Citrus growers will soon be able to choose from a range of new varieties, including crosses between oranges and mandarins.

 

 

Andrew Creek, the Department of Primary Industries district horticulturalist at Griffith in the New South Wales Riverina, said it's important for growers to do their homework before they invest in a new variety.

 

 

He said some of the crossed varieties in particular have potential as both fresh and juicing fruit.

 

 

"There are opportunities there for growers to take on some of these seedless, easy-peel varieties, especially crosses between an orange and a mandarin because the fruit that's not up to market specification with a blemish, can be sent to juice processors," he said.