Effect of ten rootstocks on flowering and pollen viability of Kinnow mandarin

Abstract

Rootstock can improve tree vigor, bloom period, fruit quality and yield of kinnow mandarin. The use of rootstock is a choice for improving the productivity. The aim of this two year study to find out the effect of rootstocks (Rough lemon, Carrizo citrange, Volkamer lemon, CRH-12, NRCC-1, NRCC-2, NRCC-3, NRCC-4, NRCC-5 and NRCC-6) on the flowering period, pollen viability and number of segment of kinnow mandarin. Kinnow started flowering 13th March on almost all rootstocks. However, trees on NRCC-1, NRCC-5 started flowering from 14th March. The earliest full bloom period was recorded on Carrizo, CRH-12 (17th -22th March). None of the rootstocks affects pollen viability significantly during the period of study.