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Evaluating the Performance of Armillaria Root Rot Resistant Rootstock ‘MP-29’ for Sustainable Peach Production in Alabama

Applied Research

Elina Coneva
EXTENSION SPECIALIST & PROFESSOR
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Armillaria root rot (ARR) disease caused by a soilborn fungus (Desarmillaria caespitosa) is the second leading cause of peach tree mortality in the southeastern United States with estimated production losses averaging more than $8 million annually. Currently available chemical controls are not considered to be cost effective. Guardian® is presently the dominant rootstock for the southeastern peach industry primarily due to its superior tolerance to peach tree short life (PTSL). However, Guardian® is highly susceptible to the ARR pathogen. ‘MP-29’ is a recently released interspecific peach rootstocks that provides superior resistance to the pathogen without the adverse effect on scion fruit size and productivity. ‘MP-29’ is also a semi-dwarf rootstock that provides tree size control. To compare rootstock tolerance to ARR disease and evaluate tree size, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Julyprince’ and ‘Bounty’ peach cultivars grafted on ‘MP-29’ and Guardian® rootstocks, a site with a documented ARR history was selected at the Chilton Research and Extension Center near Clanton, AL in 2019. The experimental design is a randomized complete block with 12 single tree replications. Our 2021-2022 data suggest both ‘Julyprince’ and ‘Bounty’ trees grafted on ‘MP-29’ grew smaller during  the period of initial establishment, while yield and fruit quality were comparable to the trees on Guardian® demonstrating the advantage of producing  excellent crop on smaller, more efficienly manageable trees . Studies will continue to complete in depth evaluation of the overall rootstock performance in ARR infested productioin sites and provide a management solution for improved economic and environmental sustainability in peach production in Alabama.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Elina Coneva, Melba Salazar-Gutierrez, Bernardo Chaves-Cordoba
  1. Coneva, E. EXTENSION SPECIALIST & PROFESSOR, Auburn University, Alabama, 36849-5408
  2. Salazar-Gutierrez, M. Assistant Professor, Auburn University, Alabama, 36849
  3. Chaves-Cordoba, B. Director, Stats, Teaching and Consulting, Auburn University, Alabama, 36849