The series of Rootpac patterns comes from the programme for obtaining new Prunus rootstocks developed between 1996 and 2012. The search for these patterns focused on responding to the needs of a fruit sector in constant evolution and development towards the efficiency and intensification of plantations.
ROOTPAC
–
Objectives of the genetic improvement programme
• Creation of dwarf varieties.
• Adaptation to different types of soil.
• Easy in-vitro multiplication to ensure an adequate production cost.
• Reduction of the need for cold hours.
• Achieve a high degree of compatibility with species and varieties.
The starting point was a germplasm bank of 268 clones and cultivars. 98 parentals were used, 427 directed crosses were carried out, approximately 85,700 pollinations were obtained in to obtain 343 offspring, of which 68 were studied, thanks to 98 field trials throughout 27 locations in Spain and 12 abroad. All the tests carried out have resulted in five commercial acquisitions of Rootpac rootstocks: Rootpac20, Rootpac40, Rootpac70, Rootpac90 and Rootpac R.
Rootpac 20 Rootstock
–
Ideal for SHD
Extensive compatibility
Low vigour
Rootpac 40 Rootstock
–
Advances ripening
Improves the size of fruit
Controls vigour
Rootpac R Rootstock
–
Weathered and replanted soils
Extensive compatibility
High survival rate on soil with Armillaria and Rosellinia
Rootpac 20 Rootstock series
General information
Species: Plum tree hybrid (P. besseyi x P. cerasifera).
Origin: Agromillora rootstock genetic improvement programme.
Agronomic characteristics
Vigour: Low, around 40–50% less than GF–677.
Compatibility: Good with varieties of peach, nectarine, Japanese plum and almond. Compatible with some varieties of apricot, although more information is needed about its affinity with more varieties.
Structure: Erect and compact.
Yield: High.
Size: Results in very good fruit size and quality. Advances ripening in most varieties.
Adaptability: Very adaptable to all production conditions, both in warm and colder climates.
Other features: Ideal for SHD high-density plantations. Good adaptation to heavy soils and colder areas.
Resistances and tolerances
Cold: Tolerant.
Chlorosis: Moderately tolerant.
Root-knot nematodes: Moderately tolerant.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Sensitive.
Rosellinia necatrix: Tolerant.
Chlorosis: Moderately tolerant.
Root asphyxia: Highly tolerant.
Salinity: Moderately tolerant.
Root-lesion nematodes: Unknown.
Armillaria mellea: A certain degree of tolerance is sensed.
Vigour with respect to Garnem*
Yield kg/cm2*
* The data are obtained from different geographical areas (Alcañiz, Tarragona and Lleida) for the 2009 and 2012 harvests.
Record in the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO)
Variety name: Densipac.
Record no.: 2011/1062.
Rootpac 40 Rootstock series
General information
Species: Hybrid of peach tree x almond (Prunus dulcis x Prunus persica) x (Prunus dulcis x Prunus persica).
Origin: Agromillora rootstock breeding program.
Agronomic characteristics
Vigour: Medium, around 25–30% less than GF–677, although with a well-developed root system.
Compatibility: Good with varieties of peach, nectarine, almond and some varieties of Japanese plum.
Structure: Erect, similar to Garnem.
Yield: Highly productive.
Size: Anticipates ripening by 3 to 7 days depending on the variety. Produces good-size fruit.
Adaptability: It adapts very well to all climates, but especially to warm conditions (low chilling area).
Other features: Green leaf rootstock. Rigid stems (early lignification) with little or no branching in early development stages. Easy handling in nursery.
Resistances and tolerances
Chlorosis: Moderately tolerant. High requirement of microelements.
Root-knot nematodes: Moderately tolerant.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Sensitive.
Rosellinia necatrix: Under study.
Root asphyxia: Similar tolerance to root asphyxia as the most peach and almond tree hybrids.
Salinity: Moderately tolerant.
Root-lesion nematodes: Susceptible.
Armillaria mellea: Sensitive.
Vigour with respect to Garnem*
Average fruit weight (grams)*
* The data are obtained from different geographical areas (Tarragona, Murcia and Seville) for the 2005 and 2007 harvests.
Record in the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO)
Variety name: Nanopac.
Record no.: 2008/0618.
Rootpac R Rootstock series
General information
Species: Plum x almond (Prunus cerasifera x Prunus dulcis) hybrid.
Origin: Agromillora rootstock genetic improvement programme.
Agronomic characteristics
Vigour: High with varieties of peach, nectarine and plum. Similar to Nemanguard.
Compatibility: Good with varieties of plum, peach and nectarine. It has also proven to be compatible with some varieties of almond and apricot.
Structure: Open, with medium ramification.
Yield: Highly productive.
Size: Anticipates ripening by 2 to 5 days depending on the variety. Results in good fruit size in plum, peach and nectarine.
Adaptability: Very adaptable to various climatic conditions, with different cold requirements. Ideal for replanting sites. Adapts well to dense and asphyxiating soils.
Other features: Green leaf rootstock, with appearance between plum and almond tree. Rigid and erect stem in early development stages.
Resistances and tolerances
Cold: Tolerant.
Chlorosis: Tolerant or ligtly sensitive. High requirement of microelements.
Root-knot nematodes: Highly tolerant.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens: Unknown, although it is probably sensitive, like most plums.
Rosellinia necatrix: It has been shown to be resistant in sites highly infested with this soil fungus.
Root asphyxia: Tolerant to root asphyxia.
Salinity: Under study.
Root-lesion nematodes: Lightly susceptible.
Accumulated production of 5 years*
Mortality*
* Data from trials in Zaragoza between 2001 and 2009.
Record in the Community Plant Variety Office
Variety name: Replantpac.
Record no.: 2009/0230.
