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Field assessment of avocado rootstock selections for resistance to Phytophthora root rot

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Abstract

Phytophthora root rot (PRR), caused by P. cinnamomi, is a primary constraint on avocado productivity in Australia. Numerous field trials at sites in northern NSW and southern QLD have demonstrated significant variation in tree health amongst commercial rootstocks and recently selected material, grown under high PRR disease pressure. Selections ‘SHSR-02’, ‘SHSR-04’, ungrafted ‘Hass’ (rooted cuttings from clonal propagation) and the commercial rootstock ‘Dusa™’ were significantly healthier over time than other rootstocks, many of which died during the course of the trials. ‘Reed’ was consistently highly susceptible. In many cases superior tree health was associated with increased tree height and trunk girth. The trials also clearly demonstrate the negative impact of Phytophthora root rot on establishment of new avocado production blocks, and the importance of identifying and selecting avocado rootstock material that can withstand high P. cinnamomi disease pressure.

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Acknowledgements

The avocado rootstock improvement and disease management projects (AV08000 and AV07000) are funded by the Australian Federal Government through its agency Horticulture Australia Ltd with levy support from Avocados Australia Ltd. We appreciate the cooperation of the many avocado growers who were involved in this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Rd, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia

    L. A. Smith, E. K. Dann & K. G. Pegg

  2. Formerly of Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 665 Fairfield Road, Yeerongpilly, Qld, 4105, Australia

    V. Doogan

  3. Formerly of Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Entomology Building, 80 Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD, 4068, Australia

    R. Kopittke

  4. Sunshine Horticultural Services, 287 Dulong Road, Nambour, Qld, 4560, Australia

    A. W. Whiley

  5. Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 665 Fairfield Road, Yeerongpilly, Qld, 4105, Australia

    F. R. Giblin

Authors
  1. L. A. Smith
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  2. E. K. Dann
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  3. K. G. Pegg
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  4. A. W. Whiley
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  5. F. R. Giblin
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  6. V. Doogan
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  7. R. Kopittke
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Correspondence to E. K. Dann.

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Smith, L.A., Dann, E.K., Pegg, K.G. et al. Field assessment of avocado rootstock selections for resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Australasian Plant Pathol. 40, 39–47 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-010-0011-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-010-0011-0

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