Following are the research activities performed at Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha
Performance Of Different Sweet Orange Varieties
In pursuit of varietal diversification and to introduce Superior varieties in the already existing inventory of citrus, ten varieties were the part of the study. Varieties studied in a systematic trial were Emby Gold, lane Navel, Glan Navel, Hamlin, Tarroco, Newceller, Casa Grande, Hinkly, Marrs Early and Kozan. Lane late, Glan Navel, Hamlin, Tarroco emerged as a seedless variety with very good quality characters producing TSS, Acidity, acceptable to international standards. These varieties are remarkable addition in the seedless Sweet Oranges for which consumer and industry is in high demand.
Studies on Scion and Rootstock compatibilities
A well thought out study in the form of systematic trials was conducted grafting commercial variety of Musambi sweet orange on a different rootstocks to overcome bud union incompatibility. The scion variety was grafted on 4 different rootstocks i.e. Rangpur lime, volkamarian, G. dahi and Rough lemon. The experiment produced distinctive results thereby establishing superiosity of Rangpur lime. The impact of rootstock on plant stature, yield and important quality character also studied. Besides overcoming the problem of scion stock incompatibility, a fair %age of TSS i.e. 10.22% with rich juice %age up to 46.74% was attained Musambi and Rangpur lime combination. Moreover, in Musambi and Volkmariana combinations, rich juice (44%) was obtained. The study on this aspect will bring improvement in productive life span of Musambi overcoming its early tree decline.
Varietal conversion through top working
This envisaged research pursuit opened new avenues for converting inferior varieties of citrus with demanded and superior ones. In this research study, small sized seedless grapefruits were grafted on the selected branches of large sized group of the grape fruit varieties employing side grafting method. The fruiting commenced after 2 years on top worked plants of Pommelo white, Pommelo Red, Ray Ruby and Shamber. Increase in fruit size was also observed. The method is commercially exploitable in the various species come under genus citrus in a broad way.
High density plantation in Kinnow
For increasing production level/unit area of commercial variety of Kinnow - a trial on high density plantation with different interplant distances was undertaken to introduce planting geometry of citrus orchard establishment. Among different distances maximum yield was obtained as 9.81 tons/acre form 14` x 14` interplant distances followed by 18 x 18 distance where the perceived yield can be attained as 6.84 tons/ acre.
Improvement in yield and quality through appropriate pruning level in Kinnow
A trial on the pruning with different intensities i.e. light (10%), medium (25%) and heavy (35%) compared with unpruned (control) trees was conducted at CRI, Sargodha to see its effect on different aspects of yield and quality of fruit. Fruit size, cosmetic appearance and internal quality produced prominent results as against unpruned trees. The study was initiated four years back and now is on the conclusive side thereby generative of tangible findings. In medium level of pruning (25%) fruit size remained 7.2cm, juice (50.11%) which was fairly rich as per international standards. In control, fruit was blemished and bruised beside low fruit size and yield as compared to the medium pruning.
Post Harvest Section
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Production and comparison of citrus peel candy, a step forward to value addition Research studies initiated on citrus byproducts utilizing the un-edible portion of citrus peel involving three different varieties i.e. Kinnow, Washington Navel and Shamber grape fruit utilizing their peel for preparation of candy. Orange peel candy excelled in terms of softness and overall acceptability of sensory attributes as compared to other candidate varieties (during four months storage). The study has set a new area of byproduct preparation on commercial grounds for the establishment of citrus based cottage industry.
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Effect of film packing fungicide treatment on keeping quality of Kinnow during storage at ambient temperature
This study was conducted to enhance keeping quality of Kinnow at room ambiance by using two fungicides i.e. Thiabandazole & Thiophenate methyle @ 1000 ppm. Packaging film polyvinyl chloride (PVC) & poly ethylene (PE) were tested and compared for their efficacy.
Conclusively polyvenyl chloride (PVC) + Thiabandazole @ 100 ppm were proved better to extend the storage life up to four weeks as compared to candidate treatments with reference to Brix, maturity index and sensorial score.
Soil Science Section
Comparison of Flood with Furrow System of Irrigation
To overcome the detrimental effects of flood system of irrigation a cost effective system of irrigation with furrows remained under study in trial site of mature Kinnow trees. For establishing reliable results, water measurement and depletion rates were assessed with flume metes and Tensiometer’s respectively. Furrow system of irrigation depicted its superiority on flood without any adverse effect on yield and fruit quality besides substantial water saving up to 41%. The system being pro-poor is on a good degree of acceptability by the citrus growers.
Plant Pathology Section
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Studies on the chemical and organic based treatments for the control of bacterial diseases (citrus canker)
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In a broad based research study nine different treatments were accessed for their
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efficacy to control the bacterial disease of citrus canker. These treatments involve Nemasole @ 2ml/ liter of water, copper oxychloride 3 gm/ liter of water, Streptomycin Sulphate 1 gm/ liter of water, Vampire (Homeo) 10 ml/ liter of water, Protector 10ml/ liter of water, Score 0.50 ml/ liter of water, Acacia nilotica Extract 10ml/ liter of water, Datura alba Extract 10ml/ liter of
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water, Onion Extract 10ml/ liter of water. The prominent feature of the study was that onion extract with its active ingredient sulphonic acid proved its efficacy to control the disease to the extent of 56%. Moreover,
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Nemasole controlled the disease to the extent of 48% whereas Acacia nilotica controlled the disease upto 42% and followed by Datura alba extract where control of the canker remained 25% only. The study confirmed the efficacy of onion extract as organic control measure of citrus canker disease.
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Another trial entitled “Screen of different chemicals and non chemicals against
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the control of citrus scab” was conducted on the chemical and organic control of the citrus scab disease, where the best control was achieved through the application of NATIVO (67.3%) followed by copper oxychloride (66.4%), Rally (61.2%) and Nemasole (42.24%)