Rootstocks
The Importance of Grafting in Modern Horticulture
Iran has a rich agricultural heritage, with a long history of cultivating diverse plants that reflects the country’s deep-rooted connection to nature. In today’s world, the challenges of agriculture—such as resource scarcity and the need for innovative practices—demand advancements in agricultural sciences, particularly in areas like modern farming, plant breeding, and pest control.
One of the most effective techniques in plant propagation is grafting, a method that allows for the asexual reproduction of plants. Grafting involves attaching a part of one plant (the scion) to another (the rootstock), enabling the combination of desirable traits from both plants. The rootstock provides a strong foundation, often possessing deep roots that enhance nutrient absorption and resistance to pests and diseases.
The benefits of grafting are numerous. It allows for the preservation of specific plant characteristics, facilitates the introduction of new varieties, and can significantly reduce the juvenile period of trees, resulting in faster fruit production. Additionally, grafting can help diagnose and manage viral diseases, rejuvenate aging trees, and enhance overall plant vigor and productivity.
Peach & Nectarine
GF677
(Hybrid of P.persica x P. amigdalus)
Selected by INRA in France. Induces high vigor, higher than the Prunus Persica. Polyvalent rootstock, it is mainly used for peach and almond, plum trees, although with an intermediate (a variety) it is also being used a lot for apricot. It gives high productivity and is also suitable for calcareous, poorly irrigated and hilly soils. It does not disdain clayey soils, as long as they are not asphyxiated. Sensitive to Agrobacterium and Armillaria.
GF-655/2
GF-655/2 was developed by INRA in France. It is compatible with apricot, peach, and nectarine, and is also suitable for plum. This rootstock has good tolerance to waterlogged and calcareous soils. Resistance to Phytophthora and Crown Gall are some of its traits.
MRS 2/5
(P.Cerasifera x P.spinosa)
Rootstock selected at the University of Pisa. It gives the plant a medium-low vigor and requires very fertile and irrigated soils. In these conditions, as a dwarf rootstock, it induces good productivity and very good fruit quality. Good affinity with the main cultivars. It has polloniferous activity, but lower than other plums. It can also adapt well to medium rich soils, as long as it has sufficient water availability and is not heavy with clay. It resists root asphyxia and active limestone well.
هلو و شلیل
سیب
زرد آلو
آلو
گیلاس و آلبالو
گلابی
بادام
Uniformity in fruit production is another critical advantage of grafting. Unlike traditional seed propagation, which can lead to variability in plant characteristics, grafting ensures a more consistent and homogeneous crop. This is particularly valuable for commercial growers who rely on uniform products to meet market demands.
In summary, grafting is a vital technique in modern horticulture that not only preserves the genetic traits of plants but also enhances their resilience and productivity. As Iran continues to evolve in its horticultural practices, the integration of grafting and other innovative methods will be essential for meeting the challenges of the future.
Understanding Seed and Vegetative Rootstocks in Modern Propagation
In the field of horticulture, roots play a pivotal role in the growth and health of plants. They are typically categorized into two distinct types: seed roots and vegetative roots, each contributing uniquely to plant propagation and overall vitality.
Seed Rootstocks
Seed rootstocks are derived from the seeds of wild species. While they serve as a fundamental basis for nurturing plants, they present certain challenges. Notably, they are characterized by:
- Lengthy Juvenile Period: These plants require more time to mature, which can delay the overall growth timeline.
- Orchard Uniformity Issues: The genetic variance often results in uneven growth patterns within a garden setting.
- Pest and Disease Vulnerability: Plants propagated from seed may exhibit diverse reactions to pests and diseases, leading to inconsistent resistance levels.
- Fruit Non-uniformity: The fruits produced can vary significantly in size and quality, affecting marketability.
Vegetative Rootstocks
In contrast, vegetative rootstocks are propagated through techniques such as tissue culture, cuttings, or bedding. This method significantly enhances plant health and productivity. The advantages of vegetative rootstocks include:
- Reduced Juvenile Period: Plants reach maturity faster, allowing for quicker yields.
- Enhanced Resistance: These seedlings demonstrate improved resistance to pests and diseases, thereby ensuring greater survival rates.
- Stress Resistance: Vegetative rootstocks offer better resilience to both abiotic (environmental) and biotic (pest-related) stressors.
- Orchard Uniformity: This method promotes uniform growth, resulting in homogeneous fruit sizes and higher market quality.