The plum cv. Kirke was budded on 13 selected rootstocks including the standard rootstock St. Julien A and evaluated under field conditions during 2001-08. Average bud take was 43, with the highest bud take on St. Julien A at 75. No take was observed with Marianna GF 8.1 and only 15 take in combination with Myrobalan P 1254, all of which died during the 1st yr in the nursery. The most vigorous rootstock was MyrocalReg. Fercino with an increase in trunk diam. (TD) of 94.6 mm during the 1st 6 yr in the orchard. GF 655-2 had the largest dwarfing effect with a TD of 48.8 mm. Although none of the tested rootstocks were found to be truly dwarfing, the best growth control was provided by Ishtara, Ferciana and GF 655-2. Ishtara also produced the largest fruits at 50.4 g, and a high yield. The most productive rootstock was Jaspi Fereley with an accumulated yield at 25.6 kg per tree. Fruits on the rootstock Plumina Ferlenain matured 4-5 days earlier than from any other rootstock combinations.
展开▼
