Plant growth and yield performance of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) cultivars

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Plant growth and yield performance of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) cultivars” was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project on Fruits, Department of Horticulture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during the Ambia bahar, 2023. The experiment was conducted on five years old, healthy and vigorous tree of grapefruit. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and four replications. Seven grapefruit cultivars viz., Flame Grapefruit, NRCC Grapefruit-6, Star Ruby, Red Blush, Imperial, Foster and Marsh Seedless budded on Rough lemon rootstock were planted at a spacing of 5 x 5 m during 2018. Observations regarding growth and yield were recorded. The maximum plant height (2.29 m), east-west spread (2.49 m), north-south spread (2.59 m), canopy volume (7.06 m3) and scion girth (33.10 cm) were recorded in treatment T6 i.e. Foster. The maximum fruit weight (351.09 g) and fruit yield (17.43 kg/tree and 6.97 t/ha) were recorded in treatment T6 i.e. Foster. The maximum number of fruits per tree (56.70) was recorded in treatment T1 i.e. Flame Grapefruit. However, there was non-significant difference between the treatment for yield efficiency (kg/m³). Summing up the present investigation, it was concluded that, the Foster cultivar of grapefruit performed better for growth and yield in Ambia bahar under Rahuri condition.