There are three key groups that warrant consideration:
West lndian (Mexican, Key, Kaghzi nimbu of India) All the same variety
Very sensitive to cold. Only grows well in frost free areas in sub-tropical to tropical countries
eg. India Thailand, Egypt, Morocco & Brazil
Very sensitive to Carker and to Tristeza virus.
Used as an indicator seedling for Tristeza testing for other citrus clones.
Black Aphis (Aphytis Citricidus) is a very efficient vector for Tristeza
The variety is highly polyembryonic, very seedy, and is commonly grown from seed, such seedlings having a very short lifespan if Tristeza is present.
Very thomy and less vigorous than Tahiti with smaller leaves.
Second crop forcing can be done using a modified Verdelli practice like that used for Som Keae Wan in Thailand.
Large Fruited Acid Limes of hybrid origin: Citrus latifolia Tan Tahiti, Tahitian, Persian, Bearss
The same variety, and highly mono ernbryonic.
The Tahitian lime is often called “Lime of Commerce” and is the main variety used in Floridian Lime culture.
This variety for all practical purposes, is seedless.
Care must be taken to harvest the fruit in a pale green state, since a physiological breakdown occurs at the stylar end of the fruit (Stylar-end rot) if the fruit colours on the tree. It has been suggested that the reason why Limes are sold in the green state has been the commercial necessity to harvest early.
All Limes including Tahitian, require wind break protection, and must be considered cold-sensitive. However Tahitian can be considered at the top of the Lime varieties, being only as cold-sensitive as Lemons.
Because the Tahitian offers the most promise commercially, most work has been done with this clone which includes virus indexing for Psorosis, Exocortis and Xyloporosis.
A range of rootstocks can be considered to suit soil and climatic conditions.
These include Poncirus trifoliata, Troyer and Carrizo citrange.
Rangpur – Kusaie Citrus limonia (Osbeck)
Kusaie is a yellow fruited variant of Rangpur, but for most purposes can be assessed with Rangpur.
They are considered to be a Lime/Mandarin hybrid originating in India and are highly polyembryonic.
Both are tolerant to Tristeza virus.
Fruit sizes range between West Indian and Tahitian.
Fruit cropping is year round, but with one major crop.
Both are very cold tolerant unlike the true limes.
Sheryl Ian lives in South Australia and is about to publish another book on citrus so will let you know when it becomes available. http://www.tolleysnurseries.com.au/