Evaluation of tolerance of hybrid apple rootstock genotypes to woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann) and its relationship with root traits

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor, Temperate Fruit Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Temperate Fruit Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran.

10.30466/rip.2025.56063.1346

Abstract

The woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann) is a destructive pest of apple trees that causes considerable economic losses in Iran and worldwide. This study was conducted over four years at the Kamalshahr Research Station, Karaj, to evaluate the tolerance of hybrid and native apple genotypes to this pest and to investigate its relationship with root traits. Ten promising genotypes derived from crosses between native rootstocks (Azayesh Esfahan and Morabai Mashhad) and commercial rootstocks (M9, M27, and B9) were evaluated under natural conditions without chemical control. Periodic sampling of aphid colonies and assessment of tolerance indices, including the stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance index (TI), and damage index (DI), were performed. Factor analysis and hierarchical clustering classified the genotypes into four groups: highly tolerant, moderately tolerant, less tolerant, and susceptible. The Azop3-85 rootstock was identified as the most tolerant genotype, exhibiting a long root length (3.22 cm) and high rooting percentage (85%), together with the lowest susceptibility (SSI = 1.89) and infestation intensity (DI = 0.81). In contrast, susceptible rootstocks such as Azop2-85, which had weak root characteristics (root length of 8.12 cm), experienced the greatest damage. Significant correlations were observed between root traits (root length and rooting percentage) and tolerance indices. This study emphasizes that the use of tolerant native rootstocks such as Azop3-85 can not only reduce chemical control costs but also provide better adaptation to Iranian conditions. Overall, the findings provide a sustainable approach for the management of woolly apple aphid and improvement of apple production.

Keywords

References

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Research in Pomology
Volume 10, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 77-88

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