The Behavior of Several Apple Varieties on Malling Rootstocks

Abstract

A fruit tree is made up of two parts, namely the desired variety forming the trunk and branches, and the rootstock supplying the root system. As a rule in the past apple seedlings raised from seeds of commercial varieties have been widely used as rootstocks for orchard trees. Trees grown on these seedling rootstocks will reach large size and may not come into bearing as early as desired. Such trees may also present problems in pruning, spraying and harvesting. With the trend to greater mechanization of all orchard operations, trees of smaller size than those on seedling rootstocks may be more desirable.