Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Variability of Some Quality Criteria in Sidi Aissa Clementine

Citrus fruits are an excellent source vitamin C, of a nutrient that strengthens the immune system and keeps the skin smooth, elastic and has a great socio-economic importance at the national level. Seedlessness is a desirable characteristic in citrus fruit sold for fresh consumption.

This work is part of a genetic diversification program of citrus. The aim of this research is to study the variability of selection criteria related to the quality of the fruit. Ninety-six clones were obtained by bud irradiation from Sidi aissa clementine with two different ionizing radiation doses (30 and 50 Gy). The buds were grafted onto macrophylla and planted with a spacing of 3x5 m2. The evaluation focused on the organoleptic and pomological criteria. Statistical analysis showed that fruit quality was affected differently by gamma irradiation. Some clones presented no changes compared to the control ‘Sidi Aissa’ clementine, while other clones showed significant differences. They showed either higher or lower levels of the researched characteristics. From the 96 clones, 60 showed a juice content higher than the average of 52.12%, in the sugar levels, 29 clones showed a higher level than the control Sidi Aissa with 9.09 %, 70 clones resulted in a lower number of acidity with a percentage of 0.79%, in weight, 72 clones were heavier with an average of 85,38g and lastly 34 clones were too late with a mean of 10,14 for the maturity index. Two irradiated clones of clementine 50 M85 and 30 M68 were selected because of their highest fruit quality for all criteria and seedlessness compared to the control Sidi Aissa that has 7 seeds per fruit. Gamma-irradiated varieties were slightly or significantly preferable to that of unirradiated Sidi Aissa.