19/07/2023 | Spain

CIQUA LEVANTE S.L. is dedicated to the management, obtaining, and genetic improvement of citrus.

Its SILKROAD lemon is a mutation of the popular Fino variety, but with distinctive characteristics. It is highly productive, surpassing the Fino 95 variety and being comparable to Fino 49. In addition, it is distinguished by having an earlier harvest season, similar to that of Fino 95.

 

The SILKROAD lemon tree stands out for its exceptional vigor, its high productivity and its rapid entry into production. It is remarkably resistant to cold, even more than the LISBON variety, which is a benchmark in terms of cold tolerance. Its abundant foliage and the location of fruiting inside the tree provide protection for the fruits against inclement weather.

 

The production of SILKROAD lemon trees starts quickly, reaching its maximum yield around 6 to 7 years. Under suitable conditions, productions can exceed 70–80 tons per hectare. A well-balanced plantation can maintain stable yields over time, with more than 50 tons per hectare destined for the market.

 

SILKROAD lemons are characterized by absence of seeds in the main harvest. In addition, they are easy to degreen and have fewer oleocellosis problems compared to the Fino 95 variety. A reduction in fruit with endoxerosis is also observed, a common characteristic in the Eureka variety. The low presence of thorns on the tree results in a practically zero number of damaged fruits and, therefore, a lower number of rotten fruits. The SILKROAD variety improves shelf life in the borders compared to other varieties, thanks to its symmetrical fruits and very smooth skin, without the presence of a collar and with a reduced nipple.

 

The SILKROAD lemon harvest season is very early: the end of August or beginning of September, as long as the right climatic and growing conditions exist. This allows most of the harvest to be ready before the end of November, when fine lemon prices usually reach their peak.