New Approaches of Root Stocks in Fruit Production: A Review

Abstract

Rootstocks play an essential role to determining orchard performance of fruit trees. Pyrus communis and Cydonia oblonga are widely used rootstocks for European pear cultivars. The lack of rootstocks adapted to different soil conditions and different grafted cultivars is widely acknowledged in pear culture. Cydonia rootstocks (clonal) and Pyrus rootstocks (seedling or clonal) have their advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the right combination of the rootstock and cultivar is important for optimizing fruit quality parameters. Dwarfing is an important agricultural trait for intensive cultivation and effective orchard management in modern fruit orchards. Commercial citrus production relies on grafting with rootstocks that reduce tree vigour to control plant height. Citrus growers all over the world have been attracted to dwarfing trees because of their potential for higher planting density, increased productivity, easy harvest, pruning, and efficient spraying. Dwarfing rootstocks can be used to achieve high density. Citrus rootstocks with dwarfing potential have been investigated regarding physiological aspects, hormonal communication, mineral uptake capacity, and horticultural performance. This study lays the foundation for future research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying citrus dwarfing. Many of the rootstocks now available to growers of apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries and plums are listed and described briefly. Future rootstock needs for these and other crops are anticipated. Alternatives to rootstocks are considered, in particular the opportunities for scion cultivar improvement which may be offered by the developing techniques of molecular biology. Finally, the need for a better understanding of the physiology of the effects of rootstock on scion growth and cropping is emphasized.