Mandarin tree named ‘UF1351’

Abstract

UF1351 is a new and distinct hybrid cultivar of mandarin tree (Citrus reticulata) distinguished at least by the mid-season maturation and high quality rating of its fruit, and its significant tolerance to Huanglongbing (HLB), which is also known as citrus greening disease.

Claims

1. A new and distinct hybrid cultivar of mandarin tree (Citrus reticulata) named UF1351, as illustrated and described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) This new hybrid mandarin tree is illustrated by the accompanying photographs captured in 2009 (FIGS. 1-6) and 2018 (FIG. 7), which show a tree's typical form, foliage, fruit, and seeds. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures.

(2) FIG. 1Shows the overall habit of an approximately 16-year-old UF1351 tree in early October, which is prior to fruit maturity.

(3) FIG. 2Shows the overall habit of an approximately 16-year-old UF1351 tree in in mid-November, which is when the fruit has begun to develop color and mature.

(4) FIG. 3Shows a close-up of the fruit-bearing habit within the canopy of an approximately 16-year-old UF1351 tree during mid-November.

(5) FIG. 4Shows a close-up of fruit, with and without the rind, that were obtained from an approximately 16-year-old UF1351 tree, and this fruit is very mature as it had been held on the tree until late March.

(6) FIG. 5Shows a close-up of mature fruit, with the rind present, that were obtained from an approximately 16-year-old UF1351 tree.

(7) FIG. 6Shows a close-up of mature monoembryonic UF1351 seeds with different cotyledon colors that were obtained from fruit that was produced by an approximately 16-year-old tree.

(8) FIG. 7Shows a 10-year-old UF1351 topworked tree displaying good condition although affected by HLB.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(9) The following detailed description sets forth distinctive characteristics of UF1351. The data that define these characteristics were collected from a 16-year-old tree growing on its own roots at Lake Alfred, Fla. UF1351 has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions, and the measurements given may vary when grown in different environments. Further, certain characteristics may vary with plant age. Color descriptions, except those recited in common terms, are based on The Royal Horticultural Society (R.H.S.) Colour Chart, 2nd Edition, which was published in London by The R.H.S. in association with Flower Council of Holland. If any R.H.S. color designations below differ from the accompanying photographs, the R.H.S. color designations are accurate. Classification: Botanical.Citrus reticulata hybrid. Common name.Mandarin hybrid or Tangerine. Parentage: Female parent.LB8-9 mandarin hybrid. Male parent.Murcott tangor. Tree: Ploidy.Diploid. Size.Large, with an un-pruned height of 3.35 m. Vigor.Very vigorous, growing shoots of 40-50 cm from strong spring flush on mature trees. Density.Canopies are quite dense. Form.The shape of the tree is round and drooping with most of the lateral growing branches and fewer upright growing branches at top of the canopy. Tending toward medium angles after fruit has commenced. Growth habit (current season).Drooping. Trunk and Branches: Trunk texture.Smooth. Trunk bark color.RHS 197A (greyed-green) and irregularly striated with RHS N189A (greyed-green). Branch texture.Relatively smooth and without thorns or spines. Branch color (shoots from previous flush, hardened and 4-5 mm in diameter).RHS 137A (green). Leaves: Size (lamina average).Length: 97 mm. Width: 50 mm. L/W ratio: 1.94 to 2.0. Thickness.Regular and average for commercial mandarin hybrids. Type.Simple. Shape.Elliptical. Apex.Retuse. Base.Acute to sub-obtuse. Margin.Entire, slightly undulate. Surface.Upper surface: Glabrous. Lower surface: Medium veins that are pinnately netted. Color.Upper surface (adaxial): RHS 143A (green). Lower surface (abaxial): RHS 143C (green). Petiole.Shape: Brevipetiolate (shorter than leaf lamina) and the junction between petiole and lamina is articulate. Width (petiole wing): Very narrow. Shape (petiole wing): Obovate. Length: 15-20 mm. Width: 3 mm. Color: RHS 143A (green). Flowers: Type.Hermaphrodite. Petals.Number: 4-5. Color: RHS 155B (white) with yellow-green (RHS 150A) spots distribution. Length: 19-21 mm. Width: 7 mm. Calyx: Medium size. Blossom period: Late February through March in central Florida. Fragrance: Fragrant compared to other citrus blossoms. Reproductive Organs: Fertility.Self-fertile. Stamen number.4 per petal. Anther color.RHS 13C (yellow). Anther filament length.Shorter relative to stigma. Pollen amount.Abundant. Pollen color (general).RHS 13A (bright-yellow). Fruit: Size.Relatively uniform, size range from 62-72 mm in diameter, fruit height ranges from 55-65 mm. Shape.Oblate to spheroid. Shape (cross-section).Round. Apex.Shallow concave with rough peel surface. Base.Slight convex with short neck, wrinkled peel surface. Maturity.Mid-November to late December for commercial harvest and can be held on the tree in good condition through April for home garden use. Rind: Adherence.Albedo (mesocarp) to flesh (endocarp) is medium low. Thickness.Medium thin with 2.5-3.0 mm thickness. Texture.Medium firm. Color.Flavedo (epicarp): Ranges from RHS N25C (orange) to RHS N25B (orange). Albedo (mesocarp): RHS 23C (yellow-orange). Stylar end.Closed. Flesh: Average number of segments.12-13 segments per fruit. Segment walls.Soft, with sufficient strength to maintain integrity as separated. Juice.Abundant. Color.Uniformly RHS N25A (orange). Texture.Soft. Vesicles.Medium thick, with average of 13 mm in length and 2-3 mm in width. Eating quality.Soluble solids (average): 12.9 Brix. Acidity (average): 0.87%. Ratio: 14.8. Seeds: Type.Monoembryonic. Number.Ranges from 20-28. Shape.Mostly with smooth surface, most of seeds with clavate/club shape and fewer with deltoid shape. Size.Length: 10-12 mm. Width: 6-8 mm. Seed coat color.Outer Surface: RHS NN155A (white). Inner surface: RHS 165D (greyed-orange). Cotyledon color.RHS NN155A (greyed-yellow) to RHS 193B (greyed-green).