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This project is funded by NIFA-USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative project#2020-51181-32142.

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Solutions to the Armillaria root rot affecting the US stone fruit industry

Publicated to:Acta Horticulturae. 1352 501-507 - 2022-12-08 1352(), DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2022.1352.68

Authors: Gasic, K; Adelberg, J; Baumgartner, K; Brannen, P M; Cai, L; Calle, A; Chavez, D; Devkota, P; Gradziel, T M; Hammerschmidt, R; Iezzoni, A; Koc, B; Mark, T; Melgar, J C; Reighard, G L; Saski, C; Schnabel, G; Tharayil, N; Vassalos, M

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Abstract

Armillaria root rot (ARR) is a major threat to the long-term productivity of stone fruit and nut crops across the major production areas in the US. There are no efficient methods of eradicating the long-lived inoculum buried in the soil before replanting, nor are there therapeutic methods to offset reduced productivity and tree death. Loss of productive land for the stone fruit and nut producers due to ARR is already happening. Without immediate short- and long-term actions, prime Prunus orchard land will be permanently out of production, resulting in a devastating effect on the industries and local communities. Causal pathogenic fungi consist of three geographically isolated species: Armillaria mellea in California, A. solidipes in Michigan, and Desarmillaria tabescens in the southeastern US. The most economical and sustainable approach to prevent the loss of peach, cherry, and almond production due to Armillaria infection is to develop ARR-resistant, horticulturally acceptable rootstocks. A trans-disciplinary, multi-crop, multi-institutional team of researchers, growers and nursery representatives are dedicated to finding short- and long-term solutions for the ARR replant issue affecting the US stone fruit industry. This project will provide the 'building blocks' needed to enable and accelerate on-going Prunus breeding programs, as well as support the testing of cultural practices for short-term solutions to increase tree longevity on replant sites.

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