2007 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 diesease and nematodes will be investigated by: 1)evaluating stonefruit germplasm on sites infested with soilborne diseases and nematodes; b) intercrossing and developing selections for further breeding, commercial testing and subsequent release; c) testing and evaluating new and novel combinations of chemical and cultural strategies in conjunction with genetic solutions. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a trust fund cooperative agreement (CRIS #6606-21220-008-01T) between ARS (Byron, Georgia) and the South Carolina Foundation Seed Association (Clemson, SC). Additional details of research can be found in the report of parent CRIS #6606-21220-008-00D), Deciduous Fruit Improvement and Protection from Pests. 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 U.S. peach industry. Progress to date includes the establishment of a grower trial of candidate Armillaria root rot resistant peach x plum rootstock selections, the creation of a new series of interspecific hybrids utilizing elite rootstock parent lines and the continued monitoring of a large scale trial of both biological and chemical control agents for their efficacy in the control of Armillaria root rot. The ADODR has monitored this project through regular teleconferences with the cooperator.