Clonal Selection for Citrus Production: Evaluation of ‘Pera’ Sweet Orange Selections for Fresh Fruit and Juice Processing Markets

‘Pera’ sweet orange is a key variety for the Brazilian citrus industry, but orchards rely on a limited number of clonal selections, which restricts adaptability and productivity across diverse environments. This study assessed the agronomic performance of 13 ‘Pera’ selections grafted on Rangpur lime, cultivated under rainfed conditions in subtropical Brazil. From 2002 to 2010, trees were assessed for vegetative growth, cumulative yield, alternate bearing, and fruit quality. Market-specific performance indices were calculated to determine suitability for fresh fruit or juice processing. Substantial genotypic variation was observed across traits, particularly during early orchard stage. Selections such as ‘Morretes’, ‘Seleção 11’, ‘Seleção 27’, ‘Seleção 37’, and ‘IPR 153’ demonstrated high cumulative yield, stable productivity, and favorable canopy traits, supporting their use in both conventional and high-density systems. ‘IPR 153’ combined compact growth with high yield efficiency and excellent fruit quality, while ‘Morretes’ had the highest juice content and broad market adaptability. In contrast, ‘IPR 159’ showed low vigor and yield under rainfed conditions. The results emphasize the value of regionally targeted clonal selection to improve orchard performance and market alignment. The identification of dual-purpose genotypes offers a pathway to diversify citrus production and improve profitability under subtropical growing conditions.