Commercial scion varieties

Abstract The origin, development, and characteristics of the principal citrus scion varieties in commercial production are described. As citrus moved from its site of origin, the primitive, ancestral forms were selected resulting in the wide range of varieties and selections of varieties currently available today. Selection criteria differed according to local preference (traditions, customs, beliefs, etc.), and the perception of fruit quality differs according to regional preferences. Most citrus varieties in commercial production were developed through the selection of natural mutations, e.g., pummelos, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, and many mandarin types, although induced mutations by irradiation have resulted in several seedless citrus varieties, whereas numerous mandarin hybrids are either man-made or naturally occurring.