Source:
Julia Graddy (352) 392-2411
GAINESVILLE — The new Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide, published for Florida’s citrus industry, wheels the commercial citrus grower to a better understanding of the major characteristics of 11 established rootstocks and eight new rootstocks. The guide is now available from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Two laminated disks, attached with a grommet, display tolerance to environmental and soil conditions; pests and diseases; and horticultural traits such as yield, juice quality and fruit size. The small upper disk shows the rootstock’s characteristics, with a legend for the rating symbols. Additional notes on the back define terms and provide additional comments.
“The guide is a concise way to condense lots of information known about commercial rootstocks. It’s very clear and easy to use,” says Dr. Bill Castle, horticulturist, who with extension horticulturist Dr. David Tucker co-authored the unique wheel. Both scientists are located the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center at Lake Alfred.
“New rootstocks included in the Selection Guide, such as Benton citrange, Kinkoji, and the Cleopatra mandarin x trifoliate orange hybrid (x639) are under evaluation, but are promising. They should be planted on a small scale,” Castle adds.
The Florida Citrus Rootstock Selection Guide (SP 248) is available for $5., plus Florida state sales tax and $3. shipping and handling from UF/IFAS Publications Distribution at P.O. Box 110011, Gainesville, FL. Make checks payable to the University of Florida. To order by VISA or MasterCard, call 1-800-226-1764.
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