Agromillora, in collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA), has introduced CIVAC-19, a new citrus rootstock.
CIVAC-19 is the result of more than a decade of research between IVIA and Agromillora. It is a hybrid rootstock of Citrus reshni (Cleopatra mandarin) and Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate orange). Its semi-dwarfing nature provides medium vigor, key for maintaining compact canopies and especially relevant in hedgerow plantings, where tree density and uniformity are essential.
According to Agromillora, the new citrus rootstock’s cumulative yields exceed those of other rootstocks and guarantees good fruit size and early ripening.
CIVAC-19 is also distinguished by its broad tolerances and resistances. The company stated that it exhibits high resistance to salinity, good adaptation to calcareous soils and root asphyxiation conditions, moderate resistance to phytophthora and some tolerance to citrus tristeza virus.
Agromillora stated that trials carried out in Andalusia have confirmed the superiority of CIVAC-19 in varieties such as Navelina, Valencia Late, Clemenules and Fino-49 lemon, both in terms of accumulated production and fruit quality.
The CIVAC-19 rootstock introduces the hedgerow planting system to Mediterranean citrus farming, the company stated. Two models are adaptable to growers’ needs: super high density (SHD) and high density (HD). SHD, with reduced canopies and very narrow planting frames, facilitates mechanized harvesting for processing fruit or manual harvesting from the ground for fresh consumption, with the possibility of combining both methods. HD, intensive but with wider frames than SHD and tighter than traditional plantings, also offers greater production efficiency.
According to Agromillora, high-density systems offer smaller, two-dimensional canopies, which reduce water and fertilizer consumption, promote uniform light distribution and yield higher-quality fruit. The concept of sustainable intensification aims to produce faster, more and better crops while optimizing resources and respecting the environment.
Agromillora stated that Spanish citrus farming is seeking to reinvent itself to maintain its competitiveness. Much of the cultivated area is recent, reflecting an interest in both production and diversification, as well as new varieties.
Source: Agromillora
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