Effect of rootstock and environmental factors on fruit quality of Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) grown in tropical regions.

[Display omitted] • The quality of the Persian lime fruit was evaluated under tropical conditions. • The rootstock's environmental interaction is crucial in the quality of Persian lime. • Swingle citrumelo showed the highest TSS and TA. • Interaction location * rootstock determines color parameters. • The more precipitation, the higher the juice content. International commerce of Persian limes (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) has grown in recent years. Peel color is the most important quality parameter together with juice content and a good balance between TA and TSS. The rootstock's performance determines the characteristics of the fruit in the environmental conditions where it is established. Consequently, to meet the requirements of the Persian lime fruit market, it is important to know the effects of the rootstock, environmental conditions, and its role in the quality of the fruit. To achieve this aim, Persian lime was grafted onto six rootstocks established in three locations with different environmental conditions and fruit quality parameters were evaluated. Results show that the environmental conditions strongly affect the quantity of juice content, as well as TA and TSS, whereas rootstocks influence TSS, and TA. The rootstock's interaction with environmental conditions determined the firmness, and all color parameters evaluated. The study concluded that Persian limes produced under the conditions evaluated led to better fruit quality, fulfilling all the market requirements and desirable traits such as high TSS and TA content and greener fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]