Early performance of ‘Auksis’ apple trees on dwarfing rootstocks in the Baltic region

T. Univer¹, D. Kviklys², J. Lepsis³ and N. Univer¹

¹Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciencesof the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Polli, 69108, Viljandimaa, Estonia; e-mail: toivo.univer@emu.ee
²Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Kauno 30, LT-54333 Babtai, Kaunas distr., Lithuania;e-mail: d.kviklys@lsdi.lt
³Pure Horticultural Research Station, Abavas 2, Pure, LV-3124, Latvia;e-mail: janis.lepsis@puresdis.lv

Abstract:

‘Auksis’ apple trees on P22, P59, P61, P62, P66, P67, PB-4, Pure 1, B.9, B.396, M.9 and M.26 rootstocks were planted in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 2005. After five growing season, the strongest growth and the highest yield were recorded in Lithuania. The growth rate of trees on B.396, B.9, P62, P67, P66 and Pure 1 was similar to those of trees M.9. The rootstocks P22, P59 and PB-4 appeared to be more dwarfing than M.9. The highest cumulative yield of ‘Auksis’ was obtained from trees grafted on M.9, M.26, P62 and P67. The least productive were trees on PB-4 rootstock at all the places. Effects of rootstock on fruit weight were modest. Rootstock and location interaction was recorded for P61 in growth vigour control, and P22 and Pure 1 in cumulative yield.

Key words:

First results of a dwarfing plum rootstocks trial

H. Jänes¹ and A. Pae²

¹Polli Horticultural Institute of the Estonian Agricultural University, 69104 Karksi-Nuia, Viljandimaa, Estonia; e-mail: heljo11@hot.ee
²Department of Horticulture of the Estonian Agricultural University, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia

Abstract:

For many years, Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. seedlings of high vigour have been the most widespread seedling rootstock in Estonia. Plum growers are interested in less vigorous plum rootstocks which are productive with good fruit quality, easily harvested, early fruiting and less expensive to manage. In a new experiment (a collaborative project together with Latvian, Lithuanian and Byelorussian scientists), two plum cultivars, Queen Victoria and Kubanskaya Kometa, grafted onto 16 different rootstocks:Prunus Ackermann, Prunus Brompton, Prunus Brompton S, Prunus G 5–22, Prunus marianna GF 8–1, Prunus St. Julien A, Prunus St. Julien GF 655/2, Prunus St. Julien INRA 2, Prunus St. Julien Noir, Prunus St. Julien d’Orleans, Prunus St. Julien Wädenswill, Prunus Pixy, Prunus domestica Wangenheims, Prunus cerasifera ‘Hamyra’, P. cerasifera (local) and P. cerasifera myrobalana, were planted in an orchard in spring 2001. The objectives of these trials were to give an assessment of newly introduced plum rootstocks and to find out their compatibility with the studied plum cultivars. According to the results obtained in the first growing season, 45 (11.7%) of the 384 trees planted in 2001 died. The lowest tree dimensions both of ‘Queen Victoria’ and ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ were noted on Prunus St. Julien Wädenswill. Trees of ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ on different rootstocks started to bear fruit in the 2nd year after planting (except P. cerasifera Hamyra). ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ trees grown on Prunus St. Julien INRA 2 and Prunus St. Julien Noir produced significantly better first yield than on control rootstocks. ‘Kubanskaya Kometa’ on Prunus St. Julien A and Prunus Pixy gave the largest fruits (41 g and 40.5 g, respectively).

Key words:

dwarfing rootstocks, Estonia, fruit quality, growth, plum, yield