Citrus rootstocks scenario with special reference to India – A review

Trials conducted in various parts of the country and abroad provided detailed information on usefulness of different rootstocks for citrus fruits which varies greatly with scion variety and agro-climatic conditions. Citrus plants are unusual in that many species and cultivars, including the commercial rootstocks, reproduce true to type from seed. Commercial citrus rootstock cultivars are highly polyembryonic but there can be 1–40 zygotic seedlings in the seed bed. Inspite of susceptibility to various phytophthora diseases and restricted longevity, rough lemon has been the most time tested and widely used rootstock in India. However, attempts to develop better substitute rootstock have shown Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni), Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia), pectinifera (Citros pectinifera). Some of the citranges and Alemow (Citros macrophylla) are found to be promising rootstocks in certain parts of the country.