Unprotected Public Domain Varieties
Quick Links: Select a name to go directly to that variety.
Fukumoto Navel Orange Shiranui Dekopon Seedless Temple Tangor Variegated Pink Lemon
Finger Limes Cadenera Orange Seedless Kishu Mandarin U.S. Seedless Pineapple Orange White Tangelo
This navel orange is available through Florida’s Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration (863-298-7712).This variety matures 3-4 weeks earlier on average than the Washington Navel Orange. It tends to be smaller than other navels, but provides very strong color break earlier than other navels. Very nice flavor. There is evidence of decline and rootstock incompatibilities with C-35 and Carrizo rootstocks. For more information, please visit the University of California Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection site at: http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/fukumoto.html
This variety is widely considered one of the most delicious citrus varieties in the world. New to Florida, it has not yet been proven compatible with Florida conditions. This variety is seedless and when grown in compatible climates, large fruit with a bell-like stem end neck. The Shiranui is a cross between a Kiyomi and Ponkan. Early results in Florida have not been very positive. Budwood is available for very small trial plantings. DPI has assigned this variety the number DPI-132.
The specific variety name is Thoro Temple. This variety has been in the Florida Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration collection for quite some time. There is no evidence that this variety has ever been commercially grown in Florida. Budwood is available – there is no contract or royalty requirement. NVDMC has initiated field trials of this variety throughout Florida. Data is not yet available – as the first fruit will be seen during the 2009/10 season. It is not yet known whether this Temple is scab susceptible. Budwood is available through DPI under the number DPI-75. No photo available.
Variegated Pink Lemon(LE DPI – 833-2)
This pink lemon is available through the Florida Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration – and presents a unique opportunity for the niche citrus producer. It would naturally be more susceptible to cold and citrus canker than many other varieties, but is unique and interesting.
Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration has finger limes in its collection. One can be obtained under the number DPI LI-F-11-6. USDA also has other finger limes under evaluation and is working to produce clean budwood. These limes are small and finger shaped – and are unique in the sense that when squeezed, they will expel their juice vesicles intact without rupture – making them ideal for gourmet cooking.
This is a small seedless orange that matures in November in Florida. It does not peel as well as a navel orange and should not be planted as an easy peel option. However, it does have very nice flavor when consumed fresh and is small and uniform in shape. More information is available at the University of California Riverside’s Citrus Variety Collection site: http://ccpp.ucr.edu/variety/367.html. This variety does not respond well to processing.
Seedless Kishu Mandarin (DPI 137)
This variety is also available through Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration. This is a very small seedless mandarin selection that is expected to mature in November in Florida. This variety has been used widely as a pollen parent in citrus breeding programs. It is not yet known how this variety will do in Florida’s climatic conditions. In Mediterranean climates, this fruit is golf ball sized and typically harvested with clippers. It is very easy to peel and quite sweet. If this variety is compatible with Florida, it will present another niche market opportunity. More information is available from the University of California Riverside Citrus Variety Collection: http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/kishu.html.
The U.S. Seedless Pineapple Orange resembles a traditional Pineapple Orange in many ways, except it is very low seeded, holds on the tree longer, is better for fresh utilization and is more durable post-harvest. Many of the Seedless Pineapple Orange are completely seedless, but those that have seeds, are two or less. This fruit matures in the mid-season orange time frame. The fruit has the appearance and size of a traditional Pineapple Orange.
A group of growers in Scottsmoor Florida recently contacted USDA-ARS about this variety. NVDMC assisted in contacting DPI and entering budwood into the Bureau of Citrus Budwood Registration. The White Tangelo is currently being cleaned up and tested. Once clean wood is available, it will be free to any interested grower. It is thought that this variety originated from a private breeding program in the Scottsmoor area. The Tangelo is quite large, has some seeds, and is very juicy and sweet. Its maturity is approximately a month earlier than the Honeybell.
