The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has authorized the registration of the new lemon variety Silkroad, from the Spanish company Ciqua Levante, which is already attracting the attention of producers in Spain and the rest of the world.
Silkroad lemon is the result of a mutation of the Fino variety. "Its tree stands out for an exceptional vigor, high productivity and quick entry into production, reaching up to 20 kg per tree already in its second year. Also, the lower number of thorns and smaller sizes facilitate the harvesting tasks," says Rubén García, CEO of Ciqua Levante. "Its productivity is higher than that of the Fino 95 variety and similar to that of the Fino 49, but with earlier harvesting, like the Fino 95," he says.
Its most remarkable aspect, according to the breeder, is that the fruits are seedless. The fruits are compact, rounded and symmetrical, with a thin and smooth skin, and suffer very few oleocelosis issues. Just as a reference, the fruits are thicker than the Fino 49 and they allow for easy degreening.
The harvesting starts in early September. "Between 60% and 80% of the crop is harvested before the beginning of October, which is a significant advantage when it comes to providing an early supply on the market," says Rubén García.
Another characteristic of Silkroad lemons is their greater resistance to cold temperatures, compared to other Fino lemon varieties. "This ensures greater opportunities for growing in regions where winter temperatures may be lower, allowing growers to explore new geographic areas," he says.
According to the breeder, their high juice content, ease of transport and low sensitivity to endoxerosis and absence of Rumple make Silkroad lemons an attractive option for both growers and consumers, stressing that the plant material is virus-free and has been sanitized by IVIA (Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research).
For the time being, the variety will be multiplied by AVASA and the Caliplant nursery, after licenses have been granted by Ciqua Levante for Spain, although the company is carrying out negotiations in other South American countries, as well as in the United States. Open days are being organized in Spain by Caliplant to promote the Silkroad.
Ciqua Levante is devoted to license management, study and research for the genetic improvement in crops and the breeding of new citrus varieties. "We currently have several advanced selections of lemon, mandarin, grapefruit and orange trees. In addition to the Silkroad lemon, we are making progress in obtaining grapefruit with red and magenta juice and an orange that ripens earlier than the Navelina, among other projects", says Rubén García.
For more information:
Rubén García García
Ciqua Levante SL.,
Avenida de la Libertad 6,
BLOQUE 1 - ENTRESUELO,
30009 Murcia, Spain.
rubengarcia@aco3.es
ciqua.es