| 0 | RCRC 4215 | 'Primosole' | Citrus hybr. | Sicilia, Italy | RIV | | | 2009 | DEVELOPED | 1980 | | | | | Cultivar | 'Primosole' is a very early maturing, seedless mandarin hybrid. At its place of origin in Sicily, it is mature in early October through November, making it slightly earlier than its 'Miho wase' progenitor. 'Primosole' fruits are large (7.0 cm, 140 - 150 g in Sicily), oblate, and have intensely orange rinds. It is an easy peeler. The flesh is also intensely orange in color, and has good juice content. 'Primosole' tends to have a riceyness in the core of the fruit that lessens with tree age. Its flavor is described as being between satsuma and mandarin, and being somewhat bland. Deficit irrigation is reported to improve the eating quality of this variety. 'Primosole' is self-incompatible and so is seedless when grown in isolation. However, in the presence of compatible cross pollinators, seeds may appear and when they do, they are polyembryonic. 'Primosole' may also serve as a pollinator variety for compatible varieties. For these reasons, in Spain it is not grown in the presence of clementines, and cross pollination is managed by a buffer of 10 rows. The trees are said to be vigorous and productive with an open growth habit. They do not exhibit alternate bearing tendencies. The branches do not have spines, and the lanceolate leaves tend to fold as if under water stress. 'Primosole' is susceptible to defoliation from winds. It is also susceptible to Alternaria fruit rot in Italy, due to growth cracks in the stylar end and its sensitivity to sunburn. This variety handles degreening well, stores well, handles cold sterilization well, and has a firm rind in comparison to satsumas. It does not require a plant growth regulator to increase fruit set or size. 'Swingle' is reported to not be suitable as a rootstock for 'Primosole' mandarin, but it does well on 'C-35', 'Carrizo', and 'Troyer' citranges. This information was synthesized from the citations below. (RR Krueger, 07/15/2010) According to Paco Llatser in a conversation in Manzanillo, Mexico in August, 2011 'Primosole' is not protected by AVASA. It is very early (slightly later than 'Iwasaki', or mid- to late September in Spain). The fruit looks good with a more reddish color than most Satsumas and with good size. However, the taste is inferior..."It tastes even worse than Satsumas," according to Paco. (RR Krueger, 08/26/2011) | 1843702 | RCRC 4215 |