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Optimizing Germination Percentage and Reducing Germination Time for Lemon Seeds to Attain a Viable Rootstock for Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Production: A Simple Guide

Gilbert Ndutu Munywoki*, Justus Mulinge Munywoki, Angela Waeni Kiamba, Stephen Ochieng’ Ong’Ondo

Precision in crop production amidst agricultural system challenged by climatic vagaries is very key to an increased productivity. Precision in raising and selecting the ideal rootstocks is crucial in modern citrus production. While growing citrus from rootstocks is more recommended, selection of an ideal rootstock remains a challenge to many farmers. This guide gives the recommended agronomic practices aimed at reducing germination time and increasing percentage emergence of lemon seeds. It will be useful for small scale citrus farmers in rural areas whose accessibility to extension services is limited. The kind of rootstock for budding determines the health, vigor, and the productivity of the crop. Increased precision is one of the key fundamentals in citrus production, and entails selection of the best lemon seed, testing its viability, optimizing germination and percentage emergence. Removing seed coat of the lemon seed, using light growth media, and optimizing factors such as temperature and humidity reduces germination time as well as optimizing percentage emergence.