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.
