AVOID scion rooting: Scion rooting eliminates the dwarfing effect of the rootstock

摘要

When establishing a high-density apple block, it's best to plant the trees higher in the ground than you actually want them, horticulturists say. The trees will inevitably sink after planting and irrigating, and if the bud union is below the soil level, adventitious roots will grow from the scion. This will overcome any dwarfing effect of the rootstock so that the trees will in effect become seedlings and grow too big for their allotted space. Once the trees are scion rooted, there is no easy way toaddress the problem. "I would say scion rooting is a serious problem, even in good orchards," said retired Washington State University horticulturist Dr. Bruce Barritt. "Even good orchardists have problems."