Johanna Mártiz, a researcher at the Catholic University and head of the Citrus Genetic Improvement program, has presented Isabelina, a new mandarin variety that promises to transform Chile's citrus sector. Developed after seventeen years of research, Isabelina is a seedless, easy-to-peel mandarin that does not require anti-pollination nets, characteristics that are highly valued by consumers and producers.
The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the consumption of citrus fruits, known for their high content of vitamin C. Against this backdrop, the objective of the program led by Mártiz was to meet growing demand and differentiate its products in a highly competitive market. Isabelina, the result of this effort, is derived from the Oronules clementine variety but offers the advantage of not forming seeds, even in the presence of pollen from other citrus fruits.
This new variety, which has already been provisionally registered with the SAG and protected for commercialization, will be available on the market in 2025. Commercial trials have shown promising results, as it maintains the desirable characteristics of its mother variety, such as color and size, but with the possibility of even earlier harvesting. This is an advantage for areas prone to frost or areas with harsher winters.
Isabelina stands out for its adaptability and organoleptic properties, as well as for its potential to enter international markets. With interest already expressed from Europe and internationalization procedures underway, this variety has the potential to position itself in demanding markets such as the United States and Spain, the world's largest mandarin producer.
The launch of Isabelina will benefit producers, offering them a variety with lower costs and difficulties, and satisfying consumer demand for higher-quality seedless products. This development highlights the importance of innovation in Chile, not only in the citrus sector but in agriculture in general. It's a milestone in genetic improvement and in the offer of products adapted to the needs of the local and international market.
Source: Mundoagro