Members of the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension team reported on a Tango rootstock trial in the Cold Hardy Citrus Connection. The trial, involving Tangos planted on 10 different rootstocks with nine repetitions in 2020, faced environmental challenges. In late 2022, an extended severe freeze followed by a Category 1 hurricane, a tropical storm, and a Category 2 hurricane impacted the trial.
Before the 2022 freeze, the trees had a yield, but only half was harvested due to the freeze at Christmas. The remaining fruit froze and dropped from the trees, resulting in partial yield data for 2022. Post-freeze, the trees suffered damage, reducing yields in 2023. A Category 2 hurricane in 2023 further damaged fruit and lower yields. Trees with severe freeze damage lost limbs due to high winds and fruit load. By mid-December in 2022 and 2023, the fruit was ready for harvest, but the current season experienced a delay in fruit coloring, pushing harvest to Jan. 7.
Brix data for 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with the average Brix and total yield for each rootstock, are shown. Acid levels for 2024 are also presented. The Brix this year was lower despite sampling three weeks later than previous years. Tango's acid levels are higher than satsumas, giving them a "tangy" flavor. The average acid level of Tangos this year was .90, compared to satsumas at .75. As fruit remains on the trees, Brix increases, and acid decreases.
The average yield for 2024 was 63 pounds per tree. No conclusions can be drawn on the best rootstocks for Tango, but US-852 and US-1279 are not recommended due to poor performance post-2022 freeze. In most years, Tangos can begin harvest in mid-December, with fruit holding on the tree for weeks. This year, the fruit has not frozen, and the fruit looks good.
Source: Citrus Industry