Rio Red grapefruit

Citrus paradisi Macfadyen

CRC 3916

PI 539485

VI 440

Photos by Toni Siebert and David Karp, CVC, 5/22/2008. Photo rights. 10 year old trees. 

Source: Received as budwood from Texas, 1985.

Parentage/origins: Rio Red grapefruit came out of the breeding program of R. A. Hensz in Texas. It originated as a bud sport of a tree produced from irradiated budwood of a Ruby grapefruit seedling.

Rootstocks of accession: Carrizo citrange, C-35 citrange

Season of ripeness at Riverside: February to June

Notes and observations:

2/26/1990, EMN: Medium-heavy crop of smallish fruit. Normal appearing grapefruit shape & rind texture, with some pink blush. Attractive dark pink flesh.

The tree grows vigorously to a large size. Plantings of Rio Red grapefruit have performed quite well in the Coachella Valley desert region, where it receives the high heat necessary to produce high-quality fruit. The fruit is large, with a slightly pebbled surface.  The rind frequently has a pink blush, especially where two fruits grow against each other.  The flesh is juicy and well-pigmented, with the darkest color next to the segment membranes.  Rio Red is mid to late-season in maturity. 

Availability: Commercially available in California through the Citrus Clonal Protection Program.

USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network page for Rio Red grapefruit

CVC Fruit Quality Data for Rio Red grapefruit

Bibliography:

Journal Rio Grande Valley Horticultural Society, Vol. 38, pp 75-76. 1985.