Production of Healthy Orange Seedlings Using Budding Technique

Department of Agriculture
Wisma Tani, Aras 7-17, Lot 4G2, Presint 4
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan<BR> 62632 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: (60 3) 88703000
Fax: (60 3) 88703460
E-mail : tanhh@doa.gov.my, 2004-09-01

Citrus is susceptible to diseases such as tristeza, rootrot (Phytopthora), and citrus greening. Hence, in the production of orange seedlings, it is important to select healthy root stocks and scion sources, as well as the correct method of propagation.

Vegetative methods of reproduction of mother plant parts, such as marcotting, are not recommended because the spread of diseases start out from the branches. It is also very difficult to identify branches which are free from virus-borne diseases. Thus, the budding technique is recommended in order to ensure that the root stocks and the scions used are disease-free.

Selection of Root Stocks

It is recommended to use root stocks from Poncirus trifoliate, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra, Rough Lemon, and Rangpur Lime. These are resistant to virus and Phytopthora-borne diseases, easy to multiply, suitable to a wide range of soil types, compatible to all types of scions, and allow easy operation of all types of bud grafting techniques.

Selection of Scions

Scions must be selected from healthy plants, free from diseases and pests. A pencil-size branch with dormant buds between the internodes is the most suitable. Scions must be immediately used after being cut off from the plant.

Budding Techniques

The budding techniques commonly recommended for citrus cultivation are the slice bud grafting, T-type bud grafting, chip budding, and side-wedge bud grafting. Of all these types, the side-wedge bud grafting is the easiest and the most successful. The budding procedure is shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4.

Index of Images

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  Figure 1 Side-Wedge Bud Grafting

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  Figure 2 Preparation of Incision on the Rootstock

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  Figure 3 Cutting of Bud from the Budwood

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  Figure 4 Insertion of Bud into the Incision<BR>

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