Rania
The other half of CIV's Mediterranean pair. Its breeder claims 30–40% more yield than standard varieties, with flesh firm enough to handle.
Highest yielding
At a glance
- Bred by
- Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti (CIV), Italy
- Parentage
- ‘Ventana’ × CIV selection Q6Q8-26
- First propagated
- S. Giuseppe di Comacchio, Ferrara, 2005
- Trialled
- Mediterranean and low-chill regions, 2006–2010
- Patent
- US Plant Patent application 20120210477
- Productivity
- Reported 30–40% above standard varieties
- Fruit
- Large and regular; evenly red, compact flesh resistant to handling
Where it came from
Rania came from a controlled cross between ‘Ventana’ and an unreleased CIV selection, Q6Q8-26. It was first propagated by stolons at S. Giuseppe di Comacchio near Ferrara in 2005, then trialled from 2006 to 2010 across European Mediterranean areas and other low-chill regions.
CIV selected it alongside Nabila specifically for climates like this one, and markets both as not requiring soil disinfection.
How it behaves
The productivity claim is the striking one: CIV reports 30–40% more than standard varieties. Treat that as the breeder's own figure and trial it before you plan a season around it.
The fruit is large and regular with evenly coloured, compact flesh that resists handling — which is the property that decides whether fruit survives grading, packing and a night in transit. It eats very sweet with a strong aroma.
In the Indian belt
Rania is reported among the cultivars grown in the Mahabaleshwar belt, usually alongside Nabila. If you are already growing one, the other is the obvious comparison trial.
Its combination is unusual and worth testing properly: handling-resistant flesh normally comes at the cost of flavour, and CIV claims both. A side-by-side half-acre against your current cultivar will tell you more than any catalogue.
Other varieties
