Productivity of Six Early Orange Selections on Two Rootstock Evaluated in Tropical Conditions of Venezuela

摘要

The early orange selections represent an alternative for the medium and small fanners of Venezuela due to its availability in the markets when the prices are higher. Different varieties had been introduced in Venezuela and it is necessary to know the effect of rootstock and the level of productivity that they can reach. The plants were planted in the high valleys of Carabobo state at 700 meters over the sea level. This region had a rainy season of 1157 mm of average between April and October and the maximal temperatures (32°C) were in two periods, march and between august and November. The soil was classified as Ultic Paleustalfs with intermediate level of fertility and good drainage. The selections evaluated were HA1B0503 (' Hamlin '), PA6F2422 (' Pineapple'), PA1B0708 (' Pineapple '), CM6E3602 ('Criollo Montero SS'), PB1B0606 ('Parson Brown') and IVIA125-3 ('Salustiana'), all of them were grafted on the rootstocks tangerine * Cleopatra' (Citrus reshni Tan ex Hort) and ' Citrumelo Swingle' (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliata). The split plot design was used, with four replications. The variables analysed were yield, fruit number, fruit weight, and canopy volume. Highly significant differences were found among years, period of harvest, varieties and rootstocks. Also significant differences were found in the majority of interactions. There were several period of harvests where the most productive was at the end of the year. The cultivars HA1B0503 (' Hamlin')and CM6E3602 (' Criollo Montero')seem to be cultivars with good potential use for Venezuela on the both rootstocks studied because of good yield, good productive efficiency and acceptable quality.