Lime breeding: a way forward

Description

Limes are a genetically diversified group of citrus including acid limes, sweet limes, Australian limes, other limes, lime hybrids and Rangpur lime, however, only Mexican lime and Tahiti lime are currently being widely cultivated. This chapter describes the origin and domestication of important lime species as well as their reproductive biology, economics and distribution. The chapter examines reasons for low productivity in lime production, lime germplasm diversity and conservation, and both traditional and modern lime breeding methods. Finally, the chapter looks ahead to future trends in this area of research.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Lime varieties 3 Economic importance and distribution of limes 4 Reasons for low productivity 5 Germplasm collections, biodiversity and conservation 6 Breeding systems 7 Molecular approaches in crop improvement 8 Future trends and conclusion 9 Where to look for further information 10 References