Introduction and Extension of Tarocco Blood Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) in Sichuan Province, China

摘要

The field trials of different cultivars of Tarocco blood orange (C. sinensis Osbeck) introduced from Italy since 1976 were conducted. The major characters, producing performance and adaptability of these cultivars and the varieties screening were carried out in many years. Based on the beautiful color of rind and pulp (deep red or purplish red) , tender and juicy, seedless, rich flavor and rose aroma, good quality and heavy productivity, Tarocco varieties and its new selection Tarocco Xinxi were widely spread since the middle of 1990s. Poncitrus trifoliata and Red tangerine (C. reticulata) were used as rootstocks in the acid soil. Red tangerine and 'Ziyang Xiangcheng' (C. junos Sieb. ex Tanaka), because of their resistance to salt, were used as rootstocks in the alkaline soil. At present, Tarocco blood orange was extensively planted up to 8 600 ha in Neijiang, Zigong, Ziyang, Luzhou, Suining and Nanchong. Processing products such as blood orange juice were developed. Some new cultivars of Tarocco introduced recently are being further tested.