Crop improvement in citrus: A review
Author(s): Susmita Das, Arti Sharma and Shaik Manshad
Abstract: Citrus, comprising the genera Citrus, Fortunella, and Poncirus within the Aurantioideae subfamily, plays a critical role in global horticulture. Among these, the Citrus genus predominates in consumption, encompassing varieties such as Pummelos (C. maxima), Citrons (C. medica) and Mandarins (C. reticulata), originating from distinct geographic regions that serve as foundational stocks for cultivated varieties. Additionally, Fortunella (kumquats) and Poncirus (P. trifoliata) contribute significantly to rootstock breeding due to their biotic resilience. In India, Citrus exhibits extensive genetic diversity, comprising 24 species and numerous varieties, crucial for socio-economy and health, necessitating robust conservation strategies. Key techniques like in vitro conservation and cryopreservation are pivotal for safeguarding endangered species such as C. indica and C. ichangensis. Flowering in Citrus, influenced by environmental cues, underscores adaptations to subtropical and tropical conditions, influencing commercial cultivation and breeding goals. Breeding programs focus on enhancing scion traits (e.g., seed lessness, fruit quality) and rootstock attributes (e.g., disease resistance, soil adaptability), utilizing methods such as mutation breeding, polyploidy induction, somatic hybridization, and genetic transformation. Molecular tools are essential for genetic diversity assessments and phylogenetic insights, facilitating advancements in breeding strategies. The integration of these approaches highlights multifaceted strategies in citrus improvement, ensuring sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving agricultural challenges. This abstract synthesizes current knowledge on citrus taxonomy, genetic diversity, breeding methodologies, and conservation efforts, emphasizing their collective significance in citrus improvement and global cultivation practices.
