6 New Citrus Varieties To Keep Your Eye On

The quest to conquer citrus greening (aka, HLB) is one of epic proportions. Looking at this season’s citrus crop estimates confirms that fact. Attacking this challenge from all angles is necessary. Newly developed citrus varieties and rootstocks with an improved tolerance for HLB could be the ultimate answer. The Florida Foundation Seed Producers (FFSP) and New Varieties Development and Management Corp (NVDMC) are teaming up to bring six new, promising varieties to the table.

The two entities recently signed a licensing agreement for the following new-and-improved citrus varieties.

• ‘N14-10’ Hamlin – a selection noted to be tolerant to HLB with improved Brix and soluble solids

• ‘OLL-DC-3-40’ Sweet Orange – a selection noted to be tolerant to HLB with improved Brix, color, and juice scores

• ‘OLL-DC-3-36’ Sweet Orange – a selection noted to be tolerant to HLB with improved Brix, color, and juice scores

• ‘C4-10-42’ Mandarin Hybrid – a selection noted to be tolerant to HLB and useful for processing and blending into NFC orange juice to increase Brix and color

• ‘RBA 13-18’ Mandarin Hybrid – a selection noted to be tolerant to HLB and useful for processing and blending into NFC orange juice to increase Brix and color

• ‘Orange 14’ Rootstock – a rootstock selection noted to have performed well under HLB pressure, including an area with heavy Diaprepes/Phytophthora pressure.

The new endeavor also includes collaboration from UF/IFAS and the Florida Department of Citrus. The concerted effort aims to accelerate access to these HLB-tolerant varieties for Florida’s citrus nurseries and growers.

According to FFSP, patents have been filed for these six varieties. They join 45 additional UF/IFAS varieties FFSP has licensed for propagation and sale to Florida growers since 2009. The six new varieties were developed at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred by Drs. Fred Gmitter and Jude Grosser.

While none of these varieties are HLB-resistant, work continues to provide that solution.

Florida citrus nurseries interested in obtaining a propagation sub-license should contact NVDMC.