- The ‘Page’ Mandarin: A hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange, the ‘Page’ mandarin was developed for its sweetness, easy peeling, and extended harvest season. It remains popular in California and other citrus-growing regions.
- The ‘Lee’ Mandarin: Another hybrid designed to combine the best qualities of its parent varieties, the ‘Lee’ mandarin was appreciated for its juicy, sweet fruit and ease of peeling.
- Citrus Rootstocks: Hatton identified rootstocks such as ‘Troyer’ and ‘Carrizo’ citranges (hybrids of citrus and Poncirus trifoliata) that offered disease resistance and vigor, greatly influencing citrus cultivation practices.
These developments had profound impacts on the industry, enabling growers to increase yields, improve fruit quality, and reduce losses from diseases.
Scientific Approach and Methodology
Hatton was a meticulous scientist. He understood the importance of controlled cross-breeding experiments, maintaining detailed records of parentage, growth conditions, and fruit characteristics. This rigorous methodology allowed him to identify promising hybrids accurately and to track genetic inheritance patterns.
In an era before DNA analysis, Hatton relied on observation, patience, and careful selection. His work laid the groundwork for modern citrus genetics, making the science of breeding more systematic and effective. shutdown123