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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Riverside, California » National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #180067

Title: OBTAINING NEW CITRUS VARIETIES/OBSTENCION DE NUEVAS VARIEDADES DE CITRICOS

Author
item Krueger, Robert

Submitted to: Memorias, IX Simposio Internacional de Citricultura: Sanidad y
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2005
Publication Date: 4/22/2005
Citation: Krueger, R. 2005. Obtaining new citrus varieties/obstencion de nuevas variedades de citricos. Memorias, IX Simposio Internacional de Citricultura: Sanidad y.

Interpretive Summary: There are a variety of reasons for the introduction of new varieties of citrus, most of which are based upon the economic needs of the industry. Indentification of these needs may occur by chance or design. After a specific need is identified, varieties fitting the critetia are identified. The next step is identifying an appropriate source of propagative material to introduce. In most instances, the source with the highest phytosanitary status is preferred. Introduction of new vairties in most instances must be accompanied by a quarantine of sanitaion process due to the potentially devastating effects of citrus pathogens. Quarantine and sanitation are similar. Both involve alternating cycles of testing and therapy. After the phytosanitary standards of the importing country are met, the material is released from quarantine and made available to producers. Distribution is often via a certification program in order to assure that the standards continue to be met and the economic health of the industry maintained.

Technical Abstract: Introduction of new citrus varities is usually done with the intent of improving the economic health of the industry. After identifying potential varities for introduction, the variety should be obtained from the source with the highest phytosanitary standards. Even so, there are generally restrictions upon importing new citrus propogative material. Introductions from international sources undergo a quarantine process, while those introduced from a domestic source often need to be sanitized. Both quarantine and sanitation are similar and involve alternating cycles of pathogen testing and pathogen elimination. Upon release, new varities are made available to the producers, often under the auspices of a certification program. Various technical facets of the process are briefly outlined.