Effects of Different Rootstocks on the Growth and Fruit Quality of‘Huangjinmi’Grape in Hefei

[Objectives]This study was conducted to enrich grape varieties.[Methods]The growth and fruit quality of grape with different rootstock and scion combinations were compared and analyzed taking CR2,CR3 and CR9 as rootstocks and‘Huangjinmi’as grafted seedlings and own-rooted seedlings as control.[Results]The comprehensive scores of‘Huangjinmi’grape with different rootstock and scion combinations showed an order of HJM/CR9,HJM/CR2 and HJM/CR3 from high to low.The three rootstock and scion combinations obviously promoted the growth and adaptability of grape trees,increased fruit size and improved fruit quality.Through the quality analysis of untreated and treated fruits,HJM/CR9 was superior to ZGM.Different fruit management measures can be adopted for‘Huangjinmi’grape to produce fruit with different quality according to market demand.[Conclusions]This study has a guiding significance for screening grape varieties suitable for adverse environments such as high soil viscosity,high temperature and high humidity.

Identification of the HAK gene family reveals their critical response to potassium regulation during adventitious root formation in apple rootstock

Adventitious root formation is a bottleneck during vegetative proliferation.Potassium(K^(+))is an essential macronutrient for plants.K^(+)accumulation from the soil and its distribution to the different plant organs is mediated by K^(+)transporters named K^(+)transporter(KT),K^(+)uptake(KUP),or high-affinity K^(+)(HAK).This study aimed to identify members of the HAK gene family in apples and to characterize the effects of K^(+)supply on adventitious root formation and on the expression of HAK genes and the genes that putatively control auxin transport,signaling,and cell fate during adventitious root formation.In this study,34 HAK genes(MdHAKs)were identified in the apple(Malus×domestica‘Golden Delicious’)genome.A phylogenetic analysis divided MdHAKs into four clusters(Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,andⅣ),comprising 16,1,4,and 13 genes,respectively.The syntenic relationships revealed that 62.5%of the total MdHAK genes arise from genomic duplication events.Chromosome location,domain structure,motif analysis,and physico-chemical characteristics were subsequently investigated.Furthermore,the application of K^(+)indicated the emergence of adventitious roots at 8 d and produced more adventitious roots at 16 d than the K^(+)-free control(CK)treatment.In addition,various MdHAKs showed root-specific expression in B9 apple rootstock stem cuttings and enhanced expression during the initiation and emergence stages of adventitious root formation in response to K^(+)treatment.Additionally,K^(+)treatment enhanced the expression levels of MdPIN1,MdPIN2,and MdAUX1.Further data indicated that a higher expression of MdWOX11,MdLBD16,and MdLBD29 and of cell cycle-related genes contributed to the auxin-stimulated adventitious root formation in response to K^(+).

Effects of Different Dwarfing Rootstocks on Growth,Yield and Fruit Quality of‘Tianhong 2’Apple Trees

[Objectives]The paper was to provide a reference for screening dwarfing rootstock suitable for main spur-type Fuji cultivars in central and southern Hebei Province.[Methods]With spur-type Fuji‘Tianhong 2’as the material,the vegetative growth,yield and fruit quality of 8 different rootstock-scion combinations were compared.[Results]‘Tianhong 2’/SH6 as self-rooted rootstock had large average single fruit weight(256.33 g),large number of fruits per plant(188.68),the highest yield[(3250.08±23.42)kg/667 m ^(2)]and the highest colored area(93.5%),and the soluble solid content reached the requirement of high quality fruit(15.78%).[Conclusions]In central and southern Hebei Province,‘Tianhong 2’grafted on SH6 self-rooted rootstock has moderate growth,high yield and good fruit quality,so it can be considered as the preferred rootstock-scion combination in the local area.

Technical Studies of Controlling Jujube Witches Broom Disease with Resistant Rootstock

[Objectives]The paper was to screen and identify the control effect of resistant rootstock on jujube witches broom disease.[Methods]The seeds or branches of disease-free plants were collected from wild jujube bushes infected by witches broom disease,and 5434 seedlings were obtained by sowing or cutting.The virus was inoculated by grafting diseased bark.After 6 years of preliminary screening,40 plants with resistance to jujube witches broom disease were obtained.Taking these resistant plants as the rootstocks,the susceptible variety‘long red jujube’was grafted at a height of 40 cm.When the plants grew to appropriate thickness,diseased bark was grafted to‘long red jujube’and rootstock to transmit the virus.After 18 years of observation and judgment,4 rootstock strains with high resistance or immunity to jujube witches broom disease were finally determined,namely 90801,90803,90806 and 908011.The susceptible variety‘long red jujube’was grafted to 4 rootstocks and inoculated the virus through diseased bark grafting method.[Results]The resistant rootstock had obvious disease resistance effect.When the branches of 90801 and 90803 rootstocks were grafted to the trunk of diseased trees,the symptoms of jujube witches broom disease gradually alleviated till disappeared.[Conclusions]Using germplasm with high resistance or immunity to jujube witches broom disease as rootstock can effectively prevent the spread of jujube witches broom disease,and bridging the trunk of diseased trees with branches from resistant rootstock has certain therapeutic effect.

Evaluation of Productivity and Light Quality in Two High Density Dwarf Rootstock Apple Orchards in Central China

[Ohjective] The aim of the study is to investigate the productivity and light quality in two high density M26 dwarf rootstock apple orchards in central China so as to provide some management guidance for close planting of dwarf rootstock apples.[Method] The technical parameters of individual trees and group parameters as shoot number and composition and canopy coverage were determined, and the light quality in the canopy, fruit production and quality were investigated. [Result] Slender spindle （SS） orchard has 54 thousands shoots per 667 m^2. Coverage rate is 76%. Leaf area index is 1.9. The ratio of long, medium and spur shoots is 1：1：8. Fruit yield is 3 263 kg/667 m^2 with 85% first grade fruit. Light interception in the canopy is 58% while the ratio of canopy with good light is 65%. Modified slender spindle （MSS） orchard has 93 thousands shoots per 667 m^2 and the coverage is 77%. Leaf area index is 3.3. The ratio cf long, medium and spur shoots is 1：2：7. Fruit yield is 3 931 kg/667 m^2 with 85% first grade fruit. The light interception in the canopy is 73% while the ratio of canopy with good light is 35%. [Conclusion] Apple orchard with M26 dwarf rootstock trained as SS and MSS tree form in medium planting density may be useful to the management of the similar orchards in Central China.

Dwarfi ng apple rootstock responses to elevated temperatures: A study on plant physiological features and transcription level of related genes

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of heat stress on physiological features, together with endogenous hormones and the transcription level of related genes, to estimate the heat resistance ability and stress injury mechanism of different dwarfing apple rootstocks. Among the six rootstocks, the rootstocks of native Shao series（SH series） showed better heat stress resistance than those of Budagovski 9（B9）, Cornell-Geneva 24（CG24）, and Malling 26（M26） from abroad. Among SH series rootstocks, SH1 and SH6 showed higher heat stress resistance than SH40. M26 demonstrated the lowest adaption ability to heat stress, showing higher leaf conductivity and lower liquid water content（LWC） with the increase in temperature. Heat stress also resulted in the suppression of photosynthesis, which showed no significant restoration after 7-day recovery. It should be noted that although a higher temperature led to a lower LWC and photosynthetic efficiency（P_n） of CG24, there was no significant increase in leaf conductivity, and 7 days after the treatment, the P_n of CG24 recovered. The extremely high temperature tolerance of SH series rootstocks could be related to the greater osmotic adjustment（OA）, which was reflected by smaller reductions in leaf relative water content（RWC） and higher turgor potentials and leaf gas exchange compared with the other rootstocks. Determination of hormones indicated multivariate regulation, and it is presumed that a relatively stable expression levels of functional genes under high-temperature stress is necessary for heat stress resistance of rootstocks.

Effects of Drought Stress on Antioxidant System of Leaves from Different Citrus Rootstocks

[Objective] The paper aims to study the effects of drought stress on antioxidation system of different Citrus rootstock leaves. [Method] Potted plant experiments were carried out to control the water content of soil in pots,in order to investigate the effects of drought stress on antioxidation system activity （SOD,POD and CAT） and the content of protein,GSH,MDA and O-·2 from the leaves of Shandong Zhike,Ningminju,Yangshuojinbaosuanju,Huapijinju and Guizhi No.1. [Result] The content of chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b and chlorophyll （a＋b） from the test 5 breeds decreased with the enhancement of drought stress,and there were significant differences between them and the control under the severe stress; the activities of SOD,POD and CAT from the 5 breeds increased as the drought stress strengthened; the content of soluble protein declined while that of GSH,MDA and O-·2 rose because of the drought stress. [Conclusion] This research provided a good reference to choose the breeds of citrus rootstocks in arid and semi-arid areas.

Physiological mechanisms of resistance to cold stress associated with 10 elite apple rootstocks

A study was conducted in attempting to identify the cold-resistant apple rootstocks and to establish a comprehensive evaluation system. In this study, 10 elite apple dwarfing rootstocks(GM256, JM7, M26, M7, SC1, SH1, SH38, SH6, M9, and T337) were employed for the experiment and the following parameters were investigated under different low temperature stress conditions(0, –15, –20, –25, –30, and –35°C): the changes of the relative electrical conductivity(REC), anthocyanin content, protein content, soluble sugar content, soluble starch content, proline content, malondialdehyde(MDA) content, superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, and peroxidase(POD) activity of the dormant branches. The inflection temperature that could represent the plant tissue semi-lethal temperature(LT) was obtained by the measurements of REC. The LTwas used to evaluate eight other indices. The results showed that there was no significant correlation between LTand POD activity as well as between the soluble sugar, protein and proline contents at 0 and –15°C. Soluble starch content at 0 and –15°C and anthocyanin content at –15–(–30)°C were significantly but negatively correlated to the LT50 and the MDA content at 0–(–20)°C was significantly positively correlated to the LT. Statistical analysis based on principal component analysis and LT50 showed that cold resistant apple rootstocks in the decreasing order from high to low as GM256, SH6, SH38, SH1, SC1, M26, M7, JM7, T337, and M9.

Regeneration of Leaves in vitro in Cherry Rootstock Colt

Plants were regenerated from leaves of cherry rootstock Colt by two methods,the frequencies were 48 3% and 21 3%.Leaves were cultured on MS medium supplemented with NAA 1 0mg/L,KT 3 0mg/L and ZT 0 25mg/L.After 5～7 days leaves dedifferentiated,and formed callus.About 25 days later,callus grew into greenish or pink compact ones,the induction frequency was 100%.The color and structural feature of callus depended on the medium,culture condition and physiology phase of leaves.To induce callus,NAA was the main factor.Leaves rooted in medium only with NAA.In order to inhibit rooting and make callus grow fast,KT and ZT were added to the medium.Leaves cultured without light could quickly form callus during the initial stage of dedifferentiation.Young leaves dedifferentiated more easily than old leaves.After had been cultured about 50 days,callus were transferred to MS medium supplemented with NAA 0 2mg/L,IAA 0 5mg/L,6 BA 0 5mg/L,KT 1 0 mg/L and GA 0 5mg/L,and redifferentiated at a frequency of 21 3%.The callus of Colt leaves were difficult to redifferentiate.GA was important in the redifferentiation of callus.The result showed that callus could redifferentiate in all the mediums with GA,and could not redifferentiate without GA.The ability of redifferentiation of big callus was higher than that of small ones.And the physiology character of callus was also important.High regeneration frequency was obtained from greenish or pink compact callus.The frequency of regeneration of petioles was higher than that of leaves.Leaf petioles' regeneration need high concentration of cytokinin(more than 5 0mg/L).Leaf petioles were cultured on MS medium supplement with 6 BA 6 0mg/L,NAA 1 0mg/L and GA 0 5mg/L,and regenerated at a frequency of 48 3%.

Comprehensive evaluation of tolerance to alkali stress by 17 genotypes of apple rootstocks

Alkaline soils have a great inlfuence on apple production in Northern China. Therefore, comprehensive evaluations of toler-ance to such stress are important when selecting the most suitable apple rootstocks. We used hydroponics culturing to test 17 genotypes of apple rootstocks after treatment with 1：1Na2CO3and NaHCO3. When compared with the normaly grown controls, stressed plants produced fewer new leaves, and had shorter roots and shoots and lower fresh and dry weights after 15 d of exposure to alkaline conditions. Their root/shoot ratios were also reduced, indicating that the roots had been severely damaged. For al stressed rootstocks, electrolyte leakage （EL） and the concentration of malondialdehyde （MDA） increased while levels of chlorophyl decreased. Changes in root activity （up or down）, as wel as the activities of peroxidase （POD）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and catalase （CAT） were rootstock-dependent, possibly relfecting their differences in alkali tolerance. Using alkali injury index （AI）, adversity resistance coefifcients （ARC）,cluster analysis, and evaluation of their physiological responses, we classiifed these 17 genotypes into three groups： （1） high tolerance： Hubeihaitang, Wushanbianyehaitang, Laoshanhaitang Ls2, Xiaojinbianyehaitang, and Fupingqiuzi; （2） moderate tolerance： Pingyitiancha, Laoshanhaitang Ls3, Hubeihaitang A1, Deqinhaitang, Balenghaitang, Maoshandingzi, Shandingzi, and Xinjiangyepingguo; or （3） low tolerance： Pingdinghaitang, Hongsanyehaitang, Xiaojinhaitang, and Sanyehaitang. These results wil signiifcantly contribute to the selection of the most suitable materials for rootstocks with desired levels of tolerance to alkali stress.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the effects of alkali stress on root system architecture and endogenous hormones in apple rootstocks

Soil alkalinity is a major factor that restricts the growth of apple roots.To analyze the response of apple roots to alkali stress, the root structure and endogenous hormones of two apple rootstocks, Malus prunifolia (alkali-tolerant) and Malus hupehensis (alkali-sensitive), were compared. To understand alkali tolerance of M. prunifolia at the molecular level, transcriptome analysis was performed. When plants were cultured in alkaline conditions for 15 d, the root growth of M. hupehensis with weak alkali tolerance decreased significantly. Analysis of endogenous hormone levels showed that the concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) in M. hupehensis under alkali stress were lower than those in the control. However, the trend for IAA and ZR in M. prunifolia was the opposite. The concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) in the roots of the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress increased, but the concentration of ABA in the roots of M. prunifolia was higher than that in M. hupehensis. The expression of IAA-related genes ARF5, GH3.6, SAUR36, and SAUR32 and the Cytokinin (CTK)-related gene IPT5 in M. prunifolia was higher than those in the control, but the expression of these genes in M. hupehensis was lower than those in the control. The expression of ABA-related genes CIPK1 and AHK1 increased in the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress, but the expression of CIPK1 and AHK1 in M. prunifolia was higher than in M. hupehensis. These results demonstrated that under alkali stress, the increase of IAA, ZR, and ABA in roots and the increase of the expression of related genes promoted the growth of roots and improved the alkali tolerance of apple rootstocks.

Biochemical changes in grape rootstocks resulted from humic acid treatments in relation to nematode infection

Objective:To investigate the effect of humic acid on nematode infected,resistant and susceptible grapes in relation to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant mechanisms on selected biochemical parameters known as proactive substances.Methods:The grape rootstocks,superior,superior/ freedom and freedom were reacted differently to Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis according to rootstock progenitor.Two weeks after inoculation,two commercial products of humic acid were applied at the rate of(2,4 mL or grams/plant) as soil drench.After 4 months,nematode soil populations were extracted and counted.A subsample of roots from each plant was stained and gall numbers,embedded stages per root were calculated,final population, nematode build up(Pf/Pi),average of eggs/eggmass were estimated.Subsamples of fresh root of each treatment were chemically analyzed.Results:Freedom reduced significantly the nematode criteria and build up.Humic acid granules appeared to be more suppressive to nematode build up on superior and the higher dose on superior/freedom than liquid treatments.On freedom,all treatments reduced significantly the nematode build up regardless to the material nature.The higher dose was more effective than the lower one.As a result of humic acid applications,the malondialdehyde(MDA) and H_2O_2 contents were significandy reduced after humic acid treatments while the antioxidant compounds glutathione(GSH),ascorbic acid(ASA) and total phenol contents were significandy increased when compared with check.Antioxidant defense enzymes ascorbate peroxidase(AFX),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT) and polyphenol oxidase(PPO) showed significant increase in their specific activities in treated plants compared with nematode treated check.Conclnsions:Humic acid treatments improve we yield of grape by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds and the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Differences in the Efficiency of Potassium(K) Uptake and Use in Five Apple Rootstock Genotypes

Plants that grow well while accumulating and transporting less potassium（K） perform better than more-sensitive plants when under deficiency conditions, which makes low-K-input and environmentally friendly agriculture possible. We conducted hydroponics and sand culture experiments to evaluate the efficiency of various apple（Malus domestica Borkh） rootstocks in their K uptake and utilization. Five genotypes were selected which are widely used in China- M. hupehensis Rehd, M. prunifolia Borkh, M. robusta Rehd, M. sieversii Roem, and M. rockii Rehd. Plant heights, root and shoot dry weights, and K concentrations were recorded. These genotypes differed markedly in dry weights, absolute and relative K concentrations, absolute and relative K accumulations, and their K efficiency ratio under deficient K conditions. The last parameter, expressed as relative shoot dry weight, was strongly and positively correlated with the other four parameters in each genotype. Therefore, we suggest that this parameter could serve as an index when selecting K-efficient genotypes. In this study, we have determined that M. sieversiiand M. rockii are K-inefficient genotypes; M. prunifolia is K-efficient genotype; M. hupehensis and M. robusta have moderate levels of potassium efficiency.

Resistant Evaluation of Kiwifruit Rootstocks to Root Zone Hypoxia Stress

In this thesis, 10 species of kiwifruit rootstocks were treated with hydroponics hypoxia to study their root zone hypoxia tolerance. The results were as follows: growth of all kiwifruit seedlings was inhibited. The max length of new root, plant height, plant biomass, root activity, relative growth rate of leaves, and content of chlorophyll in leaves under root zone hypoxia stress obviously declined comparing with control. MDA content, relative conductance in the leaves and roots all increased in 10 kinds of kiwifruit seedlings. The sensitivities of 10 kinds’ kiwifruit seedlings to hypoxia stress were obviously different. With the method of subordinate function and cluster analysis, the adversity resistance coefficient of 10 kinds’ kiwifruit seedlings, were comprehensively evaluated in order to appraise their hypoxia-tolerance abilities. According to the results, “Hayward”, “Qinmei”, “Jinxiang”, “Kuoye”, “Huayou” kiwifruit seedlings held higher tolerance to root zone hypoxia stress, while “Hongyang” kiwifruit seedlings were sensitive to root zone hypoxia stress. The others, including “Xixuan”, “Maohua”, “Jinhua”, “Shanli” kiwifruit seedlings kept moderate resistant intensity to root zone hypoxia stress. The kiwifruit seedlings’ resistance order from strong to weak was: “Hayward” > “Qinmei” > “Jinxiang” > “Kuoye” > “Huayou” > “Xixuan” > “Maohua” > “Jinhua” > “Shanli” > “Hongyang”.

Effects of Partial Rootzone Drying on the Growth of Vitis vinifera cv.Malvasia Grafted on Different Rootstocks

To lay a biological foundation for rootstocks and alternate irrigation （AI） popularization, the effects of partial rootzone drying （PRD） on the growth of the grapevine Malvasia grafted on different rootstocks were investigated. Biological effects of 1/2 divided root irrigation on three combinations, i.e., Malvasia/420A, Malvasia/3309C, and Malvasia/110R, were studied by wood-boxed plants. All the plants were separated into three groups for different irrigation strategies. Mass growth of new root in alternate-irrigated plants was remarkably promoted by about 7.8-22.2% higher than the well- watered ones. However, new shoot growth, especially the internode was reduced by alternate irrigation. The average root-shoot ratio of all the three combinations was increased from 1.1 to 1.46. New root growth and internode length were decreased by fixed partial rootzone irrigation （FI） at different amount, M/3309C at 37.9 and 36.9%, M/110R at 18.4 and 22.5%, respectively. Total biomass of all the three combinations under FI decreased at the rate of 19.2-34.3% compared with well-watered ones. Water stress adaptation of grapevine mainly depends on rootstock. 110R is more efficient than 3309C and 420A in water stress adaptation. PRD-AI benefited root growth, thus improved the drought-resistant ability of grapevine.

Rootstock-scion interactions affect fruit flavor in grafted tomato

Vegetable grafting has become an important method for developing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and increasing potential yield in agronomic practice.To determine the effects of grafting on tomato taste,we examined the cultivated tomato‘Moneymaker’and the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium,which have different fruit weights and qualities,to investigate the effect of grafting on sugars,acids,and volatiles in single-head and double-head grafted plants using GC-MS and LC-MS.We observed that the contents of sugars,acids and volatiles in heterografted tomato pericarps are influenced by rootstocks.Different metabolites exhibit distinct responses to the rootstock and might be associated with rootstock-scion interactions.Comparison of the metabolites in the heterogeneous fruit of the single-and double-head grafted plants indicates that the grafting method also influences the metabolic changes in grafted plants.Moreover,we also identified numerous mobile transcripts and determined that the mobile mRNAs are associated with metabolic processes in tomato leaves.Our work helps to elucidate the effect of genotype and graft method on fruit quality and may provide a basis for future research on rootstock breeding and selection in plants.

Tolerance to Iron-Deficiency Stress of Three Apple Rootstock Species in Hydroponic System

[Objective] Iron deficiency is one of the most important crop element deficiencies in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. The selection for crop cultivars that are tolerant to low iron levels could be one of the approaches to solving the problem and improving crop production. [Method] Three major apple root stock species （Malus prunifolia, Malus sieversii and Malus baccata） were selected to evaluate their tolerance to iron defciency in hydroponic system. A 3×2 factorial pot experiment was conducted with three replicates in a greenhouse at Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China. [Result] The SOD, POD and CAT activities in roots and stems of the 3 root stock species in Fe-defcient Hoagland solution decreased, however Malus sieversii got the less reduction and had better root architecture and growth than the other species. The aboveground biomass, plant height, chlorophyll content, total root length and lateral root number were correlated positively with iron-defciency stress tolerance. The species’ tolerance to iron-defciency from high to low was M. sieversii’s〉M. baccata’s〉M. prunifolia’s. Moreover, the improvement of some morphological features such as root length, above-ground biomass, plant height and lateral root number in apple could be conducive to breeding cultivars with tolerance to iron-defciency stress. [Conclusion] Malus sieversii had better tolerance to iron-defciency stress than the others in this study.

The effects of rootstocks on performances of three late-ripening navel orange varieties

Selection of rootstock is very important for citrus production. Besides its major role on resistance, the rootstock also can affect fruit production and quality. Currently, the main concerns on selection of rootstock for citrus production are compatibility and resistance, due to less information on the impacts of rootstock to the performance of scion varieties. This study aims to provide information on performances of navel orange varieties on different rootstocks. Three late-ripening navel orange varieties(Citrus sinensis var. Powell, Chislett and Banfield) grafted on seven rootstocks(Swingle citrumelo(C. paradisi× P. trifoliata), Carrizo citrange(C. sinensis×P. trifoliata), X639(C. reticulata×P. trifoliata), MXT(C. sinensis×P. trifoliata), Hongju(C. reticulata), Ziyang Xiangcheng(C. junos) and trifoliate orange(P. trifoliata)) were used as plant materials for comprehensive comparison of the performances on tree growth, fruit yield and quality in 21 scion–stock combinations. Investigation was carried out in these combinations in field nine years after planting. Vigorous growth of all the three late-ripening navel orange varieties was observed on Carrizo citrange with the largest canopy volume at 33.34 m3 and the highest yield at 29.43 kg per tree, but a low yield efficiency at 2.87 kg m–3. On the contrary, those on trifoliate orange had the smallest canopy volume at 10.79 m3 and the lowest fruit yield at 12.51 kg per tree, but the highest yield efficiency at 3.95 kg m–3. Rootstocks did not show significant effects on fruit size, fruit shape index, peel thickness and the edible rate of the fruits, but fruit quality was significantly affected by the rootstocks. Fruits from the trees grafted on trifoliate orange presented the best quality with significantly higher total soluble solids(TSS) content than those on Ziyang Xiangcheng and Hongju, and also the highest ratio of TSS/titratable acidity(TA). The TA content was observed from the fruits on X639 at 0.59 g 100 mL–1. Vitamin C(Vc) content of fruits on Hongju was the highest at 49.25 mg 100 mL–1. Growth vigor of the trees was positively correlated with fruit yield at an extremely significant level. The canopy volume was negatively correlated with yield efficiency, but positively correlated with compatibility index. Results of this study indicated that the rootstock has great impacts on the growth vigor of the tree, yield efficiency and quality of the fruit. In order to achieve good quality and yield efficiency for navel orange production, less growth vigor rootstock such as trifoliate orange is highly recommended.

Effect of Time, Cultivar and Rootstock on Success of Rose Propagation through Stenting Technique

An experiment was undertaken to study the effects of two grafting times (1st of June and end of September) as well as kind of rootstock on growth and rooting of rose stentlings. Two Rosa species i.e. R. canina and R. manetti were selected as rootstock and three different hybrid tea rose cultivars namely Avalanch, Peach Avalanch and Dolcevita were grafted on them as scion through omega and splice techniques. The growth parameters were collected 57 days after grafting. The highest average of rooting, healing percentage, numbers of root, shoot and leaves were seen in September grafted plants. In overall Rosa canina was the best rootstock for Avalanch cultivar. Other observations did not lead to any prominent result as it varied with time of grafting, scion and rootstock cultivars.

Clonal propagation of mastic tree(Pistacia lentiscus var.chia Duham.) in outdoor beds using different rootstock and grafting techniques

We assessed different rootstocks and grafting techniques to clonally propagate mastic tree （Pistacia lentiscus var. chia）. Mastic tree is a dioecious tree but the quantity and quality of the resin secreted by female trees are very low; therefore, male trees that are clonally propagated are used to establish commercial plantations for mastic production. Conventional long branch cuttings for clonal production requires too much materials and has a very low rooting rate. Rooting with tissue culture and green cuttings has also failed outdoors. Grafting of mastic on other Pistacia species has not been tried so far; therefore, this study was aimed at developing grafting methods for the clonal propagation of mastic. P. atlantica and P. lentiscus rootstocks were grafted from 15 February to 15 October every 15 days using three grafting methods and a two-factor randomized block trial design. Early spring （15 February-15 March） proved to be the best time for grafting using either of the rootstocks. The highest grafting success was attained using the scions grafted on P. atlantica from 15 February to 15 March. The best bud-burst percentage was obtained using P. atlantica and P. lentiscus rootstocks.