AN AUTOTETRAPLOID OF THE KEY LIME, CITRUS-AURANTIFOLIA

The origin of an autotetraploid plant of Key Lime, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swing. is recorded. Some of the phenotypic effects of autotetraploidy are described. The discovery of this autotetraploid occurred as a result of research to obtain tetraploid forms of Citrus that could be used as potential parents in crosses with diploid forms to produce triploid seedless cultivars. The fruit of the autotetraploid is more than twice as large as comparably grown diploid Key Lime fruit and is a useful improvement over the original diploid form. Container-grown plants of the autotetraploid are attractive ornamentals that produce fruit year-round with true Key Lime flavor and aroma.