Identify this rootstock - citrumelo? Swingle? ?
What is this rootstock?
Between 1992 and 1999 I planted a small citrus tree on the back hill of my yard (in No. California) and forgot about it. Most likely a lemon, lime, or orange. The scion died in a winter freeze and the rootstock fought back each time I remembered to cut it. When I replanted the yard with citrus, I let the rootstock grow hoping to graft something onto it someday. I've attempted top working and T-budding over the years. It became a shrub with multiple vertical shoots from the base. It is flushing now, and with white blossoms.
Below are photos of the leaves and (the first) fruit it bore this past season... and at the bottom a surprise that I found when checking what I thought was a failed T bud from April 2017.
Thank you for your help!
Comments (9)
- 8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
Thanks John, - yes, that is the plan. I just want to be sure that the bud is growing - and not just messin' with me before cutting everything. Since that picture was taken, I have cut multiple branches close to it in order to give it some light.
Finding the awake bud was a bit of surprise as I had recorded it as a goner ....I was T-budding another (different) scion a few verticals to the right of it. (pic below)
Thank you - George
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Here is an update... The Marrs T bud from last year has grown slowly [I cut numerous branches near it away / off to give it dappled sun] while unwrapping the fresh T bud proved disastrous.
The fresh T bud has darkened after being a full bright green when unwrapped a week prior. While still green, I am concerned.I will need to modify my T bud process. I am thinking to wrap with rubber bands first, then overwrap with parafilm avoiding the tiny bud area, then one overwrap that can easily be removed - and allow that tiny bud to grow. I think removing the rubber bands allowed the surrounding tissue to shrink in the couple of 80F days we had last week... and leave the bud exposed.
Marrs T bud of 2017
Miyagawa T bud from 3/6/2018
- 7 years ago
Update with a revised guess at the rootstock! Here are pictures of the current season's rootstock growth / fruit. From what I've read - - thinking it is Rich 16-6. Does anyone have experience growing this (or similar) rootstock and help me guess?
Rich 16-6?
- 7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
And here is an update on the two current scions growing from two different vertical shoots. This is planned to be a cocktail tree as I am planning to Tbud an additional 2 others this spring.
Marrs Early (Tbud)
Miyagawa (saddle graft). Its in the foreground next to green stick.
Boukhobza is tbudded on the vertical just behind the Miyagawa, (but portions of the buds have turned brown and I am not too optimistic). I'll try again in the spring. 
7 years ago- 7 years ago
johnmerr