Developing new interspecific citrus hybrids for improved fruit quality: physico-chemical and sensory characterization

In the present study, interspecific hybrids between pummelo ( Citrus maxima Merr.) and sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Mosambi) were developed, and 16 newly developed hybrids, along with their parental genotypes, were evaluated. New interspecific hybrids exhibited wide variations for the fruit quality traits and unique fruit properties. The fruit weight, length, width, peel thickness, core diameter, seed number, juice volume and juice content in new citrus hybrids varied from 296.73- 562.45 g, 81.07- 114.27 mm, 83.03- 109.78 mm, 4.01-9.14 mm, 6.31-24.61 mm, 10-64.83, 75.67-197.50 mL and 22.91-48.24% ( w/w ), respectively. The total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, BrimA (Brix minus acid index), reducing sugars, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar content in new hybrids ranged from 8.80-11.72°Brix, 0.77-1.81%, 5.74-12.28, 4.81-8.29, 2.88-4.99%, 2.88-4.79%, and 5.77-8.97%, respectively. Additionally, the hybrids were also evaluated for peel color and sensory properties. Interspecific hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation for the studied physicochemical fruit quality traits. Heritability estimates revealed the underlying genetics of fruit quality traits based on the studied genotypes. Multivariate analysis, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical clustering revealed key trait differentiation and associations among the hybrids. The hybridization between pummelo and sweet orange has successfully generated promising citrus hybrids. Among the new hybrids, SCSH-11-15/12, SCSH-11-9/13, SCSH-13-17/12, SCSH-9-10/12, and SCSH-17-19/13 were found to be promising based on fruit quality traits, sensory properties, and comparison with their parents, conducted over two seasons. The findings provide valuable insights for the citrus scion improvement program, aimed at enhancing fruit quality to exploit new hybrids for commercial cultivation. • New interspecific hybrids were developed between pummelo and sweet orange • Fruit biophysical quality traits varied significantly among hybrids and parents • Organoleptic analysis helps to identify the promising citrus hybrid genotypes • Heritability analyses indicated the inheritance of important traits • Hybridization with sweet orange successfully improved the pummelo fruit quality