What are apple rootstocks, what are they for and how to grow them? These are all questions that are increasingly being raised as spring approaches. Such attention to this topic is fully justified, because the apple orchard that you plant today will grow and bear fruit for many more decades, and the yield is being laid right now. Therefore, we want to discuss in detail such a topical topic as rootstocks for an apple tree. Let's make a reservation right away: it is not at all necessary to grow a stock, you can buy it. However, you need to have a reliable supplier in order for the result to be consistently good. Conversely, growing only rootstocks can be a separate activity, very good for your budget. There would be someone to sell them later.
What is a rootstock
Today, the abundance of different varieties of apple trees is simply amazing. Of course, every gardener has a great temptation to grow large and sweet fruits in his garden. You probably already know that in order to grow a cultivated tree, you need to graft the material of the desired variety, and it is from this place that development will begin. Thus, the grafted part (twig or bud) will be called a scion, and what we graft onto, a rootstock. And only at first glance it seems that the main scion in this duet. The stock for the apple tree is also extremely important. This is the foundation, the basis on which development and fruiting depend. If you choose the wrong rootstock, you may not see results.
What can be rootstocks for an apple tree
Now it's time to introduce some classification, according to which we will understand this topic. There are two main ways to grow a rootstock for yourself. It is seed or vegetative. What is the main difference? In the first case, the name speaks for itself. A seed stock is the result of planting a seed. That is, we sowed a stone, or a seed, of an apple tree and got a young tree, which will be a seed stock.
The second option is clonal rootstocks. They propagate by layering or cuttings, which is why they are used much more often than others, because growing takes much less time. All clonal rootstocks can be divided into two groups - medium and dwarf. It is apple trees on dwarf rootstocks that seem the most attractive from the outside, but require the most investment. The gardener will need the equipment of supports and the organization of watering, as well as pest control throughout the life of the garden. Therefore, amateurs are advised to choose medium-sized or large rootstocks.
Origin of clone rootstock
This is not actually a miracle of genetic engineering. It appeared as a result of selection of new varieties and was grown from seeds. Why, in the future, breeders decided to change the way theybreeding? The fact is that seedlings grown from seeds can be pollinated with other apple trees and get new properties. For example, to acquire intensive growth from a pollinator. But vegetative propagation guarantees the cultivation of a tree that will retain the strength of growth and the properties of the variety that has been recognized as an ideal stock. Clonal apple rootstocks are widely used almost everywhere, entire farms grow young trees in greenhouses through vegetative propagation, and then sell them through a retail chain of speci alty stores.
Which varieties are suitable for the role of rootstock
This is a separate issue that also needs attention. The best apple tree rootstocks are unpretentious, winter-hardy varieties that will grow equally well in any climatic zone. Therefore, the seeds of Antonovka vulgaris are most often taken. Also for these purposes, Chinese or Anise is suitable. If they are not available, but Grushovka Moscow or Borovinka are offered, then they can also be safely taken. Why exactly them? For independent cultivation, they are practically not used, since the fruits are too unattractive. However, these trees are frost-resistant, unpretentious and resistant to various diseases. What do you think will happen if we take as a rootstock a seedling grown from a seed of a heat-loving, southern variety, and it will be planted in central Russia? Of course, in the very first winter it will freeze, along with the root system. So we choose only local varieties or zoned, adapted to specific conditions.
Differencesseed and clonal rootstocks
Cultivation of rootstocks of an apple tree, we will consider below in great detail, but for now let's discuss again what is the difference between rootstocks grown in one way or another. Rootstocks grown from seeds are highly resistant to diseases and climatic conditions, but the trees grafted onto them bear fruit late. Usually this is 6-7 years after planting, and they reach full productivity after 10-12 years. But such a garden will delight you for 30-40 years.
A forest apple tree is not suitable as a rootstock, because its root system is less branched than that of cultivated varieties, and therefore such trees tolerate transplantation much worse. You also need to consider the results, that is, the yield that the apple tree should bring. The seed stock and, accordingly, the trees planted on them have a limited yield, approximately 15-20 tons per hectare. This is due to the fact that trees grow large and part of the crown is unproductive, although skeletal and semi-skeletal branches also require nutrition.
Vegetative, or clonal, apple rootstocks are a real find for those who grow large orchards where productivity is paramount. The trees on them have moderate growth, and are also early-growing. There are a lot of varieties of vegetative rootstocks, each has its own characteristics, so we will talk about each of them separately.
Dwarf rootstocks
Apple trees on a dwarf rootstock are divided into 5 groups according to growth strength. M8 - these are very dwarf and the most precociousrootstocks for apple trees. They are not very common for the simple reason that they have a shallow root system. They are weakly fixed in the soil, unstable to drought and place high demands on soil fertility. If the groundwater is very high, then you can try to grow such a garden. Apple tree seedlings on a dwarf rootstock grow and become effective already in the second year, however, such trees practically do not tolerate drought and require constant attention, since unsupported branches easily break in summer under the weight of fruits, and in winter from snow.
M27 is a super-dwarf rootstock, which is practically not used in gardens and home gardens. Its wood is very fragile, as a result, this leads to the fact that plants often break, and it is very difficult to save them. Trees on these rootstocks have a very small crown, which is not in favor of high fruiting.
D-1071 is another great specimen bred at the Donetsk Experimental Station. This is the result of crossing M9 with Anis velvet. There is a moderate growth, fruiting in the third year, a very high yield, which earned him the recognition of gardeners. Frost resistance is satisfactory, tolerates drought well.
Recognized leader of Russian gardens - М9
Most often used in horticulture rootstock M9 (Paradizka 9). Its origin is unknown, but it is close to varieties growing in Georgia. Compatible with any type of rootstock, which determines its popularity. Growths often form on seedlings near the grafting site, but this is notinterferes with the normal healing process. Apple trees on a dwarf rootstock are very early-growing, which is especially important if the garden is planted for commercial purposes. The yield is very high, much higher than other undersized rootstocks. The lifespan of trees is about 20 years. By the end of this period, it is necessary to prepare new seedlings in advance so as not to be left without a crop. This rootstock is drought-resistant, but very picky about soil fertility. The best results can be achieved on soils generously fertilized with biohumus. On light, sandy and heavy, clay soils do not grow at all. On this stock, it is best to grow medium-sized varieties of apple trees. M9 is resistant to powdery mildew and scab, but is most often affected by aphids and rodents. The rootstock of the M9 apple tree is most common for cultivation in central Russia, adapted to climatic conditions. Moreover, the trees on this rootstock also feel fine in Siberia, only in the most severe winters there is a risk of freezing.
Semi-dwarf rootstocks
Apple trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock are convenient for breeding. They are not so demanding on regular watering and equipping the tree with special supports. When the rootstocks M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 were first bred, they began to be widely used in gardens. However, practice has shown that these types have a number of shortcomings, due to which they have lost their popularity. First of all, they have poor rooting, are sensitive to waterlogging, so lowlands are poorly suited for planting. In addition, almost all form root shoots, which is not very convenient forgardener.
However, apple trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock are very convenient, and therefore work in this direction continued, and MM-102 came to replace it. To do this, the variety Northern Scout and M1 were crossed. The result was a stock that has excellent compatibility with all varieties, the trees on it are early-growing and productive. It should be borne in mind that the root system takes up a lot of space, it is well branched, which means that the tree will not need support. The frost resistance of the roots is average, it can withstand up to -10 degrees. It tolerates drought well due to a well-developed root system. But prolonged waterlogging and swampy terrain can ruin the future garden.
Medium-sized rootstocks
In fact, the line between semi-dwarf and medium-sized rootstocks is very thin. Both of them are the best choice for gardens and orchards. Fruit, of course, will have to wait a little longer, but such plants are much better adapted to Russian conditions, tolerate frosts well and are distinguished by productivity. Clonal rootstocks of apple trees allow mass production of seedlings with identical properties, which guarantees optimal results in the garden.
MM-104 was obtained in England from crossing M2 and Severny Scout. It belongs to medium height, and on soils with high fertility it approaches vigorous growth. Apple tree saplings on a rootstock bear fruit early, but the yield is somewhat lower than, for example, that of MM 106. Frost resistance is average, it can withstand temperatures down to -12 degrees. M-111 was bred in England andpromising for the southern zone of Ukraine. Alnarp (A2) is a vigorous rootstock bred in Sweden. Trees begin to bear fruit for 3-4 years, the yield is high. Frost resistance - up to -14 degrees. It tolerates the proximity of groundwater well, does not form root shoots. As you can see, it is difficult even to list the varieties of apple tree rootstocks, there are so many of them today.
Medium-sized stock of Russian selection
All of the listed varieties have an average frost resistance and practically do not survive in Siberia. However, the cultivation of apple tree rootstocks is a very promising occupation, in which Russian breeders are also interested. As a result, a beautiful medium-sized rootstock was bred, which is ideal for Russian conditions. It is well compatible with most known varieties, it is quite drought and frost resistant, that is, it can be used on your backyard. In about three years, you will already have a fruiting apple tree. Rootstock 118 is perfectly fixed in the soil and does not require additional support. Root growth forms very little, which is extremely convenient for care. Requires regular lowering pruning to keep the tree within three meters in height. Trees on this rootstock quickly take root, grow intensively and bear excellent fruit.
Growing rootstocks
If you decide to do this yourself, then you will need to prepare the seed in advance. Apples should be removed from the tree when the seeds turn brown. This usually happens before the fruit is fully ripe. Fetusyou need to crush and rinse the mass in water. Ripe seeds will remain at the bottom. Now the most interesting thing: the seeds need to be stratified, that is, subjected to low temperatures, but softer than if you sowed them directly into the ground before winter.
Apple trees require 90 days of stratification. To do this, soak the seeds for a day in water, and then mix with sand or peat and put them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Regularly check the humidity level, and also stir the composition to ensure the access of oxygen. Plant the seeds when they notice that they begin to hatch. If you calculated the time correctly, then it should be mid-April - early May, when you can plant them straight into the ground. Here they will spend their first summer and winter safely. Next year you will have ready-made seedlings that can be used as rootstock. We have provided only a partial description of the rootstocks of apple trees, but you can refer to the reference information to collect information about the varieties of your region.
Cultivation of clone rootstocks
Everything is much simpler here. You only need to purchase a ready-made stock and cut off its top. The planting of the rootstock of an apple tree should be carried out in the mother liquor, where it will give you new shoots for 10 years. It is for this period that you need to reserve this site in advance. Heavy, clay soils are completely unsuitable for a mother liquor, but sandy ones, on the contrary, will be an ideal option, but only if they are constantly watered. Keep in mind that along with the rootstocks you will take from the soila colossal amount of nutrients, due to which the earth in the mother liquor is very quickly depleted. Therefore, regularly apply mineral fertilizers, sawdust and straw, rotted manure. Here, someone will begin to argue that sawdust acidifies the soil, but the apple tree tolerates such conditions perfectly.
How many rootstocks you need, see for yourself based on your own needs. If you need a large mother liquor, then keep the distance between rows about 150 cm. You will not grow a tree, but a bush. Before planting, we dig a small groove, about 8 cm, and plant a stock in it at the right distance. Immediately after planting, we cut it at a height of 30 cm. The first year the plant's task is to take root well, so no additional manipulations are required. In early spring, next year, cut a stump 5-7 cm high from ground level. Shoots will begin to grow from spare buds, and as soon as they reach a height of 15 cm, they will need to be sprinkled with earth. As you grow, you need to spud the mother liquor at least two more times. Be sure to moisten the soil before this or spud after rain. In autumn, you can take away ready-made layers and plant them separately. After that, it is necessary to cover the bare parts of the mother liquor with earth. In the spring, do not delay opening the bushes sprinkled in autumn, so as not to delay the awakening of dormant buds. In this way, your garden can be constantly supplied with almost free material for growing varietal apple trees. If you have a large area, then this activity can be the start of a profitable business.
Summarize
An orchard is not only a real decoration of your summer cottage, but also a source of apples that you can stock up for the whole winter, as well as a good additional income. First of all, select the varieties that you would like to grow on the site. Find out what conditions are necessary for their normal growth and fruiting. Finally, find a mother tree from which you can take grafting material. Now you can start looking for rootstocks. Of course, they must be combined with each other. Growing a stock from seeds is a troublesome and long process, it is much better to buy a suitable cutting and plant it in a mother liquor. Next year you will already have young cuttings ready for grafting. Please note that the rootstock must ideally match the climatic features of your region, otherwise the plant will freeze.
Don't neglect the information about its root system. Fibrous, located on the surface, indicates that the plant will be small, it will not tolerate drought and will need support. Plants with a developed core system, on the contrary, will not tolerate wet areas, lowlands with close groundwater.
