Selecting the right rootstock is crucial for the success of citrus cultivation, particularly for the increasingly popular ‘Tango’ mandarin. Recent research funded by the Citrus Research Board has highlighted the importance of this choice. As the most common late-season mandarin in California, the ‘Tango’ mandarin is also gaining popularity in various regions, including Florida, Spain, and Australia. However, prior to the latest trials, most cultivation insights relied heavily on trees grafted to just two rootstocks: ‘Carrizo’ and ‘C35.’
Ongoing trials in the San Joaquin Valley aim to provide more comprehensive data for growers regarding suitable rootstocks for ‘Tango.’ These trials were initiated to better understand how ‘Tango’ performs across different environments and rootstocks. Researchers regularly measure and assess tree health, size, and cumulative yields to deliver valuable insights for citrus farmers.
One significant finding from these trials is that trees grafted to ‘C35’ rootstock often show high productivity in their early years. However, they can be susceptible to iron chlorosis, especially in calcareous soil conditions. This affects growers who may need to manage soil and water carefully to ensure the long-term health of their trees.
In contrast, other rootstocks like ‘Bitters,’ ‘Furr,’ ‘Carpenter,’ and ‘Macrophylla’ have shown promising characteristics, although not all were tested at each trial location. Interestingly, lemon-type rootstocks such as ‘Macrophylla’ and ‘Volkameriana’ appear less suitable for late-season fruit production due to their lower acidity, which can negatively impact the flavour profile of mandarins.
The most comprehensive trial was conducted in Porterville, which utilised clay loam soil that presented its own challenges. Here, researchers found that trees on specific rootstocks, including ‘C35’ and ‘Bitters,’ produced highly productive results, despite some struggles with chlorosis in trees like ‘Swingle’ citrumelo.
Canopy volume and tree health ratings were part of the evaluative measures, giving a complete overview of how different rootstocks perform under various conditions. While trees on ‘C35’ showed promising yields, early signs of iron chlorosis stress began to appear, indicating that careful management will be key to sustaining their performance.
In summary, the ongoing rootstock trials for the ‘Tango’ mandarin are providing essential information that can help growers make informed decisions when establishing new plantings. As research continues, it will undoubtedly shine more light on the best practices for cultivating this increasingly popular citrus variety. For anyone involved in citrus growing, staying updated on these findings could offer significant advantages in the future.
These insights stem from comprehensive research efforts in California’s fertile citrus-growing regions, emphasising the importance of understanding rootstock performance in modern agriculture. For more information, you can visit the original article cited in this blog, here.
