REACTION OF CITRUS SOMATIC HYBRIDS TO THE INFECTION BY Phytophthora nicotianae

This study aimed to evaluate the resistance to trunk and root infection by Phytophthora nicotianae in citrus somatic hybrids with potential to be utilized as rootstocks. The somatic hybrids evaluated were 'Hamlin' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) + 'Indian Red' pummelo (Citrus grandis) (plants 1 and 2), and 'Hamlin' sweet orange (C. sinensis) + 'Singapura' pummel (C. grandis). Plants of 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia), 'Caipira' sweet orange (C. sinensis), sour orange (C. aurantium), and Poncirus trifoliata 'Davis A' (Poncirus trifoliata) were used as control due to their known reaction to the pathogen. Evaluations were performed between 30 and 60 days after pathogen inoculation included the length of trunk lesions, and root dry mass of the root system of the evaluated plants. The somatic hybrid 'Hamlin' sweet orange + 'Indian Red' pummelo (plant 1) was tolerant to P nicotianae, indicating potential to be further evaluated as a rootstock.