Physiological and redox status properties of a new late-ripening triploid hybrid mandarin: a seasonal field evaluation
Abstract
Introduction: In Corsica, citrus cultivation represents a major economic sector, largely based on high-quality products such as ‘Clementine de Corse’ and ‘Pomelo de Corse’, both of which hold a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). However, the harvesting periods of these cultivars create a recurrent production gap between winter and spring, during which imported citrus fruits dominate the market, increasing competitive pressure on local producers. The development of late-ripening citrus varieties adapted to Mediterranean pedoclimatic conditions therefore represents a key strategy to strengthen local production and extend market availability. In this context, the present study evaluates the seasonal physiological and antioxidant responses of a novel triploid mandarin hybrid (designated W9) grafted onto C35 citrange, in comparison with two reference diploid cultivars, clementine and pomelo (‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit), grown under open-field conditions. Methods: Seasonal parameters were monitored across four seasons, including gas exchange ( P net , g s , E, iWUE ), chlorophyll fluorescence ( F v /F m ), oxidative stress markers (H 2 O 2 , MDA, proline), ascorbate redox components (Asa, DHA, Asa/DHA), and major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, DHAR). Results: Principal component analysis revealed a strong seasonal structuring of physiological responses, driven primarily by photosynthetic performance and redox metabolism. All genotypes exhibited reduced photosynthetic activity during the cold season. The triploid W9 consistently maintained lower H 2 O 2 and MDA levels, particularly during spring, its harvest period. This was associated with a higher Asa/DHA ratio and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, notably CAT, APX, and DHAR. Discussion: These results suggest that triploidy at the scion level confers improved redox homeostasis without drastically altering photosynthetic capacity, thereby enhancing tolerance to chilling during the winter-to-spring transition. Overall, triploid W9 emerges as a promising late-ripening citrus genotype for Mediterranean production systems, with potential benefits for fruit quality, harvest stability, and reinforcement of the Corsican citrus value chain.
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BibTeX
@article{allegrini2026physiological,
title = {{Physiological and redox status properties of a new late-ripening triploid hybrid mandarin: a seasonal field evaluation}},
author = {Benoit Allegrini and Livia-Maria Venturini and Julie Oustric and Laurent Julhia and Yann Froelicher and Liliane Berti and Radia Lourkisti and Jérémie Santini},
journal = {Frontiers in Plant Physiology},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3389/fphgy.2026.1896981},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05737415v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Physiological and redox status properties of a new late-ripening triploid hybrid mandarin: a seasonal field evaluation
AU - Benoit Allegrini
AU - Livia-Maria Venturini
AU - Julie Oustric
AU - Laurent Julhia
AU - Yann Froelicher
AU - Liliane Berti
AU - Radia Lourkisti
AU - Jérémie Santini
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/03
JO - Frontiers in Plant Physiology
DO - 10.3389/fphgy.2026.1896981
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05737415v1
AB - Introduction: In Corsica, citrus cultivation represents a major economic sector, largely based on high-quality products such as ‘Clementine de Corse’ and ‘Pomelo de Corse’, both of which hold a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). However, the harvesting periods of these cultivars create a recurrent production gap between winter and spring, during which imported citrus fruits dominate the market, increasing competitive pressure on local producers. The development of late-ripening citrus varieties adapted to Mediterranean pedoclimatic conditions therefore represents a key strategy to strengthen local production and extend market availability. In this context, the present study evaluates the seasonal physiological and antioxidant responses of a novel triploid mandarin hybrid (designated W9) grafted onto C35 citrange, in comparison with two reference diploid cultivars, clementine and pomelo (‘Star Ruby’ grapefruit), grown under open-field conditions. Methods: Seasonal parameters were monitored across four seasons, including gas exchange ( P net , g s , E, iWUE ), chlorophyll fluorescence ( F v /F m ), oxidative stress markers (H 2 O 2 , MDA, proline), ascorbate redox components (Asa, DHA, Asa/DHA), and major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX, DHAR). Results: Principal component analysis revealed a strong seasonal structuring of physiological responses, driven primarily by photosynthetic performance and redox metabolism. All genotypes exhibited reduced photosynthetic activity during the cold season. The triploid W9 consistently maintained lower H 2 O 2 and MDA levels, particularly during spring, its harvest period. This was associated with a higher Asa/DHA ratio and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, notably CAT, APX, and DHAR. Discussion: These results suggest that triploidy at the scion level confers improved redox homeostasis without drastically altering photosynthetic capacity, thereby enhancing tolerance to chilling during the winter-to-spring transition. Overall, triploid W9 emerges as a promising late-ripening citrus genotype for Mediterranean production systems, with potential benefits for fruit quality, harvest stability, and reinforcement of the Corsican citrus value chain.
SN - 2813-821X
ER -