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nafex - [NAFEX] apple rootstocks, southeastern NY

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  • From: Alan Haigh <alandhaigh@gmail.com>
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [NAFEX] apple rootstocks, southeastern NY
  • Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:45:18 -0500

There's lots a info out there about rootstocks you can search up, but I have some extra infopinions you might not find.

First, when a rootstock reference list states a specific sized tree brought about by a given rootstock it's useful mostly for comparing relative vigor of the root stocks on the list.  Scion variety has equal affect on vigor and climate and soil are also major issues.  Throw in pruning style as well.  Scion will be equally as influential on precocity.

If you plan to grow anything less vigorous than 7 expect to need irrigation (and support), although 26, once established, with a vigorous scion can become a self sufficient tree after several years- at least here in the northeast.

M7 has a nasty habit of blowing over with it's first heavy crop so you might want to stake it for at least 7 years- especially on windy sites. 

G30 seems to have some unpredictable compatibility issues.

The more dwarfing the rootstock the more susceptible to rodent injury.  Perhaps that should just read that more dwarfing root stocks seem to be more attractive to rodents.

For home orchards, you don't have to worry too much about relative productivity or even fruit sizing.  111 is often categorized as a poor producer but once it starts setting fruit I doubt you'll be disappointed in its production. 

The more dwarfing the rootstock the less sooty blotch and fly speck- also, the less pruning.  Even on a per acre basis, dwarf trees will take much, much less time to prune than those on more vigorous root stocks.

If you want to plant a legacy, plant trees on 111.


  • [NAFEX] apple rootstocks, southeastern NY, Alan Haigh, 10/22/2010

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