In the subtropics and tropics, the propagation of citrus plants is generally carried out under High-density polyethylene (HDPE) shade nets to protect the plants from high temperatures. The plant genotype; and type, material and colour of protective cover may influence the crop response. In the present studies, the effect of protective coverings on the shoot and root growth and buddability of 'Rough lemon' (RL) and 'Carrizo citrange' (CC) and subsequently budded Kinnow and Daisy mandarin was studied. The nylon pearl net, stainless steel net, polycarbonate roof steel screen house (PCSH), HDPE red shade net and HDPE green shade net were tested for their effect on growth of RL and CC, budding success and subsequent growth of budded Kinnow and Daisy mandarin plants. The highest rootstock height, stem diameter, fibrous roots and root dry weight were observed under nylon net. The nylon net resulted in 48.7 and 68.3 per cent increase in rootstock height in rough lemon and Carrizo citrange, respectively over open. The highest stem diameter in the rootstocks was recorded in nylon net followed by red shade net. Leaf P and Zn levels were higher in red shade net and nylon net. Plant height was positively correlated with leaf number, leaf area, internodal length, stem diameter and stomatal conductance. In rough lemon, the highest budding success (86.8%) under red net was at par with budding success in nylon net. While, the highest budding success (72.6%) in Carrizo citrange under nylon net was at par with budding success in red shade net. The highest light intensity was in open environment followed by nylon net. The highest stomatal conductance was in red and green shade nets. The highest leaf temperature was recorded in PCSH followed by nylon net and was lowest in green and red nets. The lowest leaf miner and thrips incidence was under nylon and steel net house. The nylon net increased rootstock height and diameter, proportion of buddable seedlings, budding success and buddling growth; and decreased the incidence of thrips and leaf miner. In general, the nylon net improved the rootstock height and diameter, proportion of buddable seedlings, root growth, budding success in RL and CC rootstocks and subsequent buddling growth. Hence, nylon net is the most suitable for commercial nursery production of citrus plants.