A new clementine variety discovered in the Coquimbo region could transform Chile's citrus production calendar. The clementine variety, the CC-IV selection, is a spontaneous mutation of Clemenules detected more than 15 years ago in a commercial orchard in Ovalle. This variety stands out for its early harvest date, at least ten days before Clemenluz and Clemenules, which positions it as a strategic option for citrus producers.
Producer Francisco Cerda discovered after noticing differences in the productive behavior and growth habits of one of his plants. After observing it for several years and finding that these characteristics remained stable, he decided to multiply the material and involve the ANA Chile® company to start a joint evaluation process.
Not only does its harvest start earlier, it's also a highly productive variety, higher than any other clementine evaluated by the company, stated Andrés Valdivieso, sales manager of ANA Chile. "The mother plant, located in the lower area of Ovalle, has consistently yielded high volumes, estimated at 50 to 60 tons per hectare. It yields good caliber fruits that are easy to peel and have a high amount of juice," he said. In addition, the first degreening tests have been positive, with a similar behaviour to that of Clemenules, he said.
"We think that this variety might open the season in April, with good quality and higher yields than other early varieties," Valdivieso stated.
The CC-IV has a vigorous tree that grows upright, with a somewhat more closed structure than its variety of origin, Valdivieso stated.
So far, the evaluations have focused on Ovalle. However, ANA Chile plans to expand the trials to other citrus-growing areas in the center and south of the country. "We believe it will work quite well in other areas where clementines are produced," the executive stated.
The next steps include continuing the technical study of the variety, validating its behavior in other regions, and starting international evaluations. "We'll send it to other countries where clementines are important, and we'll work with local partners to generate cultivation experiences on a semi-commercial scale," Valdivieso said. If the results continue to be positive, they expect to start marketing it within a few years.
There is still no concrete definition of the business model and the royalty system. That's something to analyze, and it should be in tune with the results obtained and the value it generates, Valdivieso stated.
Source: redagricola.com