"The current Comune clementine situation in Italy is dramatic, things are far worse than in previous years. Not even the Coronavirus and the recommendations of the experts to consume good quantities of vitamin C seem to help. These fruits have renowned organoleptic qualities, however they have a very short shelf-life. Producers need to harvest and sell the fruits in little time, before they perish," reports citrus scientist specialist Francesco Perri.
Francesco Perri
"Unfortunately, fruits in all cultivation areas - from Calabria to Puglia - ripen at the same time, leading to a surplus that affects the entire chain. In our Country, there are far too many Comune clementine orchards and it is becoming more and more difficult to manage the considerable volumes in such little time, especially when the weather does not help cultivation nor consumption. This is precisely what has happened this year when, after over 6 months of drought, heavy rain hit all the production territories in mid-November with temperatures above average. As the climate changes, it is becoming increasingly urgent to replace and integrate Comune clementines with other cultivars, as the period when this variety has an excellent quality is becoming increasingly shorter."
Left: Comune clementine plant. Right: Perrina clementines(Sanzo). Both photos were taken in the same area on November 20th 2020.
"The quantity of Comune clementines usually becomes extremely scarce by mid-December. In light of the considerable climate changes, I believe Perrina clementines could be a valid alternative, as fruits have a high quality between December 20th and late February. This new later variety could replace or complement Comune clementines as it has similar organoleptic qualities. I am talking about the Sanzo variety, the latest Italian clementine already registered with the (Community Plant Variety Office) under the Perrina name. Community plant variety right request no. 2020/1687".
Ripening stage of some Perrina clementine bunches in late November (photos taken on November 30th 2020).
"This year, a company which is part of O.P. Armonia has planted the first 20 hectares of Perrina clementines in the Sele Plain (Salerno), in an area that is suitable for late varieties as well, as temperatures do not drop too much. Unfortunately few businesses have innovated enough over the years so, instead of wallowing in self-pity and hoping in law provisions, I believe businesses should aggregate and make all the links of the production chain more professional."
Contacts:
Francesco Perri, agronomist
Cell.: (+39) 338 4164800
Email: [email protected]
