North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[natelson@stehlinclinic.com]

I would think you should try Pyrodwarf(there are two separate rootstocks
sold under this name, which, presumably, vary in their size control.  The
original version of this rootstock is not vigorous enough (possibly in
part because of its high chill requirement) in the South but should work
in your climate.  I have no information about the later introduced
Pyrodwarf clone.  Pyrodwarf should have wide pear compatibility as it is
an Old Home cross.  OH x F 217 would be another possibility, as would OH x
F 513.  The former produces a small but useful sized tree in the South,
but, I suspect, would be a bit larger in the North.  OH x F 513 is a
fairly low chill rootstock, as far as OH crosses go, but, for some other
reason, does not have enough vigor in the South, like Pyrodwarf.

You don't sound like you are interested in interstem trees, but for pears,
grafting is easy and does not reduce the take rate in a significant way.



> I'm trying to determine the best dwarfing rootstock for pears in zone
> 5.  I have
> used Quince EMLA C in the past, with uneven results.  I realize that
> there are
> compatibility issues with certain varieties of pears, and that
> interstems have been used
> to solve that.  Just like to get the latest info on what is available.
> My objectives would
> be the most dwarfing possible, heartiness for zone 5, and compatibility
> with pear
> varieties (interstems would be acceptable, but not desirable).
>
> As a side question, if I do use an interstem, does that decrease the
> chances for getting
> a successful grafted tree.  It is certainly more work and expense.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nafex mailing list
> nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
>
> Reproduction of list messages or archives is not allowed.
> This includes distribution on other email lists or reproduction on web
> sites.
> Permission to reproduce is NEVER granted, so don't claim you have
> permission!
>
> **YOU MUST BE SUBSCRIBED TO POST!**
> Posts from email addresses that are not subscribed are discarded.
> No exceptions.
> ----
> To subscribe or unsubscribe, go to the bottom of this page (also can be
> used to change other email options):
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/nafex
>
> File attachments are NOT stripped by this list.
> TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COMPUTER VIRUSES!
> Please do not send binary files.
> Use plain text ONLY in emails!
>
> NAFEX web site:   http://www.nafex.org/
>