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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #402970
Research Project: Determination of Flavor and Healthful Benefits of Florida-Grown Fruits and Vegetables and Development of Postharvest Treatments to Optimize Shelf Life an Quality for Their Fresh and Processed Products

Location: Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research

Title: Potential Citrus hybrids tolerant to HLB for orange juice

Author
item Plotto, Anne
item Bai, Jinhe
item Mattia, Matthew
item Manthey, John
item Jeffries, Kristen
item FAN, ZHEN - University Of Florida
item Sun, Xiuxiu
item OLMEDO, GABRIELA - Orise Fellow
item Zhao, Wei
item STOVER, EDDIE - Retired ARS Employee
item BALDWING, ELIZABETH - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As Huanglongbing (HLB) has devastated the Florida citrus industry over the past 15 years, scientists tirelessly continue to evaluate crosses from breeding programs in Florida, California, and the world. The USDA, ARS breeding program in Fort Pierce, FL, has substantial genetic resources including hybrids made between Citrus and Poncirus, a relative of Citrus that imparts cold tolerance to Citrus trees and tolerance to HLB. A six-year study has identified 5 hybrids that show promise for blending with orange juice typically made from Hamlin and Valencia oranges. US SunDragon is a complex Citrus hybrid with Poncirus introgression that has a typical orange flavor when juiced manually. US SunDragon matures from November to January, and when blended with Valencia and Hamlin juice, the orange flavor was unchanged, as perceived by a sensory trained panel. FF-1-89-11 is another Citrus hybrid with Poncirus introgression; however, it has a hint of “poncirus” flavor that could be perceived by trained panelists when added at 10% in a Valencia:Hamlin base juice. Superna and FF-5-51-2 are two mandarin hybrids that show tolerance to HLB. When added in a 10% ratio to Valencia:Hamlin base juice, the perception of sweetness was increased. However, trained panelists could perceive mandarin flavor in a juice with Superna or FF-5-51-2 added at 20% in the same Valencia:Hamlin base. These early tests show the potential of selected hybrids to be blended with oranges to maintain orange flavor. Tests with commercially processed fruit will need to confirm these data.