Rootstocks: Importance in Fruit Crop Improvement

Abstract

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. Objectives of rootstock breeding includes 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 which 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.