India is the second largest producer of fruits in the world
with different fruit growing zones viz., temperate, arid and semi-arid,
subtropical, and tropical zones. In this present era of climate change, fruit
growers are facing environment-related problems such as sudden changes in
temperature, irregular and heavy rainfall, and soil-related problems like
compaction, salinity, alkalinity, and acidity. In addition to this, pest and
disease incidence also play a major role in limiting fruit production.
Rootstock is the working part of the plant which interacts with the soil to
nourish the growth of new plants. This study aims to evaluate the role of the
rootstock system in fruit crop improvement. Objectives of rootstock breeding
include resistance or tolerance to biotic stress, adaptability to soil and
environmental conditions, dwarfism, precocity in bearing, high yield, and good
fruit quality. The purpose of rootstock breeding varies with crops and
geographical locations. Developing rootstocks resistant or tolerant to biotic
stresses in apple (fire blight and woolly apple aphid), citrus (root rot,
nematodes and viral diseases), grape (Phylloxera spp. and nematode) and mango
(mango fruit fly and stone weevil) for specific tree characters (dwarfing,
canopy management) and horticultural traits (yield and quality) are the
important aspects in rootstock breeding. The reported rootstocks that are
impactful in fruit cultivation like apple (MM-111), grape (Dogridge, 99-R,
110-R, and 1103-P), and mango (Turpentine, Deorakhio, and Olour). The use of
rootstocks which are tolerant or adaptable to adverse climatic situations and
biotic stress can be an alternative option for scientists and fruit growers to
face the challenges encountered by the fruit industry. This study recommends
that rootstock evaluation methodology should be standardized for different
fruit crops. Molecular analysis of rootstock can play an important role in
multiple stress tolerance in rootstock breeding.
Author(s) Details:
Lalit Dhurve,
Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, DRDO, Haldwani – 263 139,
Uttarakhand, India.
Deepu Mathew,
Kerala
Agricultural University, Thrissur- 680 656, Kerala, India.
Ajith Kumar K.,
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur- 680 656, Kerala, India.
Annjoe V. Joseph,
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences,
Prayagraj- 211 007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Halkebhaiya Mehara,
Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research, DRDO, Haldwani – 263 139,
Uttarakhand, India.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACAS-V7/article/view/14265
