Vegetative growth and productive performance of 'Abate Fetel' and 'Rocha' pear trees on quince rootstocks

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the vegetative growth and yield of the 'Abate Fetel' and 'Rocha' pear (Pyrus communis) trees grafted onto the 'Adams', 'Ba29', and 'EMC' quince (Cydonia oblonga) rootstocks in the climatic conditions of Southern Brazil. The plants were trained on a central leader system, at a 4.0x1.0-m spacing. Vegetative growth, yield, and fruit size were evaluated. 'Rocha' showed greater vegetative growth, but also alternate bearing, mainly due to fructification problems. 'Abate Fetel' presented high flowering intensity, but a very low fructification, which limited its yield. Among rootstocks, 'Adams' induced a higher vigor during the initial stages and an increased intensity in flowering in the sixth year. In the following seasons, there was no rootstock effect on the assessed variables. 'Rocha' has a satisfactory production, whereas 'Abate Fetel' shows a weak vegetative growth and a very low production. The 'Adams', 'Ba29', and 'EMC' rootstocks induce similar vegetative and productive behavior in the 'Abate Fetel' and 'Rocha' pear trees.

Evaluation of Different Rootstocks and Cultivars on Pruning Weight in Young Pear Trees

“…Since cultivars with high yield spend the nutrients on fruit growth and development due to that the annual shoot growth and pruning weights are low (Rom and Carlson, 1987;Jackson, 2003). It can be said that the results of the pruning weight obtained from the research are compatible with the previous studies (Urbina et al, 2003;Musacchi et al, 2005;Giocabbo et al, 2008Giocabbo et al, , 2010Clingeleffer et al, 2019;Almeida et al, 2020).…”

“…Clingeleffer et al (2019) reported that the rootstock x cultivar interaction significantly affected pruning weight. Almeida et al (2020) cited the effect of important quince rootstocks on the pruning weight of 'Abate Fetel' and 'Rocha' pear cultivars grafted on BA29, EMC, and Adams quince clone rootstocks, and they stated that the pruning weight was higher 'Rocha' pear cultivar. These researchers reported that the pruning costs of poorly growing rootstocks and cultivars and their pruning weights were also low.…”