Spanish fresh produce marketing group CGM, together with recently-formed varietal club CVVP, have today (15 May) officially launched a new variety of citrus that could be set to completely replace Navelina within five years.
At the launch event in Valencia, citrus growers were told that the variety, M7, was expected to replace both early and mid-season varieties of Navelina in Spain, as it boasts an average higher brix content, as well as a better colour and taste.
According to CGM technical director Dr Graham Barry, the new variety overcomes a number of difficulties associated with Navelinas, such as an elongated shape and poor eating quality.
“The variety is on average 1.5 brix higher than Navelina and it does not require gas treatment as the skin maturity is ready at the same time as the interior flesh,” he told Fruitnet.
Guy Dixon, from CGM member Martinavarro, explained that the variety “naturally matures on the tree”, enabling harvesting in early October – up to four weeks earlier than Navelina.
M7, which is a Navelina mutation, was discovered in Australia by grower Greg Chislett of Chislett Developments in 2004.
Mr Chislett, who was present at the launch, told Fruitnet that M7 avoided most of the problems associated with Navelina, such as blemishing and a “bland” eating quality, as it featured up to 13 brix and had a much improved sugar-acid balance.
But while the variety was formally unveiled today, Mr Dixon stressed that the first Spanish-grown fruit is unlikely to be available on European supermarket shelves for another five years.
