ICAR-CCRI Introduces Elite US Citrus Varieties to Boost Indian Citriculture Sector

Nagpur: In a transformative move to address international market challenges, the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI) in Nagpur has introduced 17 elite citrus varieties from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Riverside, California. The imported collection includes six sweet oranges, three mandarins, unique hybrids like tangelo and tangor, Australian finger lime, and four rootstocks."This pioneering initiative aims to revolutionise India's citrus industry by enhancing yield, improving fruit quality, and bolstering resilience to climate change, while simultaneously expanding market opportunities for Indian citrus growers," CCRI director Dilip Ghosh told TOI.Traditional Indian citrus varieties, though widely cultivated, face inherent limitations. For instance, mosambi sweet oranges, prevalent in Maharashtra, often suffer from poor colour development, low juice recovery, and a high seed count, making them less appealing in international markets where premium varieties like Valencia and Navel oranges dominate. Similarly, Nagpur mandarins grapple with challenges such as a short shelf life, loose peel, and susceptibility to diseases like citrus greening and Phytophthora. These limitations restricted their commercial viability and global market access.Citrus, a cornerstone of global agriculture, holds a vital position in India's farming landscape. As the world's third-largest citrus producer, trailing only China and Brazil, India contributes approximately 9% of global citrus output, cultivating the fruit across 10.86 lakh hectares and producing 142.62 lakh tonnes annually. Key varieties such as mandarins, sweet oranges, and acid limes dominate the Indian citrus scene. However, despite this impressive scale, the sector faces significant challenges that hinder its global competitiveness.Ghosh turned to the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates (NCGRCD) in Riverside, California, which conserves superior citrus varieties developed through international breeding programmes. These varieties are known for their enhanced traits, such as higher yield, better fruit quality, extended harvesting windows, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. Robert Krugeir, director, NCGRCD, USA, and KL Manjunath, senior plant pathologist at USDA, played a pivotal role in facilitating the import of these 17 elite citrus varieties.Darshan M Kadam, scientist at CCRI, Nagpur, emphasised that each variety was meticulously selected for its distinct advantages. For instance, the Tahoe Gold mandarin is celebrated for its deep orange rind, rich flavour, and low seed count, while the Olympic Gold sweet orange, a Navel variety, is renowned for its exceptional fruit quality and high yield. The Australian finger lime, known for its tolerance to citrus greening disease and drought, holds particular promise for future breeding programmes. Additionally, rootstocks like Flying Dragon, which offer dwarfing properties, open new avenues for high-density cultivation of Nagpur mandarin and Mosambi, potentially revolutionising citrus farming practices in India.The import of these elite varieties followed a stringent regulatory process to ensure biosecurity and compliance with international agreements. "They are currently under observation in a post-entry quarantine facility at ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, for one year before being tested in different agro-climatic zones across India," Ghosh said.