ISHS Acta Horticulturae 592: V International Peach Symposium
CURRENT DIRECTIONS OF PEACH ROOTSTOCK PROGRAMS WORLDWIDE |
| Author: | G.L. Reighard |
| Keywords: | Prunus persica, nematodes, root rot, alkalinity, waterlogging, dwarfing |
| Abstract:
Breeding programs for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] rootstocks are presently active in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia. Many of these programs in the past have evaluated and selected for peach seedling rootstocks due to the cost efficiency of using seed propagated rootstocks and scion compatibility. However, with the advancement of vegetative propagation technology for Prunus L. including tissue culture, many of these programs have directed their focus to generating complex Prunus species hybrids to overcome soil and disease problems that Prunus persica has limited or no resistance to. Program objectives of peach rootstock breeding programs worldwide include finding rootstock tolerance to undesirable soil properties such as alkalinity, high bulk density, waterlogging and drought. Other important goals are breeding for resistance to nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp. Mesocriconema xenoplax, and Xiphenema americanum), soil root rot fungi (Armillaria spp., Phytophthora spp. and Verticillium dahliae), soil bacteria (Agrobacterium tumefaciens), peach tree borers (Synanthedon spp.) and aphids (Myzus spp.). Adaptation to regional climates (cold temperate regions) and orchard replant sites are also important criteria in the evaluation of rootstocks for peach. Rootstocks are being developed for replant sites to reduce incidence of perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.) and the peach tree short life and the bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae) complexes found in peach production regions having light textured soils. Recently, an increased emphasis has been placed on developing dwarfing rootstocks for high-density orchard systems. Since many of these objectives require interspecific hybridization within the genus Prunus, ease of propagation is also an important selection criterion. Current objectives of peach rootstock breeding programs worldwide, and new rootstock releases are discussed. | |
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