Early Performance of ‘Red Fuji’ on M.9 Clones and Other Dwarfing Rootstocks

Abstract

In 1993, trees of ‘Red Fuji’ (T. A. C. 114) apple ( Malus x domestica Borkh.) on 16 dwarf rootstocks were planted in New Franklin, Missouri (MO) to evaluate tree growth and precocity in a midwestern climate. Rootstocks in this study included 11 M.9 clones, as well as B.9, M.27 EMLA, V.1, and V.3. Tree loss was minimal for all rootstocks in spite of heavy rainfall immediately preceding and following planting. By 1997, trees on M.9 NAKB T340, V.1, Mark, and M.9 EMLA had greater trunk cross-sectional areas (TCAs) than those on B.9, M.9, M.9 Janssen 337, V.3, and M.27 EMLA. Trees on M.9 NAKBT340 were also taller than those on M.9 Burgmer 984, M.9 NAKBT337, M.9 Pajam 1, B.9, M.9 Janssen 337, V.3, and M.27 EMLA. V.3 trees produced the greatest number of flower clusters per tree in 1995. Of the M.9 clones, M.9 NAKB T340 produced more flower clusters than M.9 RN 29, M.9 Burgmer 756, M.9, and M.9 Janssen 337. However, fruit yield of all trees was low due to rainfall and high winds during bloom in 1995 and frost when flowers were at full pink stage in l996. By 1997, trees on M.27 EMLA had lower cumulative yield (CY) than those on all other rootstocks. Although yield efficiency (YE) was statistically similar during the early years of tree growth, differences may become apparent as trees mature and regular cropping is achieved.