The Navelina XR navel orange is the only variety of sweet orange resistant to the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, eliminating the need for control of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) or "amarelinho," an important pest that has affected Brazilian citrus farming since the 1980s, as well as control of the vectorsharpshooters. It is suitable for cultivation in the state of São Paulo, preferably in regions with milder temperatures. It is recommended for the fresh fruit market.

The tree has a medium size and a canopy with the typical shape of navel oranges, with thicker leaves compared to other oranges in the group. The fruits have an early to mid-season maturity and can remain on the trees after reaching commercial maturity, but with a certain degree of granulation. It exhibits good fruit production and quality, characteristic of navel orange varieties. The cultivar is resistant to citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC or "amarelinho") and does not show corky veins associated with citrus tristeza.

The Navelina XR was selected within the framework of the Citrus Belt UMIPTT at the Experimental Agribusiness Station of Bebedouro (EEAB) - formerly the Bebedouro Citrus Experimental Station (EECB), based on genetic material introduced from the Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (Inrae Centre San Giuliano, Corsica, France) in the late 1990s.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The only sweet orange variety resistant to Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, eliminating the need for control of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) or "amarelinho" disease and vector sharpshooters;

• Fruits with typical Baianinha orange characteristics: seedless, early to mid-season maturity, and capable of remaining on the trees after reaching commercial maturity, but with a certain degree of granulation;

• Does not exhibit corky veins associated with citrus tristeza;

• Average productivity: 15 kg per plant at 4 years of age and 100 kg per plant at 10 years;

• Limitations: may exhibit alternate bearing, occasional seeds, and sensitivity to high temperatures during flowering. Susceptible to other diseases affecting sweet oranges.

This technological solution was developed by Embrapa in partnership with other institution(s).