ISHS Acta Horticulturae 760: XXVII International Horticultural Congress - IHC2006: II International Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources of Horticultural Crops
GERMPLASM CONSERVATION OF INDIGENOUS CITRUS |
| Authors: | N. Nito, T. Matsukawa, T. Ito |
| Keywords: | Citrus, germplasm conservation, regional network, oranges, mandarins, heritage cultivars |
| Abstract:
Citrus is one of the most important fruit trees in the world and spreads to temperate, sub-tropical and tropical areas. From ancient times Citrus species have been used as fresh fruits, cooking, medicines and ornamentals in Japan. Although the origin and time of introduction is unclear, many old species such as Tachibana (Citrus tachibana), Koji (C. leiocarpa), Shekwasha (C. depressa), Daidai (C. aurantium), Yuzu (C. junos), Kabosu (C. sphaerocarpa) have been traditionally cultivated in Japan. Kishu-mikan (C. kinokuni) was one of the earliest species commercially cultivated in Japan during Edo era. Satsuma mandarin (C. unshiu) originated in Kagoshima prefecture, southern part of Kyushu Island, as a chance seedling of some Citrus fruit or form imported from China and has been the main Citrus species to support the modern citrus industry of Japan. More than 200 cultivars have been developed by bud mutation and breeding program. In addition, some species of Citrus, such as Natsudaidai (C. natsudaidai), Hassaku (C. hassaku), Iyo-kan (C. iyo), Hyuganatsu (C. tamurana), Sanboukan (C. sulcata) and pummelo cultivars originated in Japan. Indigenous and old species have been cultivated and maintained in limited areas as local products with small consumption. On the other hand, many species have disappeared due to the low economical value. Indigenous and old cultivars adapted to the Japanese climate condition for a long time have the potential as materials for breeding program. Kinki University maintained indigenous and old Citrus species for phylogenetic studies to pursue the origin of species. Many old species are also maintained in China or Korea. Regional networks in these countries will be required for germplasm conservation of Citrus species. | |
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