Pests

Peach nematodes

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

Phytoparasitic nematodes of the genera Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, and Mesocriconema infect the peach root system, causing growth suppression and yield reduction. Resistance to these pests is a key criterion for rootstock selection and is controlled by specific genes.

In the reference 22 varieties crop Peach, where this is mentioned in the description.

The primary pathogens are root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, M. hapla, and the crop-specific species M. floridensis. Furthermore, economic damage is caused by the ring nematode Mesocriconema xenoplax and the lesion nematode Pratylenchus vulnus. Infection by root-knot nematodes is characterized by the formation of galls on roots and impairment of their development, while infestation with M. xenoplax increases tree susceptibility to bacterial canker and peach tree short life syndrome.

Genetic protection of peach against nematodes is based on the use of resistant rootstocks. Resistance genes and loci, such as Mi, RMia, PkMi, and Mf, are localized on the second chromosome. Breeding programs also utilize the Ma gene from cherry plum, which provides a broad spectrum of resistance to root-knot nematodes, and the RMja gene from almond. When selecting rootstocks, their response to specific nematode species is evaluated, and resistance loci are used as markers in breeding.

General information about the subject — on the page Nematodes.

Sources8

Varieties of Peach mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.