Sweet Orange: Evolution, Characterization, Varieties, and Breeding Perspectives

Among Citrus species, the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) is most important in terms of production volumes and cultivated areas. Oranges are particularly appreciated for organoleptic characteristics high nutraceutical value fruits (thanks especially to their content antioxidants). Recent advances citrus genetic genomic resources, such as release reference genomes several cultivars, have contributed (i) understanding diversification C. its relation with other (ii) assessing molecular mechanisms underlying traits interest, (iii) identifying characterizing candidate genes responsible phenotypic traits, (iv) developing biotechnological methods incorporate these into different genotypes. It has been clarified that all diversity within species was derived from subsequent mutations starting a single ancestor complex cycles hybridization backcrossing between mandarin reticulata Blanco) pummelo maxima (Burm.) Merr.). This paper provides an overview varietal panorama together description main driving forces present future breeding. In fact, orange, well novel varieties improved being pursued thanks employment conventional and/or innovative (molecular-based) methods. The state art innovations genomics tools leading so-called new plant breeding technologies were also reviewed discussed.