Alisha Noor1, Uswah Afzal1, Fahad Idrees2,*, Umar Farooq1, Romail Aslam3, Amanullah Baloch2 and Jaffar Jaskani1
1Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan 2National Key Lab of Crop Genetic Improvement and College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China 3Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: Fahad.idrees332@gmail.com
Feutrell’s early, a renowned citrus variety, holds a pivotal role in Pakistan's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to export revenues and playing a vital part in sustaining the country's citrus industry. Despite their historical significance, local rootstocks in Pakistan encounter challenges such as susceptibility to diseases, limited adaptability to changing climates, and hindered overall productivity, necessitating a search for alternative solutions. This study assessed the performance of exotic citrus rootstocks at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Six treatments, including four exotic rootstocks (Rough lemon, Cleoptera mandarin, Troyer citrange, Carrizo citrange, Cox mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata), were budded with Feutrell's early. Statistical analysis revealed good compatibility in scion/rootstock ratio. Rough lemon exhibited maximum plant height and canopy volume. Cox mandarin, especially in combination with Feutrell's early, demonstrated superior results in various parameters, suggesting its potential to replace traditional rootstocks and address challenges faced by the citrus industry in Pakistan.