Vol. 9, Special Issue 8, Part S (2025)

The present study, titled “Comparative Studies on Growth Performance in Elite Genotypes of Nagpur Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)” was carried out during the Ambia bahar seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 with the objective of identifying superior genotypes for varietal improvement and commercial adoption in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Extensive field surveys were conducted in five prominent citrus growing talukas: Kalameshwar, Katol, and Narkhed in Nagpur district and Morshi and Achalpur in Amravati district. Based on field observations and grower input, eight elite genotypes were shortlisted with Nagpur mandarin as a standard check evaluated for key morphological growth parameters. The study revealed considerable variation among the genotypes in both plant and leaf morphological characteristics. Plant height ranged from 4.65 m to 6.99 m, with a general mean of 6.03 m. Plant spread varied from 4.73 m to 5.35 m, with an average of 5.02 m, while plant volume ranged from 41.37 m³ to 70.39 m³, with general mean 59.42 m³. These parameters reflect differences in vegetative vigor and canopy architecture. Leaf morphological traits also showed significant diversity. Leaf length ranged from 71.60 mm to 96.70 mm with population mean 80.90 mm, while leaf width varied between 29.90 mm and 45.50 mm with general mean 36.51 mm. The leaf length-to-width ratio ranged from 2.05 to 2.57, with an average of 2.23. Leaf area showed a broad range of 19.99 cm² to 32.73 cm², with a pooled mean of 24.41 cm².

The results revealed significant genotypic variation in plant height, plant canopy spread, plant volume, and leaf morphology, underscoring the potential genetic diversity within the local Nagpur mandarin population.