Tangerine variety in Rize increased to 9, sent to Antalya

Although the Mediterranean and Aegean regions come to mind when citrus fruits are mentioned in Turkey, tangerines are grown in Rize. Moreover, now 'Rize Tangerine' will be grown in Antalya.

Although Rize, a province of the Black Sea region with its unique climate characteristics, is known for its world-famous tea, many different agricultural products are actually grown. In addition to hazelnuts, corn, beans, potatoes and its unique tobacco, plants such as kiwi, persimmon and capers have started to be grown in the province in recent years. However, tangerine has been among the agricultural products of Rize for more than 100 years.

Tangerine cultivation in Rize started in 1924. Satsuma tangerines brought from the Far East have adapted to the humid and temperate climate. It was the most important source of income in the region before tea. However, as tea became more prominent, it fell into the background over time. Many people even forgot that Rize is an important tangerine city.

3 of the developed varieties have early ripening, 3 have mid-ripening and 3 have late ripening characteristics. The fact that especially late-ripening varieties can preserve their fruits on the trees until March means that the tangerine harvest and marketing season in Turkey is extended. In other words, it will be possible to grow tangerines in Turkey for longer periods of time and direct them to the domestic market and export.

9 registered tangerines developed by the university will be tested by TAGEM in different climatic conditions. The most important step within the scope of the project is Antalya. Trials of various species have begun within the Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute located here. If Rize Tangerine species adapt to Antalya, they will be grown here too. Thus, tangerines sent from Antalya to the world can be produced for longer months.

RTEU Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Keziban YAZICI says the following about the project:

Source: TRT Haber Yaşam RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)