Growth and Production of ‘Bing’ and ‘Schmidt’ Sweet Cherries on Several MxM or East Malling Cherry Rootstocks

Abstract

‘Schmidt’ and ‘Bing’ sweet cherries were planted in 1982 at the Washington State University Royal Slope Research Unit near Othello, WA. ‘Bing’ was grafted onto EMCR (East Malling cherry rootstocks) 15, 16, 21, 38, and 50. ‘Schmidt’ was grafted onto Mazzard seedling and onto MxM (Mahaleb × Mazzard) rootstocks 14, 39, and 97. Data on growth and production are reported for the first 8 years of commercial production. ‘Bing’ trees were largest on EMCR.38 and were smallest on EMCR.50. Rootstock had no significant effect on cumulative yield of ‘Bing,’ which averaged 203 kg tree ^-1after 8 years. Cumulative yield efficiency for ‘Bing’ was highest from trees on EMCR.16 or EMCR.50, and was lowest from trees on EMCR.15 or EMCR.38. The largest ‘Schmidt’ trees were on Mazzard seedling rootstock, and the smallest were on MxM.14 or MxM.97. Rootstock had no significant effect on cumulative yield of ‘Schmidt,’ which after 8 years averaged 66 kg tree ^-1, and had no effect on cumulative yield efficiency. All tested MxM. rootstocks offered some degree of size control, relative to ‘Schmidt’/Mazzard seedling, but productivity of ‘Schmidt’ was low.