Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
Prashant Kalal, Manisha, Divya Vani Vaka, Mahawer AK, Sachin AJ and Karthik Nayaka VS

Abstract:
Salinity stress poses a significant threat to citrus cultivation, impacting overall plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. High salt concentrations in the soil or irrigation water disrupt the osmotic balance, leading to water deficit and ion toxicity. Consequently, citrus crops experience reduced yields and compromised economic viability. Understanding the impact of salinity stress on citrus production is crucial for developing effective management strategies. This review provides an overview of salinity stress in citrus, its impact on yield, current management strategies, the role of resistant or tolerant rootstocks, and potential areas of future research. Salinity stress negatively affects citrus yield through multiple mechanisms. Osmotic stress reduces water availability to plants, impairing cell expansion, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake. Ion toxicity disrupts cellular functions, causing nutrient imbalances and metabolic disorders. These physiological disruptions ultimately lead to decreased fruit set, smaller fruit size, lower sugar content, and reduced overall yield. To manage salinity stress in citrus, the use of resistant or tolerant rootstocks has proven effective. Rootstocks such as Cleopatra mandarin, Troyer citrange, and Swingle citrumelo possess inherent tolerance to salinity and can mitigate the adverse effects on scion varieties. Selecting appropriate rootstocks based on their salinity tolerance levels and compatibility with desired scion varieties is crucial for successful salinity management. In conclusion, salinity stress poses a significant challenge to citrus production, impacting yield and quality. The adoption of resistant or tolerant rootstocks, coupled with the continued research on the molecular and genetic basis of salinity tolerance, holds promise for developing effective strategies to manage salinity stress in citrus crops and ensure sustainable citrus production in the future.