The objective is to extend the season, and that is why earlier and later selections, with respect to common clementines, were identified. Extending the season means more produce is available.
Sanzo is a new late clementine variety. The clone was identified in the Corigliano Calabro territory in the winter of 1994. The selection was then planted in a private experimental grove and compared with the others.
Sanzo cultivar. Photo taken in mid-November. (Photo by Francesco Perri).
Sanzo plants are vigorous, with globose fruit and wider leaves than common clementines. Fruit is seedless if cultivated far from pollinators. The average production of an adult plant hovers between 80 and 100 kg and ripening takes place between January and early February.
Ripening calendar of the main clementine varieties. (Photo by Francesco Perri).
Unlike Hernandina clementines, Sanzo does not have an alternate production and does not show symptoms of brown rot due to Phytophthora citrophthora.
Italian clementines are often affected by the Spanish produce. This is also due to a lower varietal renewal, which makes it difficult for producers to keep up to date with market needs.
Sanzo cultivar. Photo taken in late January. (Photo by Francesco Perri).
As reported by Perri (who recently published the results of his research conducted with Marco Caruso and Giuseppe Russo of Frutticoltura), extending the ripening calendar will help promotion in the largest distribution chains.
Sanzo clementines have similar morphological and organoleptic qualities to common clementines but, when harvesting time comes, they have a higher acidity than Hernandina.
Sanzo fruit harvested in mid-January. (Photo by Francesco Perri).
This clone is currently being rehabilitated at the CREA-ACM laboratories and new material will be available in the next couple of years. Producers have already shown their interest. Sanzo will be patented in cooperation with AOP Armonia, who will manage its production and commercialisation. Vivai Milone have been chosen for cultivar multiplication.