Can early peroxidase quantification detect graft-compatible in anonaceous rootstocks?

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the class III peroxidase activity in young plants of different species belonging to Annonaceae botany family, with high potential as a rootstock, for early detection of graft-compatible atemoya (Annona x atemoya Mabb.). The experimental design was randomized block, that evaluated the species araticum-de-terra-fria (Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer ‘variety terra-fria’), araticum-mirim (Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer ‘variety mirim) and biribá (Annona mucosa (Schltdl.) H. Rainer), with rootstock potential, and atemoya (scion), which were divided into four blocks, each with four plants. The peroxidase was quantified on the stem before grafting. Statistical analysis showed that only the biribá presented different peroxidase activity compared to atemoya plants; and araticum-mirim and araticum-de-terra-fria were similar to atemoya plants. Thus, the peroxidase activity could not be possible or be used as a tool in the early diagnosis of the graft-compatible in atemoya combinations.   Key words: Annona emarginata, Annona mucosa, Annona x atemoya, compatibility, grafting.