Valencia’ Somaclones with Fresh Market Potential

Although a small amount of ‘Valencia’ fruit in Florida goes to the fresh market, the value of this cultivar to the fresh market is much greater for other citrus-producing regions, including South Africa, California and Brazil. Improved ‘Valencia’ clones for the fresh market would therefore make a significant contribution to citriculture worldwide. We have identifi ed eight seed- less somaclones covering a range of matu- rity dates (three early maturing, three standard maturity and two late maturing). We have identifi ed other low-seeded clones (averaging ~1 seed/fruit) that repeatedly produce larger fruit than average and are easier to eat due to a softer rag (more of a melting flesh) than standard ‘Valencia’.

Clone Traits

T2-21 Seedless

Early maturity (February) SF15-62W Seedless

Large fruit size Normal maturity

N12-11 Soft rag and candy fl avour

Large fruit size Low seed content Normal maturity

N11-18 Seedless Large fruit size

Some of the more promising clones are described in Table 9.5. These clones should be tested in a Mediterranean environment to determine their potential as improved fresh fruit clones. Such clones should be more attractive to the consumer and also expand the fresh ‘Valencia’ season.