Several decades ago, I hybridized Poncirus trifoliata and Clementine mandarin using Poncirus as the pollen parent as Clementine is 100 % monoembryonic when used as the seed parent. The only difficulty was the timing of flowering of the 2 parents. Some of the flowers on the progeny were misshapen and not capable of setting fruit. A few of the hybrids were vigorous and fruited in a solar greenhouse without supplemental heat in southeastern Pennsylvania. These trees were planted directly in the soil with the perimeter of the greenhouse base insulated 4' deep using panels of Styrofoam insulation. One of the trees fruited with Clementine-like fruit, deep orange, seedless, not bitter, but tart, about 2 inches in diameter. Regrettably, I discontinued covering the greenhouse and lost the trees to winter cold. I had previously sent 2 scions to an amateur citrus breeder in Tifton, GA. He was an elderly gentleman at that time and they may not have been further propagated. These trees began flowering and fruiting at 5-6 years of age. I did not fertilize these plants and did no pruning as flowering began on the most distal branches, especially on the longer upper branches beginning to bend downwards.

2017 Southeastern Citrus Expo Update and Reminders: We have learned that our expo venue for Saturday, November 18, Skidaway Island State Park, did not experience damage or flooding during Tropical Storm Irma. We are relieved and our moving forward again on expo planning. You have less than one month to make your hotel reservations! Quality Inn Midtown Savannah 7100 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 31406 https://www.choicehotels.com/georgia/savannah/quality-inn-hotels/ga809 The group rate is $85 plus tax per night for Friday, November 17 and Saturday November 18. The weeknight room rate applies for nights before or after the expo. Call the hotel directly by October 15 and say you are with the citrus expo to get the $85 per night rate. 912-352-7100 The Citruholics Banquet, Friday, November 17, 6:00 PM, Sweet Potatoes Kitchen, 6825 Waters Ave, Savannah. RSVP to <marjschneider@bellsouth.net> Don't forget to order your box lunch, catered by Jason’s Deli: $10, beef or turkey on focaccia or vegetarian wrap, sides, beverages, dessert, gluten-free upon request. Lunches must be ordered in advance by November 15 through <marjschneider@bellsouth.net> and paid for at the door. The conference registration fee is $10 at the door, with a $5 parking fee for most vehicles. If you grow citrus or want to learn how, Savannah, GA is the place to be on November 17 and 18. watch for updates on the Southeastern Citrus Expo Facebook page about the conference schedule, as well as more information about tours, vendors and the citrus fruit contest. To order lunch, to RSVP for the Citruholics Banquet, to be added to an email list for further information, or if you want to be a vendor at this year’s expo, contact Marj Schneider: marjschneider@bellsouth.net

Ike Trees can come into GA, but once they are in, they cannot leave. I learned that fact from Stan McKenzie of McKenzie Farms in SC last year. At the time, I was inquiring which types of trees he was bringing to sell during the Southeastern Citrus Expo which was being held in Savannah. If you check every online citrus nursery that ships trees, GA has not been classified as a fully quarantined state yet to my knowledge. I live in GA too and have had no problems purchasing trees online and receiving them from Four Winds Growers or Harris Citrus Nursery.

Forgot to add that there will be trees for sale but they have to remain in state GA is a quarantine state. Trees can come in, but not go out.