Apple rootstock effect on the quality of planting material
2004
Kviklys, D.
In 1999-2001, at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, the effects of apple rootstocks M.26Vf, M.26, MM.106Vf, MM.106, B.118, B.396, P 60, P 22 and Antonovka seedlings on the quality of one-year-old planting material were studied. Ten apple cultivars were included in the trial. The influence of rootstock on tree height, stem diameter, lateral branching and spur formation and branch length was estimated. Rootstocks determined tree characteristics. Significant differences were found when tree height, branch number and average length were estimated. B.118 rootstock gave the highest trees (155 cm), with the longest (33 cm) and most numerous branches (4.7). The highest percentage of trees with laterals (around 60%) was on seedling and B.118 rootstocks. The lowest percentage (30%) was on the P 60 rootstock. P 22 and P 60 rootstocks induced the production of shorter laterals. Trees on P 60 and M.26 had less laterals and spurs. Smaller trees grew on P 22 and B.396 rootstocks. Stronger planting material was produced on the more vigorous rootstocks. Rootstock growth vigour was correlated (r=0.63 and 0.73) with the height of maiden trees and stem diameter. But there was no correlation with the number of laterals and the percentage of trees with laterals. These traits depended mostly on the propagated cultivars. Virus-free rootstocks guaranteed 21% more trees with laterals, 20% more branches and even 40% more spurs than on the same non-tested rootstocks. Tree height on virus-free rootstocks was not significantly greater.
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