ISHS Acta Horticulturae 451: VI International Symposium on Integrated Canopy, Rootstock, Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems
HISTORY, CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL OF GUARDIANTM (BY520–9) PEACH ROOTSTOCK |
| Authors: | T.G. Beckman, W.R. Okie, A.P. Nyczepir, G.L. Reighard, E.I. Zehr, W.C. Newall |
| Keywords: | Prunus persica, peach tree short life, PTSL, Criconemella xenoplax, Meloidogyne spp., Armillaria spp. |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.451.27 |
| Abstract:
In some areas of the southeastern United States average peach tree life has dropped to less than 9 years. The primary cause of premature mortality is peach tree short life (PTSL), to which trees are predisposed by the ring nematode, Criconemella xenoplax. PTSL is responsible for more than $6 million in lifetime production losses annually in South Carolina alone. GuardianTM (BY520–9) peach rootstock was cooperatively released in 1993 by USDA-ARS and Clemson University researchers. Through 8 years on a severe PTSL site, Guardian has provided significantly better survival and productivity than Lovell, the currently recommended commercial rootstock for PTSL prone sites. Guardian also appears to have root-knot nematode resistance similar to Nemaguard. Guardian's pedigree traces back to a cross of Nemaguard and a seedling of S-37. This cross was part of a USDA program to develop root-knot nematode resistant rootstocks. Currently, Guardian (BY520–9) consists of bulked seed from a population of 69 siblings out of B594520–9. Testing is continuing on individual selections from this group. Guardian's unique combination of PTSL and root-knot nematode resistance makes it a candidate to replace both Lovell and Nemaguard rootstocks, currently the two most widely utilized rootstocks in the southeastern United States. | |
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