Effect of different rootstocks on plant nutrient status and yield in Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco)

Nutritional status and yield of Kinnow mandarin grafted on nine different exotic and local rootstocks was studied. Leaf nutrient status of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) availability in leaves differed significantly among the trees on various rootstocks. Maximum N (2.60 and 2.67%) was recorded on Rough lemon and minimum (2.20 and 2.21%) on Troyer citrange during 2005 and 2006 respectively. P (0.16%) was maximum on Rough lemon while minimum (0.09%) was recorded in Carrizo citrange. As regard K, it ranged from 1.15 to 1.65% on Volkamariana and Carrizo citrange rootstock, respectively. The highest number of fruits per tree were recorded on Brazillian Sour orange (1037.16 fruits) and lowest (184.49 fruits) on Carrizo citrange rootstock. While on weight basis maximum yield (139.52 kg) was recorded in Volkamariana and minimum (27.83 Kg) was in Carrizo citange. For most of the parameters Volakamariana was found to be promising followed by Rough lemon and Mithi whereas all citrange (Carrizo, Yuma and Troyer citarange) rootstocks performed poorly in relation to nutrient uptake and yield.