Peach rootstock named `HBOK 50`

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of peach rootstock denominated ‘HBOK 50’ is described. The ‘HBOK 50’ peach rootstock offers size control ability, root knot nematode resistance, less wood from dormant and summer pruning, and production of fewer root suckers. ‘HBOK 50’ has contributed to size reduction of compound trees when it is used as a clonally-produced rootstock with the fresh market peach “O'Henry”. No evidence of graft incompatibility or other abnormalities have been noted in such circumstances. Fruit on compound trees with ‘HBOK 50’ rootstocks is either similar in size or smaller than ‘Nemaguard’. The ‘HBOK 50’ rootstock displays root knot nematode resistance levels similar to ‘Nemaguard’ and more resistant than ‘Lovell’.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0001]This invention was made with Government support under Grant No. USDA NRICGP 95-37300-1585, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture National Initiative for Competitive Grants Program, Project 5967-CG. The Government may have certain rights in this invention.[0002]Latin name: Botanical / commercial classification: Prunus persica 'L. Batsch new clonal peach rootstock.[0003]Varietal denomination: The varietal denomination of the claimed peach rootstock is ‘HBOK 50’.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of peach rootstock (Prunus persica) that has been denominated as ‘HBOK 50’ and more particularly to a peach rootstock that is graft compatible with peach and nectarine scion cultivars, and confers moderate vigor control on compound trees, produce fewer root suckers than ‘Nemaguard’, and is resistant to the rootknot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (race ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The ‘HBOK 50’ peach rootstock of the present invention has a peach pedigree (vs. inter-specific heritage) and offers size control ability, root knot nematode resistance, less wood from dormant and summer pruning, and production of fewer root suckers. When used as clonally-produced rootstocks with fresh market peach (‘O' Henry’ and ‘Springcrest’), cling peach (‘Ross’), and nectarine (‘Mayfire’ and ‘Summer Fire’) scions, they have contributed to size reduction of compound trees and no evidence of graft incompatibility or other abnormalities have been noted. Based on reduced tree height and smaller trunk cross-sectional area (TCA) compared to standard rootstocks, ‘HBOK 50’ had about a 7-8% size reduction. Although crop yield per tree usually was less than on ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock, the compound trees with ‘HBOK 50’ rootstocks that were smaller generally showed greater cropping efficiency. Ability to plant smaller trees at greater density in commercial fields provides an opportunity to recover economically viable yields per unit area. Fruit on compound trees with ‘HBOK 50’ rootstocks was either similar in size or smaller than ‘Nemaguard’. The ‘HBOK 50’ rootstock displays root knot nematode resistance levels similar to ‘Nemaguard’ and more resistance than ‘Lovell’. Compound plants with ‘HBOK 50’ rootstocks provide an opportunity for growers to develop new management practices that utilize the potential of these rootstocks to lower costs through size reduction, reduced pruning and less need for sucker control.

Problems solved by technology

It is recognized that vigor control of compound trees on a standard rootstock, such as ‘Nemaguard’, is difficult to achieve and to do so requires extensive pruning both in mid summer and the dormant season.

It is also recognized that root suckers produced on standard rootstock are required to be removed manually, resulting in cost to the grower.

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