Pilowred®, a Nematode-resistant and Low-vigor Rootstock for Prunus

Abstract

The demands of the fruit sector in the Mediterranean Basin have shifted in recent years, largely as a result of edaphoclimatic limitations resulting from climate change. These limitations include water scarcity during extreme drought periods, warmer cold seasons, the prevalence of soil diseases such as those related to the presence of root-knot nematodes (RKNs), and iron chlorosis. To address these issues, the Prunus spp. rootstock breeding program at the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA) developed red-leaf hybrids from the ‘Garfi’ × ‘Nemared’ series (G × N): Garnem®, Felinem®, and Monegro® (Felipe 2009). In addition, CITA selected the plum ‘Montizo’ as a clonal rootstock, which adapts to wet and heavy soils, reducing tree size compared with other rootstocks (Felipe et al. 1997). In recent years, the adoption of more intensified and technologically advanced cultivation systems has increased the need for low-vigor rootstocks to facilitate sustainable orchard management. In response to these demands, Pilowred® has been released as a valuable rootstock for several stone fruit species, particularly almond. One of its more notable features is its low vigor, which enhances the productivity of the grafted cultivar, leading to greater yields in the orchard. In addition, it exhibits easy vegetative propagation and good graft compatibility. It requires a shorter winter dormancy period, facilitating a rapid entry into production, and it shows greater water use efficiency compared with other G × N hybrids.