On November 20th, the Hubei “Ehime Citrus 28” Tasting Event was held at Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE) of HZAU (Huazhong Agricultural University). Participants were comprised of officials from both provincial and local governments, representatives of citrus growers and sellers, as well as members of Hubei Innovative Team of Characteristic Fruit. Experts gave lessons on cultivation and promotion of Ehime citrus 28 as well as on the control and prevention of citrus greening disease.
Experts are tasting and grading various citrus fruits.
Forty-seven samples selected by 40 companies all over Hubei province were tasted and graded by some citrus specialists, including professors and researchers who come from HZAU, the Institute of Citriculture of Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and other institutions. The fruit quality was assesses from shape, color, flavor and soluble solid content and other 6 aspects. The samples sent by Damingfu Family Farm of Yangxin County has been awarded.
Ehime citrus 28, the new hybrid species of orange, has been planted extensively and hailed as “jelly orange”, “spring-flavored orange” and “red beauty” for its glossy skin and juicy flesh. Its large-scale cultivation demands cutting-edge techniques and effective management, so this kind of oranges should be cultivated in greenhouses to avoid decline in quality caused by extreme weather. According to Prof. Liu Jihong, member of HZAU’s College of Horticulture & Forestry Sciences and chief expert for R&D of Hubei Innovative Team of Characteristic Fruit, such event can contribute to communication among citrus cultivators and development of related industries in Hubei.
Citrus cultivation has helped several regions in Hubei to revitalize COVID-19-stricken economies, consolidate poverty-relief achievements, and stimulate rural development. Xiao Changxi, deputy director of the Hubei Provincial Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, suggested that cultivators should work together to stabilize yield, diversify varieties, and ensure quality, while sellers should fully tap commercial values of farm produce.
Source: http://szb.farmer.com.cn/2020/20201201/20201201_007/20201201_007_2.htm
Translated by: Yan Xiruo
Supervised by: Wang Xiaoyan
