Breeding almond x peach hybrid rootstocks at Zaragoza (Spain)

Almond x peach hybrids show outstanding orchard characteristics as rootstocks for almond. Thus, the aim of this program was to obtain new clones that maintain these good traits but are easier to propagate and are better adapted to Mediterranean soil conditions. Desired traits were: efficient water and nutrient uptake, drought and chlorosis resistance, and resistance to nematodes and soil diseases. The first crosses included 'Nemaguard' as the peach pollen parent and donor of nematode resistance, and 'Marcona' and 'Tardive de la Verdiere' as almond parents. The results were not as successful as desired and it was decided to change the parents involved in the crosses. 'Nemared' was chosen as the peach parent because it produces homogeneous plants both as seedlings in the nursery row and has many desirable traits. 'Garfi', a clone from the almond breeding program with many good traits, was used as the almond mother parent. From the progeny of the 'Garfi' x 'Nemared' cross made in 1987, several outstanding clones were retained because of their easy propagation, good nursery performance, red leaves, resistance to nematodes, good chlorosis resistance and water use efficiency. Ongoing trials will allow evaluation of the selected clones and eventual release of the best ones.