Development of avocado rootstock varieties resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi and salinity by the implementation of molecular breeding approaches for genomic selection

The overall goal of this program is to develop and provide elite rootstock material that is highly tolerant to Phytophthora root rot (PRR) and salinity. To address this goal we have divided the program into specific areas: 1) Screening for PRR tolerant rootstock varieties, 2) Screening for rootstock varieties with high tolerance to salinity and understanding PRR x salinity interactions to select for both PRR and salinity tolerant rootstocks, 3) Field testing, 4) Implementation of molecular-assisted breeding, and 5) outreach, education, and commercial release of elite rootstocks.