Vol. 118 (2005): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Citrus

Fruit and juice quality of seedless pineapple oranges on four rootstocks

McCollum T. Gregory
USDA
2005 Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society

Published 2005-12-01

Keywords

  • citrus sinensis,
  • irradiation,
  • fruit quality,
  • scion improvement

Abstract

Irradiation of seeds of 'Pineapple' orange resulted in the generation of several mutants with reduced seed count. In order to determine the horticultural characteristics of these mutants, trees of four numbered selections (10-8, 10-60, 10-97 and 10-98) were propagated on four rootstocks (Swingle, Carrizo, Cleopatra mandarin, and sour orange) and field trials were established at two locations in Florida (Lake and Osceola Counties). Data have been collected over five harvest seasons (1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2003) on fruit yield and juice quality (color, soluble solids, and total acidity). Although fruit of each selection ripened during the typical midseason of other pineapple oranges, selections differed in fruit and juice quality characteristics. Three of the selections produced fruit with very few seeds and many fruit had no seeds. The low seed count could make theses selections much more valuable for the midseason fresh fruit market than the 'Pineapple' oranges that are presently available.