Use of seeds from local loquat ecotypes for rootstock production

In Italy loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, Lindl) seedlings are commonly produced in nurseries as rootstocks for commercial loquat orchards. Seedling production is characterized by low germination percentage and a slow plant growth.The aim of this study was to evaluate local ecotypes seeds of loquat for seedlings production. Some ecotypes (Bianco dolce, BRT20, Claudia, Fiore, La Mantia and Marcenò) and international cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Magdal, Peluche and Tanaka) were compared. Loquat seeds of 11 different genotypes were collected from mature fruits in commercial orchards. Seeds were extracted and washed after separating from flesh. A pretreatment of 24 hr of seed soaking in a sol…