‘Code 3X97’ is a new and distinct lemon tree notable for its high quality seedless fruit.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new lemon variety ‘Code 3X97’ originated as an induced mutation of ‘Eureka’ lemon (not patented). Gamma irradiation from a Gammacell 200 (60C) source was applied to bud sticks of ‘Eureka’ in 1998 at Emerald, Queensland, Australia. The irradiated bud sticks were budded onto ‘Carrizo’ rootstock (not patented) in 1998 at Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, and the trees that survived were field planted at Bundaberg in 1999. The selection now known as ‘Code 3X97’ was identified as showing consistently fewer seeds than the parent variety, with no significant reduction in fruit size. A comparative trial was planted in 2003, using ‘Code 3X97’ budwood on ‘Benton’ (not patented) rootstock. Successive generations have consistently shown few seeds and have reproduced true to type.

‘Code 3X97’ is a new and distinct lemon tree notable for its fruit, which produces consistently low numbers of seeds. Table 1 shows a comparison of ‘Code 3X97’ lemon to ‘Eureka’ and other similar (unpatented) varieties.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following detailed botanical description is based on observations of trees and fruit of ‘Code 3X97’, budded to ‘Benton’ rootstock (not patented) and planted in 2003. Observations were recorded and photographs taken during the 2006 and 2014 growing seasons at Mundubbera, Queensland, Australia. It should be understood that the characteristics described will vary somewhat depending upon cultural practices and climatic conditions, and can vary with location and season. Quantified measurements are expressed as an average of measurements taken from a number of individual plants of the new variety. The measurements of any individual plant, or any group of plants, of the new variety may vary from the stated average. Colors are described with reference to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (5thedition, 2007).