The 2010 ASHS Annual Conference

The citrus industry of Pakistan is monopolized by Kinnow (Citrus reticulata Blanco). It contributes over 70% of the total citrus production. Citrus germplasm plays key role in evolving new high yielding, nutritionally improved and disease resistant varieties for sustainable development and diversification of citrus industry. A study was initiated to document the indigenous and exotic germplasm of existing citrus species/cultivars in Pakistan. Various research centers/institutes of the country (Punjab, NWFP, Sindh, Baluchistan and Federal areas) were visited to collect detailed information of existing citrus species/cultivars. About 210 citrus cultivars were recorded out of which 154 were scion and 56 were rootstocks. Maximum collections of citrus cultivars (210) were recorded in Punjab province followed by Federal areas (80), NWFP (46), Sindh (9) and Baluchistan (8).  Among different groups of citrus, 54 cultivars were of Sweet oranges, 28 cultivars of Lemons & Limes, 27 cultivars of mandarins, 15 cultivars of grapefruits, and 27 hybrids were observed along with 56 type of rootstocks and two cultivars of kumquats. Important cultivars of citrus as Sweet Oranges (Succari, Pineapple, Hamlin, Valencia Late, Salustiana, Musambi, Blood Red) Mandarin (Kinnow, Feutrell’s Early, Wilking, Freemont, Honey, Fairchild) Grapefruit (Marsh Seedless, Duncan, Shamber) along with Eustis lime were tested for physiochemical properties. Results indicated that among sweet orange cultivars Salustiana produced the heaviest fruit (218.20g) and maximum juice (54.05%). Maximum TSS (11.51°brix) and minimum total titrable acidity (0.2%) was observed in Succari. Among mandarins maximum fruit weight (189.60g) was observed in Kinnow followed by Fairchild, Wilking, Honey, Feutrell’s Early and Freemont. Maximum juice (54.90%) and TSS (12.09°brix) was observed in Freemont. Lowest acidity (0.70%) was observed in Feutrell’s Early while maximum amount of ascorbic acid (43.37mg/100g) was found in Wilking. Among grapefruit cultivars, Marsh Seedless was heaviest with maximum acidity and ascorbic acid. Results showed that the sweet orange cultivars and mandarins other than Kinnow have much higher potential for sustainable industry development in Pakistan. We believe this information will contribute towards researchers/academicians in understanding citrus genetic resources in Pakistan and their better utilization in the national and international citrus improvement research programmes.