In vitro propagation of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Nagpur mandarin)

Abstract

In Central India Nagpur mandarin is the most important commercially grown Citrus cultivar, which accounts for 41% of total citrus production in the country [1]. Nagpur mandarin occupies a position of dominance due to its suitability for eating as fruits or for serving as dessert fruits, excellent fresh juice with pleasant flavor and preparation of various processed food products, confectioneries and cosmetics. However trees were noticed to be declining on a large scale due to diseases like Citrus Triesteza Virus, Greening disease and other unknown factors, from 1957 [2]. Later on, it was identified to be citrus die back [3]. For a viable and productive citrus industry, disease free foundation stock is necessary and there is an urgent need to develop disease free planting material of Nagpur mandarin for future multiplication to prevent losses incurred in absence of disease free planting stock.