October 21, 2020
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In order to find adaptable citrus varieties for Nigerian ecology, one hundred and twelve varieties of citrus were collected from Florida, United States of America, Israel and locally in Nigeria. The citrus consisted of six species and one hybrid namely: Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), 30 varieties; Tangerine (Citrus reticulate Blanco) 18 varieties; Grape ( Citrus paradisi Macf.), 16 varieties; Lemon (Citrus limon Burmann), 8 varieties; Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle), 9 varieties; Sour orange ( Citrus aurantium L.), 14 varieties; and Tangelo (Citrus paradise Macf.) x Citrus reticulata Blanco), 17 varieties. The seedlings were either raised by seed or through budding in the nursery. Seedlings were later transplanted in June, 1977 with each variety having 3 stands and spaced 7m x 7m on the field. Results of stand count after 26 years of establishment revealed that out of the total number of three hundred and thirty six seedlings planted, 48% or one hundred and sixty seedlings survived. The survival by species are in the following order: Tangelo (68.63%), Tangerine (61.11%); Lemon (54.17%); Sweet orange (52.22%); Grape fruit (52.08%); Sour orange (14.29%); and Lime (7.41%).
Citrus, Varieties, Germplasm, Survival