NEW FORMS OF MANDARIN (CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO.VAR. UNSHIU TAN.) OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF BREEDING

Abstract

This paper presents the results of Citrus reticulata Blanco var. unshiu Tan. (mandarine) breeding in the humid subtropical zone of Krasnodar region. The objects of this research are some promising forms of hybrid and nucellar origin, obtained as a result of controlled hybridization, as well as some clones selected in commercial plantations. It was noted that not all the released varieties fully meet the ecological conditions during cultivation. The disadvantages of the existing assortment are low winter hardiness, plant height and late ripening, in this regard, the main breeding goals were defi ned. Using the wide genetic diversity of Citrus genotypes with economically valuable traits from the collection of the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops, new forms were bred for expanding Citrus assortment in the Russian humid subtropics. The created forms 10, 12, 17, 22, 33 are superior to the main released variety ‘Kowano-Wase’ in fruit productivity and quality (weight and size of the fruit). Forms-clone 22 and clone 33 (18.2-23.3 kg/tree) were the most productive, the forms clone 33 and hybrid 17 were revealed for large fruits, the average weight of their fruits range from 96,3 to 98,4 g. Clone 22, clone 33 and hybrids 10 and 12 are early ripening forms (end of September - early October). New forms have an increased resistance to extreme environmental conditions. The present paper demonstrates the characteristics of new forms in the Russian breeding which pass competitive and State testing.