What is it all about?

This investment is undertaking a comprehensive and diverse breeding program designed to sustain the viability of the Australian citrus industry by delivering better mandarin and orange varieties onto commercial orchards.  These improved genetics will address key trends that have guided past breeding activities resulting in successful new varieties that growers want to grow, agents want to market, and consumers want to eat.

Six key consumer trends will inform the direction of the breeding program: less seeds, less chemical residues, less effort (easy to peel, no mess), more taste, more consistent (same product at every purchase), and more visually attractive. Mandarins and oranges are the main citrus types targeted by this project, with a focus on seedlessness, natural disease resistance and improved flavour.

This project will build on past breeding successes, including the use of citrus genetic material developed through past research. This unique genetic resource will be employed in the current project and offers significant opportunities particularly in terms of seedlessness, natural disease resistance and higher Brix.  The project team will apply accurate phenotyping techniques, knowledge of trait heritability, progeny-tested parents, new disease screening tests, molecular screening, and efficient implementation of diverse breeding methodologies to generate commercial outcomes.