Abstract
One of the challenges in rootstock breeding programs is the combination of tolerances to different abiotic stresses in new interspecific hybrids adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. In this work, two Prunus L. rootstocks: Myrobalan ‘P.2175’ (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) and the almond × peach hybrid ‘Garnem’ (P. amygdalus Batsch × P. persica (L.) Batsch) were subjected to drought during 24 h to understand their drought response mechanisms. The study was conducted monitoring leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance (gs), relative water content (RWC), and electrolyte leakage (EL); as well as the abscisic acid (ABA) content in roots. The relative expression of five drought-relative genes was also studied. The obtained results allowed examining the drought tolerance potential of ‘Garnem’ and Myrobalan ‘P.2175’, demonstrating the great potential of ‘Garnem’ as drought tolerance source in future selections in breeding. Furthermore, based on the obtained data, the transcription factor Myb25-like could be a good biomarker of drought sensitivity for use in Prunus rootstock breeding programs.
Highlights
Prunus L. is an economically important genus, which includes approximately 200 species, most of which are cultivated in the temperate zone, and some in the tropical and subtropical regions [1]
The goal in Prunus rootstock breeding programs is the selection of a new generation of interspecific hybrids by crossing almond × peach hybrids with plum genotypes to incorporate a higher number of abiotic tolerances, offering new challenges in Prunus breeding programs [4]
Plants survive to unfavorable environmental conditions developing different response mechanisms that lead to drought resistance
Summary
Prunus L. is an economically important genus, which includes approximately 200 species, most of which are cultivated in the temperate zone, and some in the tropical and subtropical regions [1]. Prunus species cultivated for commercial production requires the use of rootstocks derived from different members of the same genus. The goal in Prunus rootstock breeding programs is the selection of a new generation of interspecific hybrids by crossing almond × peach hybrids with plum genotypes to incorporate a higher number of abiotic tolerances, offering new challenges in Prunus breeding programs [4]. Climate warming impacts negatively by increasing the frequency of extreme drought periods [5] and causing changes in regional climates, such as in the Mediterranean basin, where water scarcity is becoming more and more severe [6]. These adverse conditions prejudice crop growth and yield. Selection of rootstocks adapted to drought conditions is crucial
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
