Susceptibility of almond seedling rootstocks to capnode

Abstract

Almond rootstocks, particularly the bitter almond, have been described as more resistant to capnode (Capnodis tenebrionis L.) than other species. This work looks into the susceptibility of seedling rootstocks of the almond cultivars 'Garrigues', 'Atocha' and 'Desmayo Largueta' to grubs of capnode. Three months after the plants were inoculated with neonate grubs, damage in roots and presence of grubs were observed. Subsequently, roots were analysed by HPLC to determine prunasin content. Although a large variability was observed, 'Desmayo Largueta' seedlings were the most susceptible whereas 'Garrigues' seedlings were the most resistant. The results showed a high correlation between presence of grubs and damage in roots but there was no correlation between root damage and the content of prunasin. Obtaining seedling rootstocks from open pollination could be a tool for breeding almond rootstocks for resistance to capnode, mainly using the traditional Garrigues as female parent.