MANDARIN TREE NAMED '12C009'

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of mandarin tree named ‘12C009’, particularly selected for non-acidic flavour profiles and distinguished by the smooth skin texture, cleanness of peeling and high Brix levels, is disclosed.

Claims

1. A new and distinct mandarin tree called ‘12C009’ as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Mandarin tree variety ‘12C009’ is shown in the accompanying photographs, illustrating typical fruit external and internal appearance, uniformity and tree productivity. The illustrated trees and fruit were grown under subtropical conditions in central Queensland, Australia and colors are as true as can be captured photographically. Field photographs are of plants that are four years old.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows fruit cross-section of ‘12C009’ (right panel) compared to the progenitor with higher seed numbers (left panel) used during the two rounds of mutation breeding.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows fruit of ‘12C009’ from four different angles.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows whole fruit on a tree of ‘12C009’ along with typical leaf morphology.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘12C009’. Unless where otherwise noted, the data that define these characteristics are based on observations taken from ‘12C009’ plants that were four years old, grown on ‘Troyer’ (unpatented) rootstock in a subtropical environment at Mundubbera, Australia. Color designations, color descriptions, and other phenotypical descriptions may deviate from the stated values and descriptions depending upon variation in environmental, seasonal, climatic and cultural conditions. ‘12C009’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The indicated values represent averages calculated from measurements of several plants. Color references are primarily to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.) (2015 edition). Descriptive terminology follows the Plant Identification Terminology, An Illustrated Glossary, 2.sup.nd edition by James G. Harris and Melinda Woolf Harris, unless where otherwise defined. [0014] Classification: [0015] Family.—Rutaceae. [0016] Botanical.—Citrus reticulata. [0017] Common name.—Mandarin. [0018] Variety name.—‘12C009’. [0019] Tree: [0020] Ploidy.—Diploid. [0021] Size.—Trees have a medium to large stature. [0022] Vigor.—Trees grow vigorously when young but early and heavy cropping helps to restrain subsequent vigor. [0023] Growth habit.—Elliptic to oblong. [0024] Density.—Canopy is light to medium in density resulting from long branches with sometimes low crotch angles. [0025] Bearing.—Productive from an early age with no evidence of alternate beating. [0026] Trunk: [0027] Trunk diameter.—21.5 cm at 30 cm above graft. [0028] Trunk texture.—Finely raised. [0029] Branches: [0030] Crotch angle.—Major branches at 45-50-degree crotch angle. [0031] Branch length.—1.3 to 1.7 m. [0032] Branch texture.—Smooth becoming finely raised on older branches. [0033] Thorns.—Occasional on some branches. [0034] Leaves: [0035] Size (lamina average).—Length: 65 mm. Width: 39 mm. L/W ratio: 1.7. [0036] Arrangement.—Alternate. [0037] Type.—Simple. [0038] Shape.—Obovate. [0039] Blade margin.—Crenate. [0040] Apex shape.—Obtuse, marginated at tip. [0041] Petiole length.—10 mm. [0042] Petiole diameter.—2 mm. [0043] Petiole wings.—Rudimentary <1 mm width. [0044] Petiole attachment.—Articulate, brevipetiolate. [0045] Flowers: [0046] Type.—Hermaphroditic. [0047] Blooming period.—Commencing˜25th August with full bloom˜24th September in Queensland, Australia. [0048] Flower petals.—Number: 5. Color: RHS 155B (white). Length: 11 mm. Width: 4 mm. Calyx: Small. [0049] Fragrance.—Typical of mandarin. [0050] Reproductive organs.—Fertility: Self-fertile. Pollen amount: Moderately abundant. Pollen fertility: Low (assessed via aceto-carmine staining). [0051] Fruit: [0052] Axial diameter.—87 mm. [0053] Apical diameter.—53 mm. [0054] Weight.—196 g. [0055] General shape in profile.—Obloid. [0056] Shape in transverse section.—Somewhat angular. [0057] Shape of fruit base.—Truncate, occasionally with wrinkles. [0058] Shape of fruit apex.—Truncate. [0059] Neck.—Absent. [0060] Fruit surface texture.—Smooth. [0061] Adherence of mesocarp to endocarp.—Weak and peels away cleanly. [0062] Navel.—Absent. [0063] Areola.—Generally absent but occasionally grooved. [0064] Rind thickness.—3.3 mm. [0065] Segment number.—10-12. [0066] Harvest window.—Late-season: end-July (southern hemisphere subtropics). [0067] Juice soluble solid.—12.4°Brix (end-July). [0068] Juice acidity.—0.95% citric acid equivalent (end-July). [0069] Seeds.—0-5 per fruit. [0070] Seed type.—Polyembryonic. [0071] Alternaria brown spot reaction.—Susceptible.