Abstract
The performance of satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) cultivars Owari and Brown Select on Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (standard and Flying Dragon) was evaluated from 2007 to 2009 at the North Florida Research and Education Center–Quincy. The orchard, established in 2004, consisted of trees planted 4.57 and 6.10 m within and between rows, respectively. Trees were not subjected to freeze protection and withstood minimum temperatures of –9.3 °C (15.3 °F) without apparent damage. Tree size (canopy area), yield, and fruit quality data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial design. Average yield per tree across all genotypes was 12, 8, and 60 kg in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively. Yield was not significantly affected by scion or rootstock in 2007 or 2008, although both scion and rootstock effects were significant in 2009, with higher yield for ‘Brown Select’ scions and P. trifoliata (standard) rootstocks. For all years, fruit weight was significantly greater for ‘Brown Select’ (average = 152 g) than ‘Owari’ (average = 119 g). Soluble solids of orange juice were higher for satsuma on P. trifoliata Flying Dragon (average = 9.7 °Brix) compared to P. trifoliata standard (average = 9.1 °Brix) rootstocks. Fruit of ‘Owari’ were more acidic than ‘Brown Select’ in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, both cultivar and rootstock had a significant effect on tree canopy area [‘Brown Select’ scions and P. trifoliata (standard) rootstocks were larger]. Yield efficiency (yield/canopy area) was affected by scion (‘Brown Select’ trees were higher), but not by rootstock. In 2009, fruit number per tree was highest for ‘Brown Select’/P. trifoliata (standard) The satsuma is a specialty crop with potential for expansion in acreage for the northern Gulf Coast region.
