Clonal Rootstocks: High Density Plantation

In my previous post on Apple Rootstocks I discussed about advantage of clonal rootstocks. These stocks though have genetic similarity is bound to react similarly to the scion wood. Thus we can visualize the final product and can make a blue print of our production unit. Most of us call horticulture an industry, but how many of us understand that in any of the industry we first calculate the production and then inputs and then we decide about whether to produce or not. Whereas in horticulture as an industry how many of us calculate our production, or visualize the quality or critically decide about critical inputs? Even then this industry is giving us lot of remuneration this means even we are doing horticulture without planning it is giving us the upward growth, what it can do if we plan it properly.

There are number of clonal rootstocks around the world. There are some popular rootstocks like M9, MM106, MM 111, 793, M7, M26, Bud -9, and so on.

M9

World over this rootstock having dwarfing effect is appropriate for dense planting methods. Its use is recommended with the varieties of vigorous development, Fuji, Gala etc. Around the world it has been proven to be the most stable in preciosity, performance and production rootstock with very satisfying tolerance to  Phytophthora disease.  This rootstock requires support for the development of plantation and it is the most widespread and popular rootstock worldwide. Its combination with the varieties of the Red Delicious is not advised.

M26

A very popular rootstock in Greece. It produces trees 65% more vigorous compared to seedling apple tree. It forms the perfect combination with the Red Delicious varieties in every type of orchard planting. It requires careful actions as to accomplish a successful production every year. The quality of the produced product is regarded very nice. Avoid combining it with varieties like Fuji, Gala, Johnagold etc. Along with the variety Granny Smith a good combination is achieved.

MM106

This rootstock is particularly sensitive towards the Phytophthora fungus. It should be avoided in  intensive planting . Its use in moist soil, watered with inclination and in soil which had been previously replanted with apple trees would not be wise. Its products are relatively small so the careful thinning down is demanded. It has a fairly developed rooting system, hence its trees do not require any support.

MM111

This rootstock coordinates very well with the Red Delicious varieties. Its basic characteristic and its advantage over the MM106, is the tolerance towards the soil borne fungus Phytophthora sp. This is the apparent reason why, the use of this rootstock, and not of the MM106, is recommended.

In coming posts I shall be discussing about Planting systems in apple.