Challenge

Apple Replant Disease (ARD) is a major problem for fruit growers and fruit tree growers. ARD occurs when apple trees are planted on fields where apple trees have previously been grown. The problem is larger when the new plantings have the same rootstock.

On all soil types, replant disease forces rootstock and fruit tree growers to move to fresh soil. Finding fresh fields over and over again is impossible. That is why Fruittree Rootstocks Holland is developing a replant tolerant rootstock. Replant disease has various causes. There appears to be a relationship with several soil organisms as well with substances released from roots of previously grown apple trees.

On soils with replant disease the growth of newly planted trees is often reduced. In orchards this affects the production and in nurseries the cultivation of good plant material.

Chemical control of replant disease is prohibited by law. The alternative, always planting in fresh soil, is practically very difficult. That is why Fruittree Rootstocks Holland sees the development of a rootstock with tolerance against replant disease as future-proof solution. In addition, international and national research is closely followed.

Fruittree Rootstocks Holland is also carrying out its own breeding and selection program to find replant tolerant seedlings and rootstocks.

In the development of a replant disease tolerant rootstock, Fruittree Rootstocks Holland BV is also taking other characteristics into account that are important for the fruit grower and nurseryman. For example, resistance to scab, mildew and fire blight. Disease resistance and tolerance is becoming increasingly important due to the legal ban of the use of effective pesticides.

Climate change is irreversible. Extreme heat and drought, sometimes followed by heavy rain, are factors that have to be taken into account during the development of a new rootstock. Tolerance to frost and soil salinity are also assessment criteria when selecting a new rootstock.