By Frank Giles
The Donaldson citrus variety has been the subject of conversation among growers lately. The tree at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) A.H. Whitmore Foundation Farm is believed to be a true early-season sweet orange.
The health of the tree is what’s getting grower attention. The tree is producing good-sized fruit that is not dropping to the ground. The juice from the fruit has been tested by two processors. It may have potential as a blending agent.
The origins of the Donaldson variety are not exactly clear. The USDA planted the variety at its old farm in Orlando in 1979. The tree was later relocated to the Whitmore farm in 1994. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry is currently working to clear the variety as a certified source of budwood.
Florida Citrus Commission Chairman Steve Johnson, referred to the Donaldson as a “beacon of hope” in an update posted to the Florida Department of Citrus website in March.
“The fruit it (Donaldson) bears is pretty close to what we all strive for today – the size, quality, and hardiness we might have taken for granted in our pre-greening years,” Johnson noted. “As we continue to feel the impact of this disease in our groves, the Donaldson tree is a beacon of hope. Many years ago, this tree was moved to Whitmore because it had some features of interest to researchers. We may not know what that was, but we certainly know what the interest is today.”
See more on the Donaldson from Citrus Nursery Source in the April print edition of Florida Grower magazine.