Star Ruby is a red grapefruit cultivar that originated in Texas by irradiating Hudson grapefruit seeds. By Werner Swiegers, Paul Cronjé and Johan Joubert (Citrus Research International) In 1972, 12 seeds were imported to SA and nucellar seedlings were introduced…
We further explore the outcomes of our trials that were done to determine suitable Valencia cultivars on Swingle citrumelo (SC) and US-812 (SxB) citrandarin rootstocks for an intermediate citrus production area.
In the SA Fruit Journal Aug/Sep ’25 edition, we shared results relating to Jasi Valencia and Kobus du Toit Late Valencia selections. Now, we will look at Late Valencia, McClean SL Valencia and Midknight Valencia and conclude on the suitability of these Valencia selections.
The Mbombela area represents a mid- to mid-late Valencia production area in SA due to its unique climatic conditions. These include optimal heat units during flower and fruit set periods after winter, to stimulate a good fruit set.
Letsitele is one of the best Valencia orange production regions in Southern Africa and is classified as a hot-dry climatic zone.
Originating in Japan, Satsumas are an easy-peeling mandarin citrus that is known for its cold-hardiness.
The origin of the technique of grafting or budding of trees is unknown. However, this technique is of great horticultural significance and has enabled rapid and uniform multiplication of various fruit crops.
Frostbite is not only a danger to humans. When citrus fruit gets too cold, it suffers damage that corrodes its market value. This multi-factorial research project set out to find ways to take the bite out of factors that cause chilling injuries.
