Behaviour of Valencia orange clones in northern Parana, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate clones of the sweet oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] 'Valência' accession 1-93, 'Valência 718' accession 1-94 and 'Valência Late 1138' accession 1-105, grafted on 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck), in relation to plant production, physical and chemical fruit characteristics (acidity, total soluble solids, TSS/TA ratio, juice content, technological index and fruit mass). The plants, three of each clone, were originated from the Citrus Active Germoplasm Bank (AGB- Citrus) of the Instituto Agronômico do Paraná - IAPAR, located in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. The plants were spaced at 7.0 m × 6.0 m (238 plants/hectare) and maintained without irrigation. Cumulative yields of 'Valência' and 'Valência Late 1138' oranges, during nine crop seasons (1985 to 1994, except 1991) were significatively higher when compared to that of 'Valência 718' orange. All clones presented acceptable fruit quality in relation to acidity, total soluble solids, TSS/TA ratio, juice content and fruit mass, except for the technological index which was lower in 'Valência Late 1138'. There was no significant difference among the clones for these characteristics during 1986 to 1997 study period.