New orange variety resistant to the bacteria causing citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC)

The Brazilian citrus industry welcomes Navelina XR, a new orange variety that is naturally resistant to the bacteria causing citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). CVC, also known as yellowing disease, has affected Brazilian orchards since the 1980s and can spread through insect vectors or contaminated seedlings.

It is being launched alongside an early sweet orange variety and a lime variety. All three are the result of collaborative research between Embrapa, the Coopercitrus Credicitrus Foundation (FCC), and the Sylvio Moreira Citrus Center (CCSM), affiliated with the Agronomic Institute (IAC).

The variety is seedless, early-to-mid-season ripening, and capable of staying on the plants after reaching commercial maturity, but with some degree of granulation. The average productivity is 15 kg per plant at 4 years of age and 100 kg per plant at 10 years of age.

It is recommended for the state of São Paulo, preferably in regions with milder temperatures. During the initial production stages, the variety naturally yields more fruits in the second semester when irrigated, without requiring any treatment.