Rootstock selection is an important component of commercial citrus production worldwide. Soil type, scion compatibility, mineral tolerance, disease tolerance, and growth traits are the primary concerns when choosing a rootstock type.
Hybrid species of trifoliate rootstocks are popular with growers in California's San Joaquin Valley. Carrizo and C-35 are two of the most common varieties for oranges and mandarins. Both share the same scientific name, Citroncirus hybrid sp.
Many of the research plots at Lindcove REC utilize the common commercial varieties of both scion and rootstock, for example Parent navel on C-35, or Nules clementine on Carrizo. This allows the results of experiments to more closely resemble actual fruit production that comprises a hefty share of the domestic and overseas markets.
This month the staff at Lindcove REC are transplanting rootstock seedlings grown in cone flats to larger pots. The seedlings will grow quickly during the fall and will be large and healthy for budding next March.