Project Number: 6618-21000-013-11
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Dec 05, 2005
End Date: Sep 30, 2010

Objective:
The Florida Citrus Research Foundation owns the experimental farm in Leesburg, FL. ARS does not have adequate field research space in the northern part of the citrus industry without utilizing the Foundations Farm. The objective of this cooperative research project is (1) establish field trials at the Leesburg farm with advanced rootstock and scion selections (2) collect performance information from trials established in previous years (3) distribute information on comparative performance of rootstocks and scions to Florida citrus growers and (4) release new citrus varieties for commercial use when appropriate.

Approach:
New hybrid rootstocks and scions will be produced by sexual hybridization among novel germplasm resources. Trees will be produced for field testing by normal nursery practices using commercial scions and rootstocks. Field trials and test plantings will be designed for valid comparisons of difference selections. Trials will be monitored for tree size, yield, fruit quality, pest damage and other traits. Selection of new cultivars for release will be made based on increased yield, fruit quality, soil adaptation, pest resistance, or easier tree management.