Breeding for the development of pecan Carya illinoensis (Wang) K. Koch, seedling rootstocks

Abstract

Controlled pollinations between six pecan cultivars, including selfing, were made in 1965 and measurements and observations were made from 1966 to 1970 for possible rootstock material. Data were obtained on the major open-pollinated cultivar rootstock seed sources to compare with seedlings developed from controlled pollinations. Seed of the northern cultivars, 'Major' and 'Peruque', require stratification and a chilling requirement before their germination will compare to seed of southern cultivars. Open-pollinated seed of the cultivar 'Moore' and 'Success' are less prompt in germination than seed of other cultivars. Selfing reduced vigor in all seedlings except in a cross of 'Western' X 'Western'. It is possible that some of the selfed lines could be used for dwarfing rootstocks in high density pecan plantings. It would not be too difficult to establish an isolated planting for rootstock seed production. The staminate parent greatly influenced seedling vigor, thus seedlings from open-pollination may be extremely variable, depending on the staminate parent. ...