Rootstock and Pruning Influence on Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Lisbon’ Lemon

Abstract

Effects of three rootstocks and five methods of pruning on the “first harvest yield”, total yield and fruit quality of ‘Lisbon’ lemon ( Citrus limon(L.) Burm) were studied over the 1986-88 seasons. The pruning treatments were applied in April 1986. Trees on Indian rough lemon had a higher first harvest yield and total yield than the those on other rootstocks. Trees on rough lemon ( C. JambhiriLush) had significantly higher soluble solids concentrations (SSC) than those on Volkamer lemon ( C. limonBurm f.) in 1987 and those on Indian rough lemon in both 1986 and 1987. In 1986 and 1988, trees which weve moderately cut on one side and the top had a higher first harvest yield than the trees that received severe or moderate cuts on both sides and the top. However, uncut (control) trees had a higher total cumulative yield than the trees that were severely or moderately cut on both sides and the top. Fruit size in 1986 increased as the severity of branch-cutting increased. Fruit from trees with moderate or severe pruning on two sides and the top had thicker rind than those from trees with other treatments.