Phenotyping hybrids in early development stage for the future of citrus production
ABSTRACT The selection of promising citrus hybrids is of great relevance for global citrus farming in the face of phytosanitary challenges and climate change that intensify extreme drought events, compromising the sustainability of citrus farming. The present study presents a method for analyzing phenotypic traits of citrus seedlings used as rootstocks with the aim of efficiently selecting hybrids with agronomic characteristics relevant to the citrus industry within a short period of time, using BRS Bravo as a control. It was later correlated with drought tolerance of plants cultivated under field conditions in the principal region of citrus industry in Brazil. The study comprised 15 elite hybrids selected from the Citrus Breeding Program of Embrapa Cassava and Fruits. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates. Evaluations of biometric variables (root and shoot traits) were performed after transplanting the seedlings before and after the seedlings were subjected to water deficit. Correlations were found between root system and phenotypic characteristics of seedlings and adult plants, respectively.