Description
Description
Zao Yang trifoliate (Citrus trifoliata) is a wild Citrus trifoliata from China, originally from Sichuan province. It was imported in Australia in the early 1980s as part of a Citrus germplasm exchange between China and Australia.
As a rootstock, Zao Yang behaves similarly to the trifoliata we know and love in New Zealand. New Zealand’s trifoliata varieties are mostly a mixture of Pomeroy (an old strain) and Tri-22 (the standard trifoliata strain in Australia for decades, regularly imported as seed into New Zealand for rootstock).
In Australian trials, Zao Yang has been found to have much higher yields than Tri-22 – 29% higher in one trial (!), and sweeter fruit as well (!). It has higher vigour than Tri-22, and so it can be expected to grow 5-10% faster than standard trifoliata in New Zealand. Not only that, but Zao Yang has increased tolerance of saline soils. So far it seems there’s no major downsides and it should be trialed immediately in New Zealand. As it’s a trifoliata, there is essentially no risk compared to standard trifoliata (Tri-22) from using it.
Further information on the trial with Zao Yang is available here: https://citrusaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Tahir-Khurshid.pdf
Zao Yang seeds are highly polyembryonic, so almost all seedlings will be the exact Zao Yang variety, with few off-types. See our article on Nucellar embryony for further explanation.
Seeds per packet: 10
Germination Instructions
Upon receipt of these Citrus seeds, either
- Soak them in water for a few days until they swell. After soaking for a few days (with a few water changes), plant the seeds directly into a seed raising mix, and keep warm, and they will sprout after 2-3 weeks
- Direct sow into seed raising mix, misting regularly for about a week to ensure the seeds are well hydrated. Keep warm, and they will sprout after 2-3 weeks.
These seeds were treated with Thiram fungicide (bright green) before export, so make sure to wash your hands after touching them.
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