‘UFR-1’ is a new and distinct allotetraploid citrus rootstock for tree size control and improved disease resistance. ‘UFR-1’ has shown a positive reaction to the Huanglongbing disease (HLB, or citrus greening disease) in multiple experimental field trials. Scion trees grafted on this rootstock show a reduced frequency of infection and reduced disease symptoms once infected as compared to commercial diploid rootstocks.

Patent
   PP27277
Priority
Feb 20 2014
Filed
Jan 22 2015
Issued
Oct 18 2016
Expiry
Jan 22 2035
Assg.orig
Entity
unknown
0
1
n/a
1. A new and distinct citrus rootstock cultivar as illustrated and described herein.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Citrus reticulata/Citrus paradisi+Citrus grandis×Citrus reticulata+Poncirus trifoliata.

Variety denomination: ‘UFR-1’.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of citrus rootstock named ‘UFR-1’. The Plant Improvement Team in Lake Alfred, Fla. has pioneered the development and testing of allotetraploid citrus rootstocks. ‘UFR-1’ (identified as Orange #3 in field trials) is an allotetraploid zygotic hybrid derived from a conventional cross of two somatic hybrids previously produced by protoplast fusion. The somatic hybrid seed parent is ‘Nova’ mandarin hybrid+‘Hirado Buntan’ pummelo (zygotic seedling), and the somatic hybrid pollen parent is ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin+‘Argentine’ trifoliate orange.

‘UFR-1’ was selected as a potential citrus rootstock on the basis of its positive reaction to Huanglongbing disease (HLB, or citrus greening disease) in multiple experimental field trials. Scion trees grafted onto ‘UFR-1’ showed a reduced frequency of infection and reduced disease symptoms once infected when compared to other commercial diploid rootstocks. Although scion trees grafted onto ‘UFR-1’ grow off quickly, the trees remain small in size, making ‘UFR-1’ suitable for use in Advanced Citrus Production Systems that feature high density plantings. ‘UFR-1’ produces adequate nuclear seed, making it amenable to standard nursery propagation practices for uniform liner production. ‘UFR-1’ exhibited salinity tolerance in a greenhouse study (Grosser et al., 2012), and tolerance of the Diaprepes/Phytophthora complex in a separate greenhouse study (Grosser et al., 2003). Long-term performance of trees on this rootstock selection is unknown. Yield and fruit quality data is limited, but 3 years of data from young trees (the St. Helena project, see Table 1) indicates good productivity and fruit quality. Tolerance to citrus blight is also unknown, but under investigation. True-to-typeness through asexual reproduction was demonstrated by topworking ‘UFR-1’ onto a ‘Carrizo’ citrange rootstock in Lake Alfred, Fla. Seed from this topworked tree and from the original tree are predominantly of nucellar origin, producing true-to-type seedlings.

TABLE 1
Rootstock Data from 5-year old trees in
the St. Helena trial - Dundee, FL.
Lbs
Solids/Box
Scion Type Rootstock 2012 2013
VALQUARIUS Som. Hyb. ‘UFR-6’ 5.64 5.43
VERNIA Som. Hyb. ‘UFR-6’ 5.67 6.01
VALQUARIUS Tetrazyg ‘UFR-1’ 5.5 4.87
VERNIA Tetrazyg ‘UFR-1’ 5.61 6.28
VERNIA Tetrazyg ‘UFR-2’ 5.47 5.93
VALQUARIUS Tetrazyg ‘UFR-2’ 4.57 5.37
VALQUARIUS Tetrazyg ‘UFR-3’ 4.84 5.05
VERNIA Tetrazyg ‘UFR-3’ 5.46 5.82
VERNIA Tetrazyg ‘UFR-4’ 5.79 6.07
VALQUARIUS Tetrazyg ‘UFR-4’ 4.65 5.07
VALQUARIUS Tetrazyg ‘UFR-5’ 5.76 5.72
VERNIA Tetrazyg ‘UFR-5’ 5.89 5.34
VALQUARIUS Diploid FG 1731 5.83 6.81
VALQUARIUS Diploid FG 1733 5.12 5.63
VERNIA Diploid SWINGLE* 5.11 5.79
VALQUARIUS Diploid SWINGLE* NS 5.61
VERNIA Diploid CLEO* 4.79 5.51
VALQUARIUS Diploid CLEO* NS 5.21
VERNIA Diploid R. LEMON* 3.67 na
VALQUARIUS Diploid VOLK* NS 4.12
VERNIA Diploid VOLK* 3.6 4.73
VALQUARIUS Diploid KUHARSKE* NS 5.75
VERNIA Diploid KUHARSKE* 4.34 5.83
Yield Boxes/Tree Cumulative
2011 2012 2013 Yield
Scion (35 mo.) (47 mo.) (59 mo.) (Boxes)
VALQUARIUS 0.5 0.78 1.94 3.22
VERNIA 0.4 0.63 1.41 2.44
VALQUARIUS NS 0.72 2.23 2.95
VERNIA 0.31 0.67 1.33 2.31
VERNIA 0.35 0.25 1.38 1.98
VALQUARIUS NS 0.75 1.73 2.48
VALQUARIUS NS 0.81 1.97 2.78
VERNIA 0.37 0.38 1.82 2.57
VERNIA 0.54 0.71 1.73 2.98
VALQUARIUS NS 0.65 1.59 2.64
VALQUARIUS 0.33 0.56 1.80 2.69
VERNIA 0.42 0.25 1.93 2.60
VALQUARIUS NS 0.68 2.20 2.88
VALQUARIUS NS 0.67 2.77 3.44
VERNIA 0.33 0.85 1.08 2.26
VALQUARIUS NS NS 1.50 1.50
VERNIA NS 0.50 0.83 1.33
VALQUARIUS NS NS 1.7 1.7
VERNIA NS 0.78 na 0.78
VALQUARIUS NS NS 2.58 2.58
VERNIA 0.4 1.13 0.83 2.36
VALQUARIUS NS NS 2.2 2.2
VERNIA 0.15 0.75 1.08 1.98
NS - not significant fruit; na - data not available; * - control commercial rootstock
One box contains approximately 90 lbs. fruit.

‘UFR-1’ is illustrated by the accompanying photographs, which show the tree's form, foliage, and fruit.

The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures.

The photographs are of a tree approximately 10 years old. All figures were taken in the fall of 2013.

FIG. 1.—Shows a close-up of the nearly mature fruits with the rind and cross-sectional view of the fruit when cut in the center.

FIG. 2.—Shows the overall mature plant growth habit.

FIG. 3.—Shows a close-up of the mature growth habit.

FIG. 4.—Shows leaves and nearly mature fruits.

FIG. 5.—Shows a close-up of nearly mature fruits.

FIG. 6.—Shows a close-up of seeds from nearly mature fruit.

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘UFR-1’. The colors (except those in common terms) are described from The R.H.S. Colour Chart published by The Royal Horticultural Society in London (second edition), in association with the Flower Council of Holland.

Phenotypic Description of Citrus reticulata/Citrus paradisi+Citrus grandis×Citrus reticulata+Poncirus trifoliata ‘UFR-1’

Grosser, Jude W.

Patent Priority Assignee Title
Patent Priority Assignee Title
PP21535, May 18 2009 FLORIDA FOUNDATION SEED PRODUCERS, INC Sweet orange tree named ‘SF14W-62’
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Executed onAssignorAssigneeConveyanceFrameReelDoc
Jan 22 2015Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.(assignment on the face of the patent)
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