2017 ASHS Annual Conference

Following the release of MP-29, a clonal interspecific plum x peach hybrid rootstock for peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch), in 2011 testing has continued in both researcher and grower trials. Trials comparing MP-29 with commercial standards have confirmed MP-29’s resistance to peach tree short life (PTSL). Moreover, these trials have also confirmed MP-29’s clear superiority to Guardian peach rootstock and Sharpe plum rootstock on Armillaria root rot (ARR) infested sites. A follow-up horticultural trial comparing MP-29 with Guardian has confirmed MP-29’s superior yield potential. Importantly, this was achieved with no loss in fruit size, an issue which has been problematic with several recently released interspecific rootstocks developed for peach. MP-29’s broad disease and nematode resistance in combination with its vigor control and excellent overall productivity offers great promise for use in US peach production areas and others worldwide suffering from the same maladies or those simply in need of improved productivity in combination with a lower vigor, easier to manage tree.