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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Nat'l Clonal Germplasm Rep - Tree Fruit & Nut Crops & Grapes » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #177995
Title: TRENDS IN U.S. SWEET ORANGE, GRAPEFRUIT, AND MANDARIN-TYPE SCION CULTIVARS

Author
item Stover, Eddie

Submitted to: Hortechnology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2005
Publication Date: 3/2/2005
Citation: Stover, E.W., W. Castle and C.C.T. Chao. 2005. Trends in u.s. sweet orange, grapefruit, and mandarin-type scion cultivars. Hortechnology. 501-506

Interpretive Summary: This paper describes the changes occurring in the types of citrus varieties being grown in the US, as influenced by changing demands in the marketplace. Because of their origins as unique hybrids, orange and grapefruit varieties are not developed through hybridization (application of pollen of one variety to flowers of another variety) but only through identifying natural or induced sports (changes in genes or gene expression) that provide redder color or fruit that mature earlier or later than existing varieties. Seedlessness and very-easy-peeling have become very desirable in mandarins (tangerines)and their hybrids (which are frequently similar to mandarins). New cultivars of mandarins and their hybrids are being developed through hybridization and selection of more desirable sports. The existence of many active citrus breeding programs makes it likely that we will continue to see development of many new citrus varieties throughout the foreseeable future.

Technical Abstract: The world market for citrus products has undergone dramatic shifts over the last decade and these shifts are influencing development and planting of new citrus cultivars. Seedlessness and very-easy-peeling have become paramount in mandarin-types, and new cultivars are being developed through plant breeding and selection of new sports. In both sweet oranges and grapefruit, essentially all important cultivars are derived from a single original hybrid of each fruit type, and plant improvement has focused on selection of sports with redder color and extended maturity. The existence of many active citrus breeding programs makes it likely that we will continue to see evolution of new citrus cultivars over the foreseeable future.