Pear Rootstocks, Genetics, and Genomics
Research in the Waite lab is focused on using and improving genetic and genomic tools to tackle key questions relating to rootstock/scion relations in fruit trees, particularly with pear rootstocks.
Pear production, like that of most temperate tree fruit that we eat, relies on composite trees composed of a scion (the top part of the tree with the fruit you eat) and a rootstock (the base of the trunk and the root system).
Rootstocks are bred and selected for many important traits, including disease resistance, abiotic stress resistance, nutrient capture and fruit quality, precocious flowering (short juvenile period), and architectural traits such as dwarfing potential.
Commercial pears grown in the U.S. (largely European pears) have relatively few options for rootstocks. Our research goals aim to better understand rootstock traits and support the development of new and improved pear rootstocks.
Please explore the pages to find out more about the lab!
Pear production, like that of most temperate tree fruit that we eat, relies on composite trees composed of a scion (the top part of the tree with the fruit you eat) and a rootstock (the base of the trunk and the root system).
Rootstocks are bred and selected for many important traits, including disease resistance, abiotic stress resistance, nutrient capture and fruit quality, precocious flowering (short juvenile period), and architectural traits such as dwarfing potential.
Commercial pears grown in the U.S. (largely European pears) have relatively few options for rootstocks. Our research goals aim to better understand rootstock traits and support the development of new and improved pear rootstocks.
Please explore the pages to find out more about the lab!