Influence of Gamma Irradiation on Seedless Citrus Production: Pollen Germination and Fruit Quality

Seedlessness is a desirable characteristic in citrus fruits sold for fresh consumption. Gamma irradiation is widely used to obtain seedless citrus fruits. Here, different clones of the self-incompatible parthenocarpic “Moncada” mandarin, obtained by gamma irradiation, were studied to assess seedlessness, pollen germination, fruit characteristics and quality attributes. Findings indicate that irradiation altered aspects oth er than seedlessness, such as pollen germination, and some of the clones presented different weight, size, acidity and maturity index. Fruit quality and nutritional biocomponents were affected differently; some clones presented no changes compared to the control “Moncada” mandarin, while other clones showed significant differences. In general, all clones examined presented low seed numbers and reduced pollen viability. Some of these clones, which ripen late in the season and whose fruit quality is maintained or improved, are in the process of registration.