History of Gulf Coast Citrus

Abstract

<jats:p>Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are not often thought of as citrus-producing states. However, citrus has been grown in the coastal regions of these states since the late 19th century. With a climate cool enough for a suitable amount of acid to remain in the fruit for optimum flavor and for adequate peel color development, the northern coastal fringe of the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to northwestern Florida is particularly well suited for production of the satsuma mandarin (<jats:italic>Citrus unshiu</jats:italic> Marc.), one of the most cold-hardy commercial citrus species. There were once thousands of hectares of satsumas planted in this region. Although satsumas typically reach optimum eating quality before fall freezes along the Gulf Coast, periodic severe freezes, as well as the occasional hurricane, prevented a citrus industry of this magnitude from remaining viable. Though freeze injury remains the primary limiting factor for citrus production in this region, there is great local interest, and a small industry focused on local markets has endured. Satsuma remains the primary citrus grown along the Gulf Coast region, though sweet oranges account for a large portion of citrus sales in Louisiana. This paper reviews the history of satsumas on the Gulf Coast, covering past and present production, cultivation, freeze protection strategies, pest issues, and marketing.</jats:p>

Silicon and Potassium-Induced Modulations in Leaf Carbohydrate Metabolism Confer Freezing Tolerance in Satsuma Mandarin

“…In North Florida and the Golf Coast states, i.e., Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, unexpected severe freezing events in the winter and spring are the most restrictive factors for cold hardy citrus production [60,61]. The cold hardy citrus industry is emerging in the southeastern United States; however, early and late freeze events threaten successful citrus production.…”

Satsuma mandarins grafted onto Swingle citrumelo for early season harvest in subtropical conditions in Brazil

“…Satsuma mandarins are also of relative commercial importance in the United States (Campbell et al 2004). The northern coastal fringe of the Gulf of Mexico, extending from Louisiana to northwestern Florida, is particularly well suited for the production of Satsuma mandarins, and there is an increasing interest in this cultivar in this region (Spiers et al 2017;Andersen and Brodbeck 2015).…”

AFLP Fingerprinting Analysis of Citrus Cultivars and Wild Accessions from Oman Suggests the Presence of Six Distinct Cultivars

“…Globally, citrus is the second largest fruit crop being grown in 49 countries which are having plentiful water supply, endurable cold span in winter and tropical to subtropical climates (Singh et al 2002;FAO 2015;Spiers et al 2017). A total of six genera comprising of 29 species and 11 varieties are grouped together as true citrus fruit trees.…”