Identification and introduction of thornless lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in Hormozgan, Iran

Abstract

Thornless Rodan Lime is a type of Citrus aurantifolium. It was identified during the 8 years study on local genotype of lime. The southern part of Iran has the best environmental condition for the growth and development of lime. Unfortunately, many diseases comprising witch's broom and CTV (please write full name), and pests such as Hishemonous sp., and Diaphorina citri threatened lime production in this area. Rodan lime tree is a small and bushy tree, with slender branches. The foliage is dense consists of small, pale green, blunt-pointed leaves with narrow-winged petioles. Usually lime (Citrus aurantifolia) has thorns and fruits are seedy but Rodan lime is thornless and seedless. The fruit of Rodan lime is round with soft peel; 1-1.5 mm. thick; a slight nipple at the apex; and the base rounded or faintly necked. Rodan lime has a slow growth rate; it is rich source of vitamin C about 36.6 mg per 100g edible. The flower clusters at the end of the branch and eventually becomes big fruit and average weight of fruit is 30g. Having a thorn less lime would dramatically reduced the cost of cultivation, preservation, harvesting and post harvesting. Introduction and improvement of thornless Rodan lime would have an important role in the development of citrus industry. Moreover, it will also affect the health issues of people because it is rich in vitamin C and it is also used in people's food and medicine.