Tree Fruit Rootstock Development in Arkansas

Abstract

The Arkansas tree fruit research program has a history of involvement in rootstock development. The elements of rootstock development are rootstock cultivar testing and rootstock breeding and evaluation. Research is focused on apple and peach rootstocks. Rootstock testing is done in conjunction with the NC-140 cooperative uniform rootstock research project. Currently, there are 10 NC-140 trials in progress for apples, peaches, pears, and cherry rootstocks in Arkansas. The Arkansas rootstock breeding projects were established in the early 1970s as components of the fruit breeding program. The objectives are to develop apple and peach rootstocks which are adaptable to the Arkansas edaphic and adaphic conditions, have size control, have some degree of pest resistance, and are efficient in production. To date, 92 apple rootstock selections have been made and 41 are still in early evaluation for propagation and growth characteristics, while 56 peach rootstocks have been selected and are in early evaluation. Arkansas apple rootstocks selections are sequentially numbered with numbers preceded by AAR (ex: AAR-92). Peach rootstocks selections are numbered with numbers preceded by APR. Data from 2 NC-140 apple rootstock trials were presented and discussed.