Avocado rootstock named `Steddom`

Abstract

A new and distinct Persea americana variety having strong resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi when used as a rootstock. It is a relatively slow growing rootstock having a heavy yield, appearing to have a high yield / canopy volume ratio. ‘Steddom’ has a small degree of salt tolerance and appears to be an all-around, excellent rootstock with small stature and low vigor, making it desirable for high density or hedge-row avocado plantings.

Description

[0001]Latin name of the genus and species: The avocado cultivar of this invention is botanically identified as Persea americana Mill.[0002]Variety denomination: The variety denomination is ‘Steddom’.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Avocado root rot is the limiting factor for the growth of avocados throughout the world. Avocado root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, which attacks and kills the feeder roots of avocado trees. The resultant lack of roots causes the tree to eventually die from water stress. There are a number of varieties of rootstocks that have some tolerance to the disease. These varieties included ‘Duke 7’ (unpatented), the most commonly planted tolerant rootstock in the world; and ‘Thomas’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,628), another root rot tolerant rootstock. However, even with these rootstocks, growers must still use a variety of methods, including mounding, mulching and the applications of chemical fungicides, to keep the tress from dying in many soils...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new avocado variety called "Steddom." This variety has a rootstock that is resistant to a common disease called Phytophthora root rot. It is slow-growing and produces a high yield of avocados. It also has a high ratio of yield to canopy volume. The "Steddom" variety is tolerant to salt and has a small stature and low vigor. This makes it an excellent choice for planting avocado trees in high density or hedge-row settings.

Problems solved by technology

Avocado root rot is the limiting factor for the growth of avocados throughout the world.

The resultant lack of roots causes the tree to eventually die from water stress.

However, even with these rootstocks, growers must still use a variety of methods, including mounding, mulching and the applications of chemical fungicides, to keep the tress from dying in many soils.

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