Rootstocks' effects on yield, fruit characteristics, and juice quality of the Tunisian Maltese half-blood (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck): an important citrus cultivar

Abstract

In recent years, international trade in Maltese half-blood (Citrus sinensis) has increased. The rootstock's potential defines the fruit's characteristics in the eco-system where it is developed. As a result, in order to achieve the demands of the Maltese half-blood fruit market, it is critical to understand the effects of the rootstock and its role in fruit and juice quality. The Maltese half-blood was grafted onto four rootstocks and the fruit and juice quality parameters were evaluated. The obtained results revealed that rootstocks have a significant impact on the peel tickness of the fruits, as well as the acidity and total soluble solids of the juices. Indeed, the rootstocks significantly impacted the quality of the fruits and the juices in their environment. It was found that C35 citrange is a good rootstock for Maltese half-blood variety. Therefore, these on-site rootstock evaluation effects should assist local farmers in selecting the best rootstocks for their Maltese half-blood citrus cultivar based on the cultivation site's specific climatic and edaphic conditions.