Study of transition from vegetative shoots to flower buds in acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Abstract

Acid lime (Khagzi lime) (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), is the third most important commercial citrus fruit in India and flowers continuously under tropical and subtropical conditions. To apply the proper bahar treatment, a study of shoot maturity is necessary. In the present experiment, the maturity of the shoots was studied by applying 5% ZnSO₄ in February, followed by borax at 2g/L 25 days later, and then NAA at 100 ppm 15 days after the borax spray in March. A study across several months found that plant growth metrics, including terminal flushes, showed a significant increasing pattern. A non-significant increasing pattern was observed in axillary flushes and the number of leaves. Specifically, terminal flushes increased from 9.12 in April to 11.23 in August, and axillary flushes rose from 33.83 in April to 37.42 in August. Similarly, the number of leaves increased from 445.57 in February to 531.85 in June. In contrast, the number of flowers showed a significant increase over the same period. The number of flowers per plant increased from zero in April and June to 5.286 in August, indicating a progressive floral bud differentiation as the months went by. Hence, from the present study it can be concluded that acid lime requires at least 4-6-month-old shoots for flowering. Additionally, the plants must have a cool temperature and complete their juvenile period when grown under West Bengal conditions.