New Citrus Varieties Coming Fast
May 31, 2012 
The February 2012 edition of Citrus Nursery Source highlighted the need for more rapid evaluation of experimental varieties and the important emerging roles for nurseries and growers. Through a new UF/IFAS release concept (nicknamed FAST TRACK), growers will have an opportunity to register for early variety trials and evaluation. Nursery involvement will be critical for budwood increase and trial. This coordinated process should result in greater industry involvement, more rapid evaluation, and an accelerated experience curve. UF/IFAS may enter varieties into this new system singularly or in suites of like-fruit types. All varieties released through FAST TRACK produce fruit that has been judged to have commercial value, but key production and horticultural information is lacking. Grower and nursery expertise will be employed to produce key production and horticultural information.
Though UF/IFAS and Florida Foundation Seed Producers have not formally announced their new variety release process, let’s take a look at the first suite of UF/IFAS FAST TRACK varieties that will soon be available for non-commercial evaluation. These varieties are experimental selections, not yet bearing market names or trademarks.
UF Citrus Selection 411
The 411 is a large, easy peel mandarin with exceptional flavor. It matures in the January to February range (between Sunburst and Murcott). The fruit is not seedless, but its flavor is superior to most everything in the marketplace. Its lineage is a Sugar Belle (Clementine x Minneola) crossed with Murcott. It has a very uniform shape and attractive appearance. The peel is tight to the flesh for superior postharvest performance, though easily removed. Seed count is less than 10 — which is much preferred to Fallglo, Sunburst, and Murcott, but more than our target range. The 411 tree is quite vigorous, with most fruit inside the canopy, affording protection from sunburn.
UF Citrus Selection 900
The 900, a high-quality very early tangerine type, generated excitement at UF/IFAS display days the past two seasons. As is true with the 411, the 900 is not a seedless tangerine, but its early natural color, easy peel, and superior eating quality has garnered the attention of the industry. The 900 breaks color in mid-September. It peels easier than a Fallglo, and has superior flavor (approximate early October ratio of 12 to 14, compared to 7.5 to 10). The 900 arose from a 1991 cross of (Robinson x Fairchild). This fruit has performed quite well in postharvest analysis. Unlike most mandarins, the 900 does not appear to alternate bear, and the trees are quite vigorous. Cross pollination requirements have not been established. The 900 averages 12 seeds per fruit.
UF Citrus Selection 950
The 950 is a new and distinct seedless easy peel mid-season mandarin hybrid. The 950 emerged from a cross of a unique mandarin hybrid x Fortune. The fruit peels as easily as a Clementine, but has much better natural orange color. Eating quality is quite good, with December ratios ranging from 13 to 16. Trees of the 950 have cropped somewhat erratically. Productivity of this selection is unknown. It is hoped that grower trials in realistic commercial settings will aid in the development of a production plan for the 950. If this variety is productive, it could compete very effectively with the Clementine.
UF Citrus Selection N40W-6-3 (Seedless Snack)
The N40W-6-3 is the preferred citrus snack of CREC (Citrus Research and Education Center) staff — leading to its nickname, Seedless Snack. This seedless, medium-sized mandarin has a unique sweet and robust flavor that should compete nicely in the fall mandarin market. It can be harvested as early as October, but reaches peak quality around Thanksgiving. The Seedless Snack tree is compact and appears to generate favorable yields. The fruit is not zipper skin, but is peelable. The rind adheres tightly and it should have strong shipping performance. Fruit are uniform and orange in color. The origin of the Snack is unknown, as the original seedy version was donated by a hobbyist.
The UF/IFAS variety pipeline is revealing options for Florida nurseries and growers. Watch for more news on this release and information about how growers and nurseries can participate. Participation in this new trial program will help accelerate the learning process. Many growers will look to their nurseries for guidance. Be prepared.
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