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DIVERSIFICATION OF FRUIT PRODUCTION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO UNDERDEVELOPED AREAS, BY THE IMPROVEMENT OF UNDEREXPLOITED NUT SPECIES : WALNUT, ALMOND AND PISTACHIO

Objetivo

The aim of this programme is to develop research on walnut, almond and pistachio, whose culture is underdeveloped in the European Community. The soil and climatic conditions of southern Europe are very well suited to these nut species. In this region nut production represents one of only a few alternatives for the replacement of fruit species that represent a production surplus, and can therefore improve agriculture in underdeveloped areas of the Mediterranean Basin.
The object of the project was to increase supply of underexploited nut species (walnut, almond, pistachio) by selection of plant material of superior agronomic performance. Outstanding walnut trees were selected in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, checked for cherry leaf roll virus and then grafted to form a study control group. 37 of these selected trees were grafted, and included in a European walnut germplasm centre in Caserta (Italy). An early nursery test for susceptiblity to bacteria was set up. A genetic test was initiated to evaluate heritability of characters such as fructification on small lateral branches, later flowering, and combining ability of selected parents. With respect to rootstock for almond, 70 plants were selected in the nursery from open pollinated progeny, as well as 37 clones originated by in vitro culture. In addition, several hybrids, of the cross almond X peach, were selected principally for their ability to be propagated vegetatively. All the selected plants were evaluated for their resistance to nematodes and to telluric diseases. A network of international rootstock trials for almond to compare the performance of the various selections. Observations were carried out on over 60 male and female varieties of pistachio concerning characters such as vigour, flowering time of male and female trees, productivity and sensitivity to verticilium. Four varieties were selected. Various methods of grafting were tried in order to improve the technique for vegetative propagation of selected superior varieties and especially to find means of overcoming incompatibility. Seed germination methods for the different species were studied with the aim of improving germination. The value as rootstocks of these different species was determined.
The above objectives will be realized through the obtention of plant material of superior agronomic performance.

For walnut, a survey of local seedling populations from the Mediterranean Basin is planned, with the aim of selecting trees which satisfy certain research criteria, i.e. lateness of flowering, rapid and abudant fruiting, tolerance to bacterial disease, production of quality nuts. These preselections will become part of a European germplasm based in Italy, and they shall either be used directly as varieties, or more likely serve as genitors in a breeding programme at a European level.

For almond, the project involves selecting rootstocks from almond seedlings that are adapted well to non-irrigated conditions, and to create vigourous interspecific rootstock hybrids which respond favourably to specific problems of either non-irrigated culture (i.e. nematode resistance or iron chlorosis).

For pistachio, the programme aims to select some varieties that are adapted to the potential regions of production. The techniques of multiplication shall also be improved, and a search shall be undertaken in Pistachia genus for selection of rootstocks with very good graft-compatibility that allow creation of orchards that are uniform in vigour and productivity.

Tema(s)

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Convocatoria de propuestas

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Régimen de financiación

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Coordinador

CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE HAUTES ETUDES MEDITERRANEENNES
Aportación de la UE
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Dirección
Apartado 22
50080 ZARAGOZA
España

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Coste total
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Participantes (10)