Influence of rootstock on the productive behaviour of ‘Orange Red’ apricot under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

--Introduction. 'Orange Red' is an apricot cultivar released in the United States and characterised by large fruit of very good quality for both the fresh market and processing. For this reason, this cultivar is greatly appreciated in Europe, especially in France. However, its production is erratic under Mediterranean climate conditions. Materials and methods. The influence of two rootstocks ('Manicot' apricot and 'GF31' Myrobolan plum) on the productive behaviour of 'Orange Red' was studied under Mediterranean conditions in Murcia (Southeast Spain). Results and discussion. 'Orange Red' grafted onto 'GF31' Myrobolan flowered slightly later than those grafted onto 'Manicot' apricot. However, differences in the date of ripening of fruits were small. On the other hand, the percentage of flower bud retention and levels of floral fertility were higher when 'Orange Red' was grafted onto 'GF31' than onto 'Manicot', resulting in higher yields and fruits with a smaller weight. The increase in flower bud retention of 'Orange Red' grafted onto the rootstock 'GF31' was the main factor responsible for the increase in yield observed with this rootstock. Conclusion. Interaction between the cultivar and rootstock is presented as an interesting strategy for cultivar adaptation to different climatic areas. Spain / Prunus armeniaca / climatic factors / rootstocks / graft compatibility / flowers / fruit / yieldsInfluence du porte-greffe sur la production de l'abricotier 'Orange Red' en climat méditerranéen.

Influence of stock on the early tree growth, yield and fruit quality traits of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

“…In this context, Egea et al (2004) reported that interaction between apricot cultivars and rootstocks is presented as an interesting strategy for cultivar adaptation to different soil and climatic areas.…”

“…On the other hand, the lowest CY and YE were observed in 'Biljana'. Ondradu & Scalas (1999) and Egea et al (2004) stated that some apricot cultivars grafted on Myrobalan gave the highest yield than other rootstocks. In contrast, some authors from different countries reported that cultivars on Myrobalan produced smaller yield then on apricot seedlings and/or on other rootstock for apricot (Loreti et al 2000;Son & Küden 2003).…”

“…Just as important is the role of interstock (Vachun 1983). However, few refer to the agronomic performance of adequate rootstocks (Egea et al 2004;Hernández et al 2010), especially of interstock, for apricot (Southwick & Weis 1998;Djuric & Keserovic 1999). Myrobalan seedlings are the most common rootstock in Serbian apricot orchards (Paunovic 1977), since the plum rootstocks are preferred for apricots in heavy and water logged soils (Güleryüz et al 1996).…”

“…In general, the rootstock provides the growth characteristics of the apricot tree (Hernández et al 2010), fruit size and fruit quality (Son & Küden 2003), yield and yield efficiency (Egea et al 2004) and orchard system (Southwick & Yeager 1999;Kapel 2003). Just as important is the role of interstock (Vachun 1983).…”

Influence of plum rootstocks on agronomic performance, leaf mineral nutrition and fruit quality of ‘Catherina’ peach cultivar in heavy-calcareous soil conditions

“…Generally, fruit weight is affected by crop load, and there is a correspondence between low yield and large fruit weight (Egea et al, 2004) and vice versa. However, in our study, no significant correlation was found between fruit weight and yield.…”