CITRUS NURSERY SOURCE: Expanding Availability of Fresh Fruit Varieties

By Peter Chaires

Beginning in 2013, New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) worked in tandem with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center Plant Improvement Team (then Jude Grosser, Fred Gmitter and Bill Castle) and Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc. to make newly identified fresh market citrus varieties available for trial and later commercialization.

This process entailed the release of four suites of selections (nine in the first, three in the second, four in the third and one in the fourth). Most of these varieties were the result of crosses made before the full impact of HLB was known or experienced. The program included tangerine/mandarin types, a unique orange/mandarin cross, grapefruit and grapefruit hybrids. The concept was to bypass years of replicated field trials, move the trees into the hands of growers and allow them to determine the best path forward.

FAST TRACK

The program began with a three-tier concept: beginning with trial, moving into limited preferential commercialization, followed by widespread commercial availability. The model was called FAST TRACK, and it was developed with significant grower input and the intention to incentivize participation.

However, what might have worked in a pre-HLB world, fell victim to the compounded challenge of growing citrus in an HLB-endemic environment. Small-scale trials with many variables from site to site made comparisons difficult, and growers ultimately requested simplification of the model. By the time of the fourth FAST TRACK release, Marathon mandarin was offered in a much more simplistic program that allowed growers to decide whether and when they wanted to trial or produce it commercially.

It appears that some of these varieties are unlikely to be produced commercially in Florida’s main production area (at least until more robust tools are available to combat HLB). The value of others is still being determined, as they are receiving injection treatments and are being planted in new production areas.

Recent discussions have explored how these FAST TRACK varieties might be used to support Florida’s ailing citrus nurseries. As more nurseries have begun serving the homeowner (dooryard) retail and resale nursery segment, there is increasing demand for new varieties. While not all of these will be suitable for every market, nurseries will soon determine suitability for various uses and markets.

The NVDMC board of directors is supportive of making FAST TRACK varieties eligible for dooryard markets, while respecting the rights of the FAST TRACK growers. The details of this arrangement are being determined, and updates will soon be provided to the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and citrus nurseries. While the dooryard market has never been a primary focus or purpose of NVDMC, healthy viable citrus nurseries will always be a foundational priority.

FINGER LIME FIELD DAY

In early March, Manjul Dutt hosted a Finger Lime Field Day at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. The event was very well attended. It featured presentations on variety basics, market potential, mixology, post-harvest handling and shelf life, production of pearls, packaging and storage, grower experiences and cold tolerance. The event culminated with a field tour, sampling and lunch.

The participants were varied in experience and interests. There were current growers, curious growers, hobbyists, enthusiasts, researchers, restauranteurs and mixologists. 

Finger limes are currently a niche market product, sold in small upscale markets and sometimes directly to chefs. The fruit is primarily used in high-end restaurants and bars. Price points vary, but some of the more old-line sophisticated consumer markets are paying a high premium for this product.

Near-term domestic and global demand has yet to be fully determined. Very little is known about the point of market saturation. There does appear to be sufficient demand to warrant exploration. This will not be a market for everyone, but it may have potential for some. Finger limes are highly tolerant of HLB but can be quite thorny and challenging to harvest. Stay tuned. We will be following the evolution of this unique crop.

Peter Chaires is executive director of New Varieties Development & Management Corp.