Rootstocks for Commercial Peach Production in the Southeastern United States: Current Research, Challenges, and Opportunities

The Southeastern United States is facing agriculture crises, such as the ongoing epidemic of citrus greening disease that has forced region to begin looking into alternative crops. Some these belong Rosaceae genus Prunus, which encompasses many economically important species peaches, almonds, cherries, plums, and more. Peach production in Florida become a very promising citrus; however, there are different limitations challenges peach faces this region. Differing climates coupled with edaphic salinity, alkalinity, waterlogging have been focus much research viability Using genetic diversity Prunus crucial success an crop, due nature its propagation on rootstocks. development new rootstock cultivars been—and continues be—the most efficient way not only deal variety problems associated climate soil mentioned above but also mitigate effects pests diseases. vegetative stone fruit rootstocks distinct advantages seed cannot achieve, including tree performance uniformity multiplication interspecific hybrids. Tools used select best-performing for area root system architecture (RSA) analysis fundamental process ensure traits needed selected. This narrative review lays out all southeastern detail, discussing highlighting tools create resource researchers, growers, breeders more easily access information.