A new genetic analysis indicates that citrus fruits originated from China.
Citrus genus origin: While various citrus fruits are widely available today, it has been unclear where their oldest ancestors evolved. Previous studies pointed to different regions like northeastern Australia, southern China or the southeastern Himalayan foothills.
The team also conducted fieldwork to locate wild citrus trees. Their findings indicate that the oldest citrus fruits, including the trifoliate orange (C. trifoliata), are primarily found in south central China, supporting the idea that the region is the birthplace of the Citrus genus.
Other regions: Researchers also said that some species have their roots in regions mentioned in earlier studies, with pomelo and citron fruits originating in the Himalayan foothills and certain wild limes evolving in Australia.
PH4 gene: Additionally, the study also identified a gene, PH4, linked to the tartness of citrus fruits, as it regulates the amount of citric acid in the fruit. According to researchers, understanding citrus evolution can help researchers develop more resilient plant varieties that still produce delicious fruit.
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