Vegetative Growth and Nutrient Contents of Sweet Lime (Citrus limetioides Tan.) Scion Grafted on Different Rootstocks in Southern Iran

In order to investigate the effects of different rootstocks on vegetative growth parameters and the control of mineral elements of sweet lime scion under the calcareous soil conditions, an experiment was conducted. This experiment was designed in a completely randomized design with 4 replicates and 10 citrus rootstocks under nursery conditions. Based on the results, the greatest scion length and dry weight were recorded on sweet lime (37.5 cm and 19.7 g, respectively) and Volkamer lemon (33.9 cm and 19.1 g, respectively) rootstocks and the highest root fresh and dry weight was observed using Bakraei rootstock (39.0 and 11.6 g). The scion had the highest contents of nitrogen on Kara mandarin rootstock (3.17%); potassium, zinc and manganese on Volkamer lemon rootstock (2.68%, 88.5 and 36.0 mg kg-1); calcium on Lisbon lemon rootstock (4.9%); magnesium on Clementine rootstock (1.1%); iron on local sweet orange rootstock (126 mg kg-1) and copper on Mexican lime rootstock (20.5 mg kg-1). The lowest contents of boron was detected by using Bakraei, sour orange, Mexican lime, sweet lime and Volkamer lemon rootstocks. The least sodium was recorded by using grapefruit, Kara mandarin and Volkamer lemon rootstocks. Finally, comparative advantage of the rootstocks to creat graft combinations with sweet lime was determined. The highest scores were assigned to Volkamer lemon, sweet lime and Bakraei rootstocks, respectively; and local sweet orange, Kara mandarin, Lisbon lemon, Clementine and grapefruit rootstocks had the lowest scores, respectively. Mexican lime and sour orange rootstocks were considered as intermediate rootstocks.