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9/5/2010 9:13:32 AM PST |
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 | Gold Nugget Mandarin *L*S* The Gold Nugget Mandarin is a seedless, sweet tangerine; the first new University of California Riverside (UCR) citrus variety to be released for commercial production since the mid-1980s. More than 30 years in the making, the new tangerine -- also known as a mandarin -- received its descriptive name from its bright orange, slightly bumpy rind. But Gold Nugget is particularly regarded for its rich, sweet flavor. Gold Nugget is a cross between two tangerines -- Wilking and Kincy -- non-commercial varieties also developed at UCR. Although the cross was made in the 1950s, it was not until 1975 that now-retired UCR professors Robert K. Soost and James W. Cameron “selected” the individual seedling that showed the greatest promise for commercial development. Each seedling from a cross between two citrus varieties has a unique genetic makeup. “You can think of citrus genetics being like human genetics,” said Roose, who was assisted in developing Gold Nugget by UCR staff scientists Tim Williams (‘72, ‘76 M.S.) and Ricki Kupper. “When you cross a mother and a father, each of the children are different.” SUPC: Yes...Call | ||
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