ROOTSTOCK DEVELOPMENT IN TEMPERATE NUT CROPS

The driving force behind the development of rootstocks for nut crops has been the solution of specific problems, often related to the presence of pests or the need for adaptation to particular sites.
The use of interspecific hybrids as rootstocks has lead to increased appreciation for the contribution genetic diversity can make to orchard profitability in the face of site specific challenges.
The past decade has seen dramatic increases in access to germplasm resources, while technological developments in molecular genetics have contributed to genetic characterization in some species.
The focus on clonal propagation through tissue culture has been somewhat abated by the slow pace of nursery incorporation of available techniques, by challenges with anchorage of some clonal rootstocks, and by the recognition of the vulnerability inherent to a monoculture susceptible to an unsuspected root pest.
Increased application of spatial analysis systems (GIS) may contribute to prescription use of site-specific rootstocks.