Better Rootstocks for Citrus Grown in Hawaii

Abstract

Citrus fruits have been grown in Hawaii since 1792, when seeds of the so-called Hawaiian orange were introduced from Capetown, South Africa, by Captain George Vancouver. In the past, very little attention was paid to selecting the most suitable rootstocks for citrus. A large proportion of the citrus trees in the State are either seedlings or air-layered trees. Citrus rootstocks are important because they influence disease resistance, tree vigor, productivity, and quality of fruit produced. This publication reviews rootstocks that are recommended for Hawaii and those that are not.