By Peter Chaires
Each year, the citrus breeding teams provide opportunities for interested parties to sample fruit from new and recent selections. This is a great opportunity to keep current on the results of this research. Some of these events also include field tours and opportunities to see the trees.
A significant effort is being made to accelerate the identification of promising oranges, orange hybrids, grapefruit, grapefruit hybrids and fresh and juicing specialty selections that should be considered for entry into larger-scale trials. It all starts with initial identification. Variety displays and conversations among attendees and with research teams can play a critical role in this process. Though some growers prefer to wait for data derived from the field trials, tree health and commercially acceptable cropping are a necessary component of this initial selection process.
The effectiveness of these events is maximized when all segments of the industry participate (growers, processors, packers, nurseries, marketers, etc.). Below is a list of the scheduled events for the 2023–24 season.
UF/IFAS CREC
The following fruit sampling events will take place at the Ben Hill Griffin Auditorium at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) at 700 Experiment Station Road in Lake Alfred.
• Oct. 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m.,
after the OJ Break
• Nov. 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m.,
after the OJ Break
• Dec. 20, 2023, 1:00 p.m.,
after the OJ Break (featuring a presentation on citrus breeding)
• Jan. 23, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
• Feb. 21, 2024, 1:00 p.m.,
after the OJ Break
Attendees will be able to sample a range of varieties and complete survey forms that provide valuable feedback to the CREC Plant Improvement Team. Members of the Plant Improvement Team (John Chater, Fred Gmitter, Jude Grosser and Yu Wang) will be present to answer questions.
Due to the heavy focus on orange and orange-like material, juice samples are often provided for displayed selections that may have potential in the juice stream. There are a large amount of promising selections identified each year, but the team makes a concerted effort to keep the number of displayed selections to a manageable number.
USDA ARS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will host an open house, variety display and field tour on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. at the A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm at 23402 USDA Road in Groveland, Florida.
Attendees will have an opportunity to sample fruit from promising USDA ARS citrus selections. Though fruit for potential use in the orange juice stream is primary, other fruit types for possible fresh market use will also be displayed. Surveys are generally collected to help inform release decisions. Members of the USDA ARS research team, farm staff, administration and foundation representatives will be present to answer questions.
The event also features a hayride tour of the farm, with research updates at designated stops. This is the only such opportunity during the year. Significant infrastructure projects have been underway at the farm (with the support of Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Department of Citrus, Florida Citrus Commission and the Florida Legislature). New research plantings will be in the ground by the time of this event.
Finally, Florida Citrus Mutual is sponsoring a lunch at the conclusion of the event. This is always a highlight. RSVP to Lucy.Torres@ffva.com to attend.
UF/IFAS Gainesville
Jose Chaparro and his team at the UF/IFAS citrus breeding orchard in Gainesville will provide research updates, a variety display and field tour on Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. The address is 2801 Hull Rd. (immediately south of the baseball stadium; parking details will be provided closer to the event).
Surveys are generally provided for the benefit of the breeding effort. This program has shifted significantly to orange and orange-like varieties, but other fresh market fruit types will also be displayed. This is an excellent opportunity to see the on-campus teaching orchard, ongoing research projects and interact with faculty and students.
Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event. RSVP to Lucy.Torres@ffva.com to attend.
We hope to see you at one or more of the events. Your feedback is an important part of the citrus breeding process.
Peter Chaires is executive director of the New Varieties Development and Management Corp.