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Trifoliate orange in England.

 
Citrus Growers Forum Index du Forum -> Hardy Citrus (USDA zone 8 or lower)
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citrange
Site Admin
Site Admin


Joined: 24 Nov 2005
Posts: 589
Location: UK - 15 miles west of London

Posted: Fri 16 Oct, 2009 8:15 am

Every year I try and collect Poncirus trifoliata seeds for use as future rootstocks. But England seems to be on the edge of the climate region to produce viable seeds for this species.
I know of mature fruiting plants in about six locations within fairly easy reach. The plants all grow well.
So far this year, I have inspected fruits from the plant in my own garden - about 15miles west of London - and in the botanic garden of University of Oxford. In both locations the fruits this year are small, thick-skinned and seedless.

This follows a much cooler summer than recent years, with a particularly dry autumn.
About one year in every four I find seeds here are plentiful. Most years I find a few seeds, but so far none at all this year. There are still a few more plants to visit so I may yet be lucky!
Poncirus fruits in continental Europe are always stuffed full of seeds. The warmer summers seem to be needed for good seed production.
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Junglekeeper
Citruholic
Citruholic


Joined: 19 Nov 2005
Posts: 290
Location: Vancouver BC Canada

Posted: Fri 16 Oct, 2009 4:42 pm

I believe pollination has to occur for seed to develop. Could the lack of seeds then be partly attributed to the decline of the honeybee in many areas?

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ivica
Moderator
Moderator


Joined: 08 Jan 2007
Posts: 658
Location: Sisak, Croatia, zone 7b

Posted: Mon 19 Oct, 2009 6:51 am

To add to Mike's observation here is the photo (taken today) of P.T. fruit from continental Europe (my backyard):


The fruit from summer bloom has more seeds than the one from spring bloom.
Does it (well, small sample) suggests that warmth is indeed crucial in seed development?

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Citrus Growers Forum Index du Forum -> Hardy Citrus (USDA zone 8 or lower)
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