This post is in continuation to my previous post on High Density Plantation: Advantages of smaller trees.
What is rootstock?
Rootstock is the root system and a small proportion of the
lower trunk of most apple trees. Grafting the genetically distinct fruiting
part of the tree, the scion, on the rootstock forms whole tree. Occasionally a
third genetically distinct component, an interstock or interstem, is grafted
between rootstock and scion.
Why rootstocks are used?
Its really difficult to propagate the scions directly, but
the rootstocks can be propagated easily that’s why rootstocks are used in apple
propagation whether seedling or clonal rootstocks. Next question comes to the
mind that why clonal rootstocks when seedling rootstocks are available and are
propagated easily. Its true that seedling rootstocks can be propagated easily
but these vary in genetic make up because its a sexual propagule, therefore it is bound to produce a
different reaction to the scion. This means that you can not expect the plant
to produce the same quality as of the parent. Whereas the clonal rootstock is
produced through vegetative means thus have same genetic print that gives
assurance that reaction to the scion will be the same that means there is most
likely same quality of the plants and fruits can be produced.
In coming post I shall be discussing about Advantages of clonal rootstocks
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