World of CitrusMarsh Grapefruit
The UCR-reproduced 1967 account says the commercial value of the seedless grapefruit was not recognized until 1886, when it was brought to E. H. Tison’s attention. Tison arranged for its propagation and introduction soon afterward; the source does not date the introduction more precisely.
Sources: [1]
UCR’s reproduced account attributes to Webber (1943) a chance seedling planted about 1860 near Lakeland, Florida. Da Graça et al. (2004) also place Marsh around 1860 in the prose, but label the Florida seedling 1850 in Figure 1. These are conflicting historical reports; the exact planting or selection date is not established.
The UCR-reproduced 1967 account says that after acquiring the Lakeland Nursery, C. M. Marsh gave the seedless grapefruit its present name a few years later. It does not establish the exact naming year.
Sources: [1]