Details for: RRUT 529, Citrus ×limon (L.) Osbeck, 'Santa Teresa'

"Almost all Femminello selectiones are very susceptible to mal secco disease, which is widespread thoughout most Italian lemon orchards, but the selection Femminello St Teresa [sic] show some tolerance and has been planted on an inceased scale the past three decades. While Femminello is essentially an Italian-grown variety, there is a small area planted to the St Teresa selection in Tucuman Province in north-western Argentina where it is revered for its high rind oil yield. It is believed the variety in Turkey known as Italian is probably Femminello St Teresa." (Saunt, 2000, p 112)

RRUT 529 represents a clean source of 'Santa Teresa' and it is assumed it is the same as PI 227692. Additional information on 'Femminello Ovale' type lemons can be found in Hodgson (1967) and Saunt (2000). 'Santa Teresa' is said to be an excellent quality lemon that is nearly seedless. It is everbearing and low in thorniness. The fruit is described as "Few seeds to seedless. Elliptical to oblong in shape, with a slightly necked to rounded base and a short, blunt nipple. 2.50 to 2.75 inches in diameter equates to a 75 to 95 box count. Rind has a yellow color at full maturity, moderately smooth texture, medium thickness and high rind oil content. The greenish-yellow flesh is tender, juicy and highly acidic." The harvest season is September to August. The tree is "Round in shape with moderately vigorous upright and spreading growth habit, with branches that are nearly thornless. Medium height tree. Highly productive, setting flowers and fruit throughout the year. Well adapted to fruit forcing techniques." The advantages of this lemon are said to be that it is excellent quality, nearly seedless, and fruit size falls into two profitable categories. It is suitable for fresh market and processing, having high rind oil content. It is ever-blooming and ever-bearing, so can be harvested year round. Thornless branches facilitate picking. Fruit adheres strongly to tree, and stores and ships well. The year round harvest is possible only with specialized management. Information from Willits and Newcomb Nursery. (RR Krueger, 08/22/2013)