2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To develop new stonefruit rootstocks and management practices to control soilborne diseases and nematodes. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Soilborne diseases and nematodes will be investigated by:. 1)evaluating stonefruit germplasm on sites infested with soilborne diseases and nematodes;. 2)intercrossing and developing selections for further breeding, commercial testing and subsequent release; and. 3)testing and evaluating new and novel combinations of chemical and cultural strategies in conjunction with genetic solutions. 3.Progress Report The development of new rootstocks and management practices for the control of soilborne diseases and nematodes of peach is an urgent need of the southeastern US peach industry. This has become even more apparent with the introduction of Guardian peach rootstock in 1993. Guardian has been widely adopted by the southeastern US peach industry, and though it has provided exceptional resistance to peach tree short life (PTSL), it is highly susceptible to Armillaria root rot (ARR) which has now surpassed PTSL as the primary cause of premature peach tree death. The first group of plum hybrid and plum x peach hybrid rootstock selections bred in this program are nearing completion of their disease resistance and horticultural evaluations. Several items continue to stand out as potential candidates for release for commercial testing. Evaluations are continuing and the scaling up of materials to support expected release(s) has commenced. MONITORING: Progress is being reported to funding agency via periodic phone and email contacts.