|
|
Post by ilya11 on May 2, 2022 9:19:16 GMT -5
Inspired by Conestoga project ( link ) results I decided two years ago to explore a similiar approach with citrumelo 5star seedlings. I germinated ~3500 seeds and grow them in a high density plastic boxes. Open pollinated seeds of this citrumelo are giving roughly 30% of zygotes, that mostly are dwarf. After an initial growth for 2 months I selected vigorous off-type seedlings and grew them at lower density for another 3 months. That resulted in ~500 seedlings. The plastic containers partly covered with leads to insure aeration and to prevent excessive rain/snow accumulation were exposed from December to April in a location in Pyrenees mountains at 1500 m altitude that had 7a climate conditions. The lowest temperature this season was -12C. Most seedlings were damaged and only 20 of them were untouched. Last week I planted them in a open ground of USDA zone 9b with another 70 seedlings that were proved to be stem hardy.
 |
|
kumin
Full Member
SE Pennsylvania, 45 miles north of Chesapeake Bay, Zone 6b
Posts: 113
|
Post by kumin on May 2, 2022 13:54:14 GMT -5
The variability in regards to cold resistance is quite apparent. Eventually the goal of near Poncirus hardiness should be attainable. Selection amongst super- hardy progeny will be very interesting!
|
|
|
|
Post by pagnr on May 2, 2022 18:33:19 GMT -5
Have you been able to notice any traits standing out in your survivors ? ie are trifoliates surviving better than unifoliates, Thorns vs thornless ? long petioles. Any character that you can use as a likely marker to cold tolerance ?
|
|
|
|
Post by ilya11 on May 3, 2022 9:50:36 GMT -5
Most are trifoliates at this stage. But this trait is quite variable and depends on the growth conditions.
Before winter selection ~10% were unifoliates, now one in 20 undamaged survivors.
Among trifoliates most had leaves more elongated than leaves of nucellar 5 star seedlings. |
|
hornad
New Member
USA, Washington, Bremerton, 8b
Posts: 9
|
Post by hornad on May 3, 2022 11:28:03 GMT -5
Very impressive. I hope they rapidly reach fruiting size so you can evaluate the quality
|
|
kumin
Full Member
SE Pennsylvania, 45 miles north of Chesapeake Bay, Zone 6b
Posts: 113
|
Post by kumin on May 3, 2022 15:23:52 GMT -5
Ilya, are there any deciduous plants amongst the survivors? It appears the deciduous trait reduces late Winter stem dehydration in sunny, windy conditions.
|
|
|
|
Post by ilya11 on May 3, 2022 16:42:16 GMT -5
Ilya, are there any deciduous plants amongst the survivors? It appears the deciduous trait reduces late Winter stem dehydration in sunny, windy conditions. I do not know, these were rather small plants, all that were stem hardy still had damaged leaves attached. |
|
