Colombian researchers present 2 new orange clones

After 10 years of research, the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (Agrosavia) registered 2 margarita orange clones for the Colombian Caribbean region, especially for the Momposina depression.

Between 2010 and 2011, the Momposina depression was affected by the winter wave, which caused the loss of almost 80% of the orange cultivated area in the municipalities of San Fernando and Margarita in the department of Bolívar, putting in risk the genetic material available and affecting the economy of the region.

For this reason, the Agrosavia researchers began a work to select outstanding materials for attributes of fruit quality and productivity that were main for the repopulation of the area and as results obtained the registration of 2 clones: Agrosavia Naranja Margarita and Agrosavia Naranja y Azúcar.

The Agrosavia Naranja Margarita clone is a multiclonal variety made up of margarita and creole orange, it has a high acidity content compared to the Sugar Orange clone (> 0.6% citric acid), it is 40% juicier than the traditional orange and has larger size.

The Agrosavia Naranja y Azúcar clone has low acidity content and is also 40% juicier than the traditional orange.

Cloning was carried out through asexual propagation, which consists of the multiplication of material from buds or stems. Through this process, a plant genetically equal to its parents can be generated, ensuring the necessary characteristics in each generation of fruit.

source: agronegocios.co

photo: diariolaeconomia.com