Effect of rootstock on vegetative growth and mineral elements in scion of different Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) genotypes

This study was conducted in order to examine the effect of different rootstocks on vegetative growth and mineral elements' content in scion of different Persian lime genotypes. For this purpose, this study was arranged as factorial in randomized complete block design with two factors including rootstock (Bakraei, Mexican lime, Volkamer lemon and Sour orange) and scion (IAC, Tahiti lime, Deperse lime and Persian lime) during 2014-2017. T-budding method was used for grafting and some parameters such as graft success percentage, scion length and diameter growth and amount of mineral elements in the leaf of the studied scions were measured. According to our results, the highest graft success percentage and rate was observed in Tahiti and Deperse lime scions on Volkamer lemon rootstock; the highest length and diameter of scion was observed in IAC scion on Volkamer lemon rootstock. The highest lengthwise and diameter growth velocity index of the scion was observed for IAC scion on Volkamer lemon rootstock as well as for Tahiti lime on Mexican lime and Volkamer lemon rootstocks while the lowest rate was related to IAC and Persian lime scions, on Bakraei and Sour orange rootstock respectively s. The highest fresh and dry weight of scions was related to IAC and Tahiti lime scions on Volkamer lemon rootstock. The highest and lowest nitrogen levels were observed in Deperse lime and Persian lime scions, on Bakraei rootstock respectively. The highest concentration of iron, zinc and manganese was obtained from the scion of Deperse lime on Volkamer lemon rootstock and the lowest concentration of sodium was obtained from the scions on Volkamer lemon rootstock. According to the results of this investigation studying on the interaction between rootstock and scion regarding the total vegetative traits and mineral elements, Volkamer lemon rootstock is introduced as one of the best scion compounds with scions of IAC, Tahiti lime, Persian lime and Deperse lime, respectively. In areas which are non-infected to Witches Broom Disease of Lime, Mexican lime rootstock with Tahiti lime scion is recommended.