CITRUS NURSERY SOURCE: New University of Florida Varieties Introduced

By Peter Chaires

In July, the Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc. (FFSP) advised the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) and the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) of eight newly released University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus varieties that may fall under F.S. 601.13 (4). This state statute provides the FCC with a first option to obtain an exclusive license agreement for new varieties developed utilizing funding from the state of Florida, and such license may secure an eight-year period of exclusivity for Florida growers. On Sept. 18, the FCC voted to exercise its option and designated New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) to negotiate the license and manage the trialing and commercialization process.

THE LINEUP

Below is a very brief description of the varieties included in the September action:

KW-5-7 Tangerine

Proposed Name: Durable Dancy

• It is an improvement of the current Dancy variety.
• The selection is noted to have a reasonable level of HLB tolerance along with greater alternaria resistance and lower seed count when compared to Dancy tangerine.
• It is selected for fresh and dooryard markets and is likely to have limited commercial interest.

18A-10-47 Tangor

Proposed Name: Wow

• It is an improvement of Honey Murcott.
• It was selected due to its near-seedlessness (even under cross pollination) and performance in citrus under protective screen (CUPS) structures for the fresh market.
• The selection has been noted to be HLB susceptible, like Honey Murcott.
• Honey tangerines have done remarkably well in UF/IFAS CUPS trials. 18A-10-47 is likely to get traction in CUPS to expand beyond grapefruit.

N40-16-7-11 Valencia

Proposed Name: Last Man Standing

• This vigorous selection is reported to have high levels of HLB tolerance after 34 years of survival and continued productivity in the field. The original tree’s tolerance is comparable to the Donaldson tree.
• It produces round oranges with quality like traditional Valencia fruit.
• Reported HLB tolerance makes this attractive for conventional and dooryard plantings.
• It can be processed for Grade A juice without blending.

N40-16-11-7 Grapefruit

Proposed Name: Crimson Queen

• When compared with Star Ruby and Ray Ruby, this grapefruit is noted to have greater tree growth, tree health and yield in HLB-endemic regions.
• It has consistently demonstrated exceptional fruit quality (size, Brix, internal color, flavor and external blush).
• This variety has better size, a beautiful appearance and great flavor.
• N40-16-11-7 is showing better HLB tolerance than other red grapefruit commercial varieties and may offer promise with an injection program, in addition to CUPS.

C7-12-18 Mandarin Hybrid

Proposed Name: Tangeriffic

• A mid-season (November/December) maturing triploid mandarin hybrid selection is nearly seedless (completely seedless in CUPS) and easy peeling.
• It has medium-sized fruit (larger than clementine) with good color, Brix and flavor, making it a candidate for the fresh market and to be used in blending with not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice to improve color and flavor.
• Although it is a possible candidate for juice blending, amenability to transport has yet to be determined.
• Expect moderate interest in conventional fresh commercial trials, and definite interest in CUPS trials.

C4-14-51 Mandarin Hybrid

Proposed Name: TBD

• This seedless, peelable tangelo selection has excellent HLB tolerance with potential for fresh market and blending with NFC juice to improve color and flavor.
• It has December/January maturity.
• This one could really be a versatile variety in juice, fresh commercial and CUPS use. Dooryard nurseries will also be vying for this variety.

KE-9-9 Mandarin Hybrid

Proposed Name: Early Sweet

• This early-maturing (October/November) complex triploid mandarin hybrid selection is nearly seedless (completely seedless in CUPS) and easy peeling.
• HLB tree tolerance is above average, but it can have a high percentage of symptomatic fruit. 
• It has medium-sized fruit (larger than clementine) with good color, Brix and flavor, making it a candidate for the fresh market and to be used in blending with NFC juice to improve color and flavor.
• It matures in October.
• While this may generate interest in fresh commercial and dooryard markets, it is expected that CUPS will be the biggest draw. It is a possible candidate for juice blending, but amenability to transport has yet to be determined.

STR-4-1 Rootstock

Proposed Name: Defiance

• This diploid rootstock selection has HLB tolerance.
• It establishes and maintains a strong root system.
• It is derived from a mutation of x639 commercial rootstock.
• This rootstock was featured in recent field days at Jason Griffin’s grove near Lake Alfred.
• Its HLB tolerance makes it interesting for conventional and dooryard growers.

NEXT STEPS

The next steps will be handled expeditiously. The FDOC will complete its official designation of NVDMC to manage the process. NVDMC and FFSP will collaborate on a suitable model to serve commercial and retail interests. There will be a strong emphasis on consistency and simplicity. Nurseries and growers should watch for more information soon. 

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