Rootstocks, fruit trees

Control of weeds in fruit is just as important as for vegetables—except where fruit trees are growing on vigorous rootstocks. A full-sized fruit tree surrounded by a wildflower meadow gains many benefits from it, and together this association forms a valuable wildlife habitat. But in the case of small trees and all soft fruits, weeds compete with the crop plants for light, water, and nutrients if very profuse, they can reduce air flow and increase the likelihood of fungal attack. Do not let weeds get out of hand. 

Like most fruit trees, apples are not grown on their own roots. Instead, they are grafted onto the roots of compatible trees, usually other apples. Rootstocks help to control the eventual size of the tree. Depending on the rootstock selected, the same cultivar of apple might grow 8 ft (2.5 m) or 30 ft (9 m) tall. Ask the nursery for advice on heights and rootstocks. 

In many cases cultivated soils have compacted areas which can severely impair tree growth. Compaction in soil may be due to factors associated with soil formation or geology, or it may have been caused by mechanical pressure from machinery or by deposits by transport and ground-levelling vehicles. If the soil is compacted it is absolutely essential to loosen the subsoil (e.g. by trenching or deep cultivation) before a new orchard is set up. Dwarfing rootstocks for apples and pears (M9, M27, quince C), elder and small fruit trees are particularly sensitive to soil compaction. 

Since most tropical soils are deficient in plant nutrients because of high temperatures, high rainfall and leaching, many of the most desirable new varieties are grafted onto older, more established varieties (35). This type of symbiotic relationship is not unique to hibiscus and is practiced with a wide variety of fruit trees and flowers including rose bushes, citrus trees, apple trees and grape vines. Rootstocks are used which are more resistent to soil nematodes and other diseases (36). For our research Albo Lacinatus (Anderson s Crepe Pink) was employed. Anderson s Crepe Pink is widely used as a root stock in Florida and... 

Commercial production of fruit trees and ornamental woody plants traditionally involved rootstocks grown from seed and buds or scions (grafts) from stock plants maintained by individual nurseries. Now both rootstocks and grafts are typically... 

The choice of rootstocks was until recently thought to primarily affect the growth and vigour of the tree and to only have a minor effect on intrinsic fruit quality. However, recent research has shown that, under low input organic production practice, the choice of rootstock can have a significant influence on tree fitness and tree nutrient acquisition, and thereby also on fruit quality (Weibel et al., 2006a). 

For general advice, see Apples (p.294). Most European plums will set some fruit without cross-pollination, but nearly all will yield better when cross-pollinated by another European cultivar. Japanese plums must be cross-pollinated by either a Japanese or American type. American plums also need cross-pollination for best yields. Rootstock choice can further influence your plum trees success. Ask a specialty fruit nursery for help in selecting a suitable combination of trees on appropriate rootstocks. 

Orchards with more than 4000-5000 trees/ha have very high establishment costs and increase the production risk. In many cases they do not achieve economically viable yields and make it difficult to produce quality fruit. In increasing the planting density on dwarfing rootstocks, the ecological requirements should be taken into account as well as the... 

Rootstock kg per tree 1994-96 Fruit weight (g) Stem circumference (cm) March 1997... 

Plums are deciduous trees that grow from 5 to 20 depending on soil, rootstock, and cultivar. Japanese plums Prunus salicina) bear fruit on spurs—short branches that elongate only a fraction of an inch per year— 1 year old or older. European (P domestica) and hybrid plums bear fruit on spurs 2 years old or older. Plums are hardy in Zones 4-10, depending on species and cultivar. 

Apple trees can be grown in most places, but before you buy your trees, do get advice from your local supplier on three things the rootstock, the most appropriate variety, and pollination needs. Apples and pears are grafted onto rootstocks that determine the eventual size of the tree, the age when it starts to fruit, and the amount of fruit it can produce. Rootstock Ml 11 will produce a vigorous, wide-spreading standard tree that will start to produce fruit after six... 

Ornamental plum—These trees produce red foliage and red fruit which is suitable for jams and jellies. The scientific name for the ornamental plum is Prunus cerasifera which is also the myrobalan plum. The major value of the myrobalan plum is its use as a rootstock for other stone fruits. 

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