Evaluation of Suitable Rootstock and Key Criteria for Rootstock Breeding in Prunus Species
摘要
Stone fruit species (Prunus spp.) are a major part of commercial fruit production, where the use of rootstocks directly influences cultivation. Clonal rootstocks, thanks to their genetic uniformity, offer significant advantages to growers in terms of quality, yield, and stress tolerance. They not only ensure the production of high-quality, standardized fruits but also provide resistance to abiotic stress and reduced labor needs. While clonal rootstocks have been widely adopted in apple cultivation for high-density orchards, their integration in stone fruit species has been slower. Over the past 25 years, however, dwarfing rootstocks have become more common, particularly in cherry and early-season nectarine production, in parallel with the development of protected cultivation systems. Recent studies have demonstrated the successful development of clonal rootstocks with varying vigor levels for peach, apricot, and plum. These advancements enable more effective control of tree size and facilitate the mechanization of both harvesting and orchard maintenance. In contemporary fruit production, the selection of appropriate rootstocks is of critical importance for ensuring physiological compatibility and efficient orchard management. Proper rootstock choice not only reduces labor costs associated with practices such as pruning and fertilization but also contributes significantly to enhancing fruit quality. This integration also provides advantages for modern digital agriculture technologies such as remote sensing and data-driven irrigation. The use of clonal rootstocks in stone fruit species has become an important approach for achieving efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Growers must make scientifically informed decisions when selecting rootstocks to suit their specific climate, soil, and market conditions.