Rootstock-scion interactions on dwarfing cherry rootstocks in Hungary

Abstract

In 1997 the Research Institute for Fruitgrowing and Ornamentals set up a comparative rootstock trial to study foreign-bred dwarf cherry rootstocks in the Hungarian climate. Based upon their effects on trunk and canopy growth, rootstocks can be classified into 3 groups: very vigorous (Cerasus mahaleb L. Cema, Cerasus avium L. C. 2493, Weiroot 13), medium vigorous (Weiroot 158, Weiroot 154, P-HL-A) and dwarfing rootstocks (Weiroot 72, Weiroot 53, GiSelA 5). Differences between the blooming and ripening times of rootstock/scion combinations were also observed. Linda produced the highest cumulative yield followed by Katalin, Germersdorfi 3 and Piramis. The largest fruit diameter was measured in Germersdorfi 3 among the sweet cherry cultivars; the highest ratio of fruits larger than 26 mm was found on Weiroot 72, and the lowest on GiSelA 5. The largest fruit diameter of the sour cherry Piramis was observed in trees on Cerasus avium C. 2493.