Valencia Midknight

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Description

Variety of unknown origin discovered by A. P. Knight in an orchard in Addo in the province of Cape Town (South Africa) in 1927, although it was possibly not recognised until the 1970s.

Vigorous tree without thorns. The Midknight tree has only recently been grown, just like the Valencia Late variety, and has marked overgrowth at the grafting point with the majority of its rootstocks.

Relatively inviable pollen and self-compatible. High juice percentage, better taste, virtually seedless and with significantly larger fruit.

Midknight fruit ripens two to four weeks earlier than the Valencia Late variety, however it remains in good condition on the tree for longer. It is, however, more difficult to peel because the rind is thinner, stickier and often oily. Apt both for fresh consumption as well as for industry, as the juice contains relatively little limonin. Just like the Delta Seedless variety, the Valencia Midknight has experienced a surge in interest in its original home of South Africa, as well as in California, Chile and Argentina, where it is has been planted on a large scale in the Concordia district, as it is preferred to other Valencia selections.

Type
Blanca late
Weight (g)
180 - 220
Diameter (mm)
69 - 75
Shape
Elongated globe
Diameter/height
0.97
Bark (mm)
3,5 – 4,2
Color
Orange
Color index
10
Juice %
50 - 55
Seeds
0 - 1
Fruition
High, although less than the Valencia Late
Harvesting
1 April - 30 May

Agronomic remarks

The fruit remains attached to the tree. Slight tendency towards alternate harvests.
The fruit shoots begin budding again at the end of the harvest period.
Somewhat vulnerable to creasing.
Also susceptible to copper deficiency. Midknight trres are slightly more susceptible to frost than those of the Valencia Late variety.

Ripening chart

August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July

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