Apr 29, 2011Rootstock findings
In a brochure given to IFTA members during the annual conference in Pasco, Wash., the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission listed some of the findings of its rootstock trials:
(This originally appeared with the story on fighting replant disorder)
- Geneva rootstocks continue to show genetic mitigation of replant disorders. Elite selections, including G.41, G.214, G.935 and G.890, continue to perform well in fumigated and non-fumigated sites.
- All elite Geneva clones are resistant to fire blight.
- G.41 and G.11 are smaller than M.9 T337 and outperform M.9 clones in Washington state.
- G.214, released last year, is larger than M.9 337.
- G.935 is similar in size to Pajam 2 or M.9 emla. It is M.9-class in tree size. G.935 is vigorous as a newly planted non-bearing tree, but calms with a crop.
- G.890 is a vigor class larger (M.26) than M.9. It is crop efficient and produces good fruit size.
- In tough replant sites, G.41, G.214, G.890 and G.935 are improving consistency of performance.
- G.16 is available, fire blight resistant and moderately replant tolerant, but is hypersensitive to virus infection. The virus issue is a problem only if grafting or budding with wood of questionable heritage.
By Matt Milkovich