The Valquarius brand ‘SF14W-62’ (U.S. patent pending) is a new and distinct mid-season Valencia sweet orange developed by the citrus breeding program at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. This new orange was released through UF’s “fast track” option, a program specifically designed to transition promising new citrus selections to industry faster than previously possible. Varieties released through the fast track have not been evaluated through varied and replicated field trials, but do show significant signs of commercial potential.
Unfortunately, the release of this selection was significantly delayed, as first-, second-, and third-generation trees were lost to canker eradication. Data on Valquarius ‘SF14W-62’ was collected for several years from the original tree, which no longer exists, and more recently from second-generation trees that are now six years of age.
In The Process
Valquarius is targeted primarily for the processing industry, as it has a significantly earlier fruit maturation (4 to 6 weeks) than standard Valencia, with standard Valencia quality. Valquarius will provide earlier blending opportunities with Hamlin or Mid-Sweet to improve flavor and color.
Valquarius brand ‘SF14W-62’ trees are upright, vigorous, and have shown a tendency to alternate bearing. The trees are thornier than standard Valencia, but as the thorns are mainly on scaffold branches, and Valquarius tends to bear more terminal fruit, the impact of the thorns is minimized. As will be true with most fast-track varieties, yield and quality data is limited. However, first-generation Valquarius trees appear to be at least as productive as standard Valencia.
Showing Interest
The Valquarius ‘SF14W-62’ was offered for exclusive license by Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc. (FFSP), by way of FFSP’s ITN (Invitation to Negotiate) process. New Varieties Development & Management Corp. (NVDMC) has been awarded an exclusive license for the territory of the U.S. NVDMC is in the process of sublicensing citrus nurseries to receive budwood from the Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration, to begin private budwood increase and take advanced orders.
Interested growers should contact NVDMC to request a grower agreement. Once signed, growers are eligible to place orders with a licensed citrus nursery of their choice. A one-time tree fee royalty is paid through the nursery when the trees are delivered. In addition, 70% of royalties are channeled by FFSP directly into the University of Florida’s citrus breeding program to help fund the continued research and development of new citrus varieties.
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The Age Of Valquarius
Peter Chaires is the executive director of the New Varieties Development & Management Corp. See all author stories here.
October 28, 2010 