2nd National Rootstock Forum

Abstract

The second national rootstock forum (May 2008) reviewed current rootstock research, discussed a mechanism for national coordination and listed priorities for future research.

Summary

Rootstocks used in Australia were primarily selected for resistance to phylloxera but the forum heard of advances in selection, particularly those made by CSIRO at Merbein, that included suitability for soil type, drought tolerance and hardiness under restricted water applications, and tolerance to salinity.  There had also been attention economic factors like yield, fruit quality and winemaking attributes in the wider breeding program.

Discussion took place about the viticultural environment of the future and the challenges that would require resilient planting material with even stronger tolerance of dry and saline conditions. It was suggested that rootstock “architecture” could become an important consideration as a root structure able to explore a large area of soil would be most efficient. Other topics included improved tools for assessment of rootstock performance, graft compatibility, the genetic scope for rootstock and varietal improvement, regional trials and industry standards.

Priorities tabled were: a national framework to provide co-ordination and direction; provision of information on how to select and use rootstocks; a breeding focus on water use efficiency, drought tolerance and resilience in dry, saline, environments; and efficiencies in nursery practices.