Question

Man made hybrid Tangelos is an interspecific hybrid of

• A. Citrus deliciosa \( \times \) Citrus nobilis
• B. Citrus sinensis \( \times \) Citrus deliciosa
• C. Citrus reticulata} \( \times \) Citrus paradisi
• D. Citrus grandis} \( \times \) Citrus unshiu}

Hint:

Tangelos are hybrids, typically involving a tangerine/mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and either grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) or pomelo (Citrus maxima/grandis). The name "tang-elo" hints at this (tangerine + pomelo/grapefruit).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Tangelos are a group of citrus hybrids. The name "tangelo" itself is a portmanteau of "tangerine" and "pomelo" or "grapefruit," indicating their parentage.
Tangerines belong to the species Citrus reticulata (mandarin oranges).
Grapefruit is Citrus paradisi.
Pomelo is Citrus maxima (syn. Citrus grandis). Grapefruit itself is a hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange. Most common tangelos, like the 'Orlando' and 'Minneola' (Honeybell) tangelos, are hybrids resulting from a cross between a tangerine or mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and either grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) or pomelo (Citrus maxima/grandis). Let's look at the options:
(1) Citrus deliciosa (Mediterranean Mandarin) \( \times \) Citrus nobilis (King Mandarin): Both are types of mandarins. This would be an intra-specific or closely related inter-varietal hybrid within mandarins, not typically a tangelo.
(2) Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange) \( \times \) Citrus deliciosa (Mediterranean Mandarin): This cross would result in a tangor (tangerine x orange) or a different type of mandarin hybrid.
(3) Citrus reticulata (Mandarin/Tangerine) \( \times \) Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit): This is the classic parentage for many well-known tangelos. For example, 'Minneola' tangelo is a cross of 'Duncan' grapefruit and 'Dancy' tangerine.
(4) Citrus grandis (Pomelo) \( \times \) Citrus unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin): A cross between pomelo and a satsuma (a type of mandarin) would also result in a tangelo-like hybrid. Given the options, option (3) is the most direct and widely recognized parentage for the tangelo group. While pomelo can also be a parent, grapefruit is explicitly listed here. Citrus reticulata \( \times \) Citrus paradisi