A new mandarin rootstock will be unveiled in Queensland next month.
Set to be marketed under the name of Barkley, the new variety has been a solid performer over the last 10 years in an Imperial rootstock trial planted at Gayndah.
“It was one of 33 different rootstocks tested in this experiment and will now be established by AusCitrus for distribution to Australian growers,” said Malcolm Smith, citrus breeder at the DAF Bundaberg Research Station.
The new rootstock is named after Patricia Barkley, a retired citrus pathologist who was instrumental in bringing new genetic material to Australia.
An official launch will be held at a field day near Gayndah on March 7.
“The field day is the first opportunity for growers to see mature trees on these different rootstocks, and consider their suitability for commercial use ahead of anticipated seed availability in a few years’ time,'Smith added.
The field day is being organised by the Qeensland Regional Advisory Committee,the Qeensland Citrus Improvement Committee, and the Qeensland Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries.
