2021;Leão et al, 2020;Lopes and Mendonça, 2016;Meneses et al, 2020). As grafting has been used for centuries, it has proven an effective tool for trait improvements of different plants around the world where it was not previously possible (Colla et al, 2006;McAdam et al, 2016;Rivard and Louws, 2008).…”

Transfer of clonal coffee seedlings from the conventional system to the modified hydroponic system

“…In this study, the seedlings formed at 0 DAC presented greater development of the root system, which is a desirable characteristic in seedling formation. Seedlings with more developed root systems, when transferred to field conditions, will have more chances of success in their establishment (Matos et al, 2020;Menezes et al, 2020).…”