Results of cherry rootstock evaluations in Hungary

Abstract

The paper gives a review on the results of the latest rootstock evaluation projects in Hungary. Several cherry rootstock evaluation projects were carried out in Hungary during the last two decades. The evaluated rootstocks are partly mahalebs selected in Hungary, but more or less all the most important new rootstocks from different countries are involved. The aim of these evaluation projects was to find appropriate rootstocks in a wide range of vigour for our climate and soil conditions. The conclusion of the last 20 years of research in Hungary proved just the opposite of believes, that high density orchard can only be planted with dwarfing rootstocks. Before choosing the right rootstock the most important is to consider adaptability, precocity and productivity. Dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks showed proper results only with irrigation or very good site conditions. These rootstocks are very precocious, but branches form easily blindwood. This must be corrected by severe pruning in the first years. The relatively small leaf surface area can also be disadvantageous, but it can be controlled by pruning, fruit-thinning, irrigation and fertilization. After studying different rootstocks semi-vigorous rootstocks seem to be the most adequate for different site conditions in Hungary. Fast initial growing and competent precocity are their favourable characters. From the vigorous group of clonal mahalebs or seedlings are highly recommended first of all for poor site condition (sandy, lime soils with high pH). They turn to bearing early and easy to find them in the Hungarian nurseries. But on vigorous rootstocks trees might need stronger summer pruning.

Rootstock effect on the performance of sweet cherry cv. Lapins

“…The lowest yield was recorded on Damil, Gi 209/1, Gi 195/20, Gi 148/8 and Gisela 5. Overall, the yield in the current experiment was lower than that obtained in similar investigations (Gyeviki et al 2008;Sitarek, Grzyb 2010). A higher The yield efficiency index demonstrates the relationship between tree vegetative growth and productivity parameters.…”

“…The trees on Gi 154/7 and Gisela 4 had the highest cumulative yield efficiency -0.69 and 0.65 kg/cm 2 of TCSA, respectively (Table 4). These rootstocks were yield efficient in other studies as well (Perry et al 1997;Blažková, Hlušičková 2007;Gyeviki et al 2008). The trees on Gi 209/1, Weiroot 53 and Gi 523/02 showed good yield efficiency in some years.…”

“…The most vigorous were trees on Gi 497/8, Gi 154/7, Gisela 4 and P-HL-A with a trunk diameter increase from 32 to 41%. Gisela 5 is usually ranked as a semi-dwarf or a dwarf rootstock (Cmelik et al 2004; Balmer, (Gyeviki et al 2008).…”

“…The latter two rootstocks are vigorous and difficult to maintain, especially during harvesting. P. mahaleb seedlings slightly reduce tree growth vigour but perform poorly in heavier soils (Gyeviki et al 2008) prevalent in a larger part of Lithuania. Furthermore, compatibility of different sweet cherry cultivars grafted on P. mahaleb is unpredictable (Perry 1987).…”

Evaluation of some cherry varieties grafted on Gisela 5 rootstock

“…Trees on these rootstocks are vigorous and diffi cult to maintain, especially during harvesting. Mahaleb seedlings have slightly reduced tree growth vigor but perform poorly in heavier soils (Gyeviki et al, 2008). According to some authors (Perry, 1987), the compatibility of different sweet cherry varieties graft ed on P. mahaleb is unpredictable.…”