[Arid_gardener] Re: Why germinate sour orange seeds?

[OlinMiller]

As recently as 1998, about 50% of citrus trees in the West valley were still
on sour orange rootstocks per
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/general/resrpt1998/citrusresearch.html
and were, therefore, susceptible to the citrus tristeza virus.  The brown
citrus aphid (BCA), which is not yet in Arizona [as of 1998] vectors the
disease.  Today there are probably still older commercial stands of citrus
trees on sour orange rootstocks and susceptible to CTV.

Propagating new citrus trees on sour orange would counter the citrus
industry's to efforts to phase out sour orange rootstocks in favor of the
improved rootstocks that are  immune to CTV.  The effect of homeowners
developing their own sour orange rootstocks may not have a significant
negative impact on keeping CTV out of the state.  But why not take advantage
of the improved, immune rootstocks?

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ
===============================================

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marcia Lincoln" <boahiss at gmail.com>
To: <arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2007 12:32 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] RE: How do I germinate sour orange seeds
> I am attempting to sprout some sour orange seeds, to grow a bunch of trees
> to use for grafting other citrus. Citrus trees in Tucson nurseries are no
> longer sold on sour orange root stock, hence I thought I'd try my own.
> I collected seed from fully ripe (fallen on the ground) sour orange trees
> last fall, cleaned and dried them, and stored at room temperature. I've
> planted a dozen or so in commercial potting mix in pots indoors, under a
> fluorescent light, at about 75-78 degrees, and keep a plastic cover over
> the
> pots with some air flow, so the pots stay moist. These went in on 3/31.
> Nary
> a sprout shows at this time. Any suggestions? Should I try soaking the
> seed
> first? Are orange seeds just slow to germinate? Thank you,