Field evaluation of the selected variants of Ruby Red grapefruit volunteer seedlings for greater HLB resistance/tolerance

Field evaluation of the selected variants of Ruby Red grapefruit volunteer seedlings for greater HLB resistance/tolerance

Report Date: 07/17/2017
Project: 16-007   Year: 2017
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Yongping Duan
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

The objectives of this proposal are: 1) conduct a field trial using the selected grapefruit seedlings to ensure the productivity of the trees in Florida where HLB is endemic; and 2) evaluate the quality of the fruit produced. Achievement of these goals will produce a more resistant/tolerant variety that could be available in the near future since its use would not require the regulatory approval. Based on two year’s graft-inoculation assays in greenhouse and the performance of individual seedlings in the field, four lines of the seedlings (with greater HLB resistance/tolerance) were selected for further propagation on three different rootstock (commercial sour orange, newly selected USDA-sour orange and 942). All these propagates are growing well in greenhouse, and expected to go to field within five months. These propagates will be tested by qPCR before going to fields. The fruit quality (Brix, pH and % TA) of the four selected seedlings showed no significant difference from their maternal trees. The overall flavor and individual sugar components will be described in next progress report.


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