Pathogen-tested budsource of RRUT 314, which was a reintroduction of RRUT 224 and RRUT 287. All three are now inactive and RCRC 4208 is the active accession of this genotype. Stated to be a "low seed tangelolo" and "early season, non-bitter grapefruit-like hybrid, has postharvest breakdown problem." This genotype is said to have superior flavor as compared to its sibling (USDA 1-74-15) but to be seedier and to have smaller fruit.
According to the USDA New Variety Synopsis, 1995, USDA 1-77-19 is "Nearly seedless; smooth yellow fruit, fairly round; low acid. Selected mainly as a very early maturing type for fresh fruit use, this potential variety is in the latter stages of testing. The fruit is much like white grapefruit in appearance and is medium in size. It is seedless or nearly so and will pass fresh fruit standards in early September of most years. The taste is very pleasant and low acid with no bitterness evident. Fruit hold exceptionally well on the tree with little tendency to dry out before harvest."
According to Chaparro (2000) and McCollum and Chaparro (2004), ‘USDA 1-77-19’ fruits are low-seeded and mature early, ripening in late September while the rind is still green. USDA 1-77-19 is reported to have good, mild, low acid flavor while lacking typical grapefruit bitterness. The internal flesh is light to “cream” yellow and firm. The fruits are medium in size, with a smooth medium yellow peel. The trees have a spreading growth habit with medium vigor. Chaparro (2000) reported the trees having superior vigor and health when budded on Carrizo citrange and sour orange rootstock in Leesburg, Florida. He also stated in unpublished data from taste tests that consumers like the flavor of USDA 1-77-19 and would purchase the fruit. McCollum and Chaparro (2004) studied the post-harvest behavior of ‘USDA 1-77-19’. It was observed to be very susceptible to stem end rot, which was aggravated by exposure to ethylene. Fungicide treatment reduced the amount of stem end rot but not to acceptable levels. 'USDA 1-77-19' was also observed to be sensitive to chilling injury. McCollum and Chaparro (2004) concluded that 'USDA 1-77-19' might possibly be marketed without degreening (similar to 'Oroblanco') and was most suited to local markets. (RR Krueger, 09/26/2008)
This accession was originally received as an unrelased variety for evaluation only, but was released 05/18/2017. Additional information is available in the release notice. (RR Krueger, 2017-12-20)