Mandarin tree named ‘11C017R’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of mandarin tree named ‘11C017R’, 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 ‘11C017R’ as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Mandarin tree variety ‘11C017R’ 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. The photographs are of plants that are three years old.

(2) FIG. 1 shows fruit cross-section of ‘11C017R’ (right panel) compared to its progenitor from the initial hybrid population with higher seed numbers (left panel) used during the two rounds of mutation breeding that gave rise to ‘11C017R’.

(3) FIG. 2 shows whole fruit on the branch of ‘11C017R’ along with typical leaf morphology.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a tree of ‘11C017R’ with typical fruit and crop load.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(5) The following descriptions set forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘11C017R’. Unless where otherwise noted, the data that define these characteristics are based on observations taken from ‘11C017R’ plants that were three years old, grown on ‘Troyer’ (unpatented) rootstock in a subtropical environment at Gayndah, 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. ‘11C017R’ 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. Classification: Family.—Rutaceae. Botanical.—Citrus reticulata. Common name.—Mandarin. Variety name.—‘11C017R’. Tree: Ploidy.—Diploid. Size.—Trees have a medium to large stature. Height.—3.8 m. Spread.—3.7 m. Vigor.—Trees grow vigorously when young but early and heavy cropping helps to restrain subsequent vigor. Growth habit.—Elliptic to oblong. Density.—Canopy is light to medium in density resulting from long branches with sometimes low crotch angles. Bearing.—Very productive from an early age with no evidence of alternate bearing. Trunk: Trunk diameter.—21.5 cm at 30 cm above graft. Trunk texture.—Finely raised. Branches: Crotch angle.—Major branches at 45-50-degree crotch angle. Branch length.—1.3 to 1.7 m. Branch width.—9 to 12 cm. Branch texture.—Smooth becoming finely raised on older branches. Branch color.—RHS N200C (Grey). Thorns.—Occasional on some branches and large, up to 7 cm. Leaves: Size (lamina average).—Length: 67 mm. Width: 40 mm. L/W ratio: 1.7. Arrangement.—Alternate. Type.—Simple. Shape.—Obovate. Blade margin.—Crenate. Apex shape.—Obtuse, emarginated at tip. Petiole length.—10 mm. Petiole diameter.—2 mm. Petiole wings.—Rudimentary <1 mm width. Petiole attachment.—Articulate, brevipetiolate. Flowers: Type.—Hermaphroditic. Blooming period.—Commencing ˜25th August with full bloom ˜24th September in Queensland, Australia. Flower petals.—Number: 5. Color: RHS 155B (white). Length: 11 mm. Width: 4 mm. Calyx: Small. Texture: Smooth. Apex: Distinctly rounded (obtuse). Margin: Entire and imbricate. Base: Truncate. Fragrance.—Typical of mandarin. Reproductive organs.—Fertility: Self-fertile. Pollen amount: Moderately abundant. Pollen fertility: Low (assessed via aceto-carmine staining). Pollen color: RHS 22A (Dark orange yellow). Fruit: Axial diameter.—85 mm. Apical diameter.—55 mm. Length.—43 mm. Weight.—210 g. General shape in profile.—Obloid. Shape in transverse section.—Somewhat angular. Shape of fruit base.—Truncate, occasionally with wrinkles. Shape of fruit apex.—Truncate. Position of the broadest part of the fruit.—At middle. Depression at the stalk end.—Absent. Depression at the distal end.—Absent. Neck.—Absent. Fruit surface texture.—Smooth. Fruit surface color.—RHS 26A (Orange-yellow). Fruit surface glossiness.—Strong. Adherence of mesocarp to endocarp.—Weak and peels away clean. Navel.—Absent. Areola.—Generally absent but occasionally grooved. Rind thickness.—3.3 mm. Segment number.—10-12. Harvest window.—Mid-season: Late-May to Early-July (southern hemisphere subtropics). Fruit flesh color.—RHS 25A (Orange). Juice soluble solid.—12.6° Brix (mid-June). Juice acidity.—0.48% citric acid equivalent (mid-June). Parthenocarpy.—Present but weak. Seeds.—0-5 per fruit. Seed type.—Monoembryonic. Alternaria brown spot reaction.—Susceptible.

Comparison of ‘11C017R’ with its Female Parent ‘Ellendale’, Male Parent ‘Murcott’, and Reference Mandarin Variety ‘Afourer’:

(6) TABLE-US-00001 Character ‘11C017R’ ‘Ellendale’ ‘Murcott’ ‘Afourer’ Tree growth elliptic to elliptic obovate elliptic to habit oblong obovate Alternaria susceptible resistant susceptible resistant Brown Spot disease Pollen fertility low high moderate high Seeds per fruit in 0-5 20-30 20-30 15-25 mixed variety plantings Presence of absent occasional absent or absent or navel very rare rare Seed type mono- mono- poly- poly- embryonic embryonic embryonic embryonic Fruit soluble moderate- moderate high moderate solids high Season of early- middle late early- maturity middle middle Fruit surface smooth moderate- very moderate- texture rough smooth rough Neck on fruit absent slight absent slight Ease of peeling easy moderate difficult easy Fruit firmness firm moderate very firm moderate- soft Fruit surface Orange Orange Orange Orange (peel) yellow (RHS yellow (RHS color (RHS) (RHS 26A) 28A) (RHS 24A) 28A) Fruit weight (g) 210 190 220 170 Fruit size large large large medium