This collection considers the ways in which rootstock health can be optimised to improve agricultural production and fruit quality. Chapters consider recent advances in the development and utilisation of fruit tree rootstocks and how they can be used to mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses.

This collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on optimising rootstock health.

The first chapter explores optimising rootstock health to improve root function, resource-use efficiency, sustainability and agricultural productivity. The chapter also presents a case study on tomato rootstocks as a viable strategy to overcome abiotic stresses in Ghana.

The second chapter reviews the important aspects of tree growth and development in apple production which are integral to ensure product quality. The chapter discusses the importance of rootstocks and emphasises the mechanisms and morphological effects of dwarfing on rootstocks.

The third chapter considers recent advances in the development and utilisation of fruit tree rootstocks, focussing primarily on apples. The chapter also reviews rootstock tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses.

The fourth chapter discusses advances in avocado tissue culture for clonal propagation and highlights the potential of this technology for improving the sustainable supply of high-quality avocado plants to support future avocado industry growth.

The final chapter addresses the challenges and opportunities in pear breeding, focussing on pear cultivars, pear rootstocks and germplasm resources. The chapter also considers the use of dwarfing as a means of improving particular traits.