Evaluation of Growth Rate and Vegetative and Physiological Characteristics of Satsuma Mandarin on C-35 Rootstock in Some Calcareous Soils

Due to the spread of Tristiza disease in east of Mazandaran province and the sensitivity of the region's common rootstock, C-35 rootstock is being promoted as an alternative rootstock tolerant to this disease. Considering the changes in the lime content of the soils in the region, in this study, the response of Satsuma mandarin on C-35 rootstock to calcareous soils east of Mazandaran province was investigated in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that the highest mean dry weight of aerial parts was obtained from south Babol soils with total lime content of 2%. The highest leaf chlorosis was obtained from West Sari soil with 10% active lime and 25% total lime, and the lowest chlorosis was obtained in the soil without active lime and 2% total lime. In southern Sari soil with 14% lime, the highest concentration of total iron and the lowest concentration of active iron were in the roots. The average concentration of total iron in the roots was about 11 times the average concentration in the leaves, indicating accumulation and deposition of iron in the roots. The amount of available manganese for citrus trees was excessive in most soils, but the mean concentration of leaf manganese in most cases was less than adequate. The overall mean manganese concentration in the root was about 4.7 times more than its mean concentration in leaf. For C-35 rootstock and scion, the most restrictive element was Mn deficiency and its low transfer efficiency from root to leaf. The results of mean chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence index (Fv/Fm) of leaves showed that the soils with low total lime (south of Babol and west of Ghaemshahr) had the highest amount of chlorophyll and fluorescence index. In general, according to the results of this study, soil texture has influence on tolerance of C-35 rootstock in calcareous soils, and in relatively heavy and heavy textured soils with a total lime less than 9-14%, use of this rootstock is recommended