Tree and fruit characters of Citrus triploids from tetraploid by diploid crosses

Abstract

Tree and fruit characters of citrus triploids from six crosses involving tetraploid grapefruit and tetraploid lemon as seed parents, and five diploid varieties as pollen parents, are described. A high percentage of the triploids have maintained good vigor but only about one-third have yielded well. Seed numbers typically have been low. Percentages of total soluble solids were generally intermediate as compared with the parents. Percentage of acid was usually high, being strongly influenced by the tetraploid parents. Leaf thickness and shape were usually intermediate, but sometimes approached the tetraploid parents. A few of the triploids have fruit and tree characteristics desired in a satisfactory variety, but, partly because of their high acidity, none has been released.