What are rootstocks for an apple tree, why are they needed and how to grow them? All these are questions that are increasingly being raised with the approach of spring. Such attention to this topic is justified, because the apple orchard that you plant today will grow and bear fruit for many decades, and the yield is being laid right now. Therefore, we want to discuss in detail such an urgent topic as stocks for the apple tree. We’ll make a reservation right away: it’s not necessary to grow stock; you can buy it. However, you need to have a reliable supplier so that the result is consistently good. Conversely, growing only stocks can be a separate activity, very useful for your budget. It would be to whom then to sell them.
What is stock
Today, the abundance of various varieties of apple trees is simply amazing. Of course, every gardener has a great temptation to grow large and sweet fruits on his plot. You probably already know that in order to grow a cultivated tree, you need to plant the material of the desired variety, and it is from this place that development will go. Thus, the grafted part (a twig or a kidney) will be called a graft, and what we graft on is a graft. And only at first glance it seems that the main scion in this duo. The stock for the apple tree is also extremely important. This is the foundation, the foundation on which development and fruiting depend. If you choose the wrong seedling as a stock, you may not wait for the results.
What can be rootstocks for an apple tree
Now it's time to introduce some classification, according to which we will understand this topic. There are two main ways to grow stock for yourself. It is seed or vegetative. What is the main difference? In the first case, the name speaks for itself. Seed stock is the result of planting a seed. That is, we sowed a seed, or seed, of an apple tree and got a young tree, which will be a seed stock.
The second option is clonal stocks. They are propagated by layering or cuttings, which is why they are used much more often than others, because cultivation takes much less time. All clonal stocks can be divided into two groups - mid-growth and dwarf. Exactly apple trees on dwarf rootstocks seem the most attractive, but they require the greatest investment. The gardener will need equipment of supports and organization of watering, as well as pest control throughout the life of the garden. Therefore, fans are advised to choose mid-sized or large stocks.
The origin of the clone stock
This is actually not a miracle of genetic engineering. It appeared as a result of breeding of new varieties and was grown from seeds. Why then in the future breeders decided to change the method of their reproduction? The fact is that seedlings grown from seeds can be dusted with other apple trees and get new properties. For example, acquire intensive growth from a pollinator. But vegetative propagation guarantees the cultivation of a tree, which will retain the strength of growth and properties of the variety that was recognized as an ideal stock. Clonal rootstocks of apple trees are widely used almost everywhere, entire farms are engaged in growing young trees in greenhouses through vegetative propagation, and then selling them through a retail network of specialized stores.
What varieties are suitable for the role of stock
This is a separate issue that also needs attention. The best stocks of apple trees are unpretentious, winter-hardy varieties that will grow equally well in any climatic zone. Therefore, the seeds of Antonovka vulgaris are most often taken. Also for these purposes, Chinese or Anise. If they are not there, but Moscow or Grushovka is proposed, then they can also be safely taken. Why exactly them? For self-cultivation, they are practically not used, since the fruits are too unattractive. However, these trees are frost-resistant, unpretentious and resistant to various diseases. What do you think will happen if you take a seedling grown from a seed of heat-loving, southern cultivar as a stock, and it will be planted in central Russia? Of course, in the first winter it will freeze, along with the root system. So we choose only local varieties or zoned, adapted to specific conditions.
Differences between seed and clone stocks
We will look at the cultivation of apple tree stocks in detail below, but for now let's discuss once again what the difference is between stocks grown in one way or another. The stocks grown from seeds are highly resistant to diseases and climatic conditions, however, trees grafted onto them late come into bearing. Usually it is 6-7 years after planting, and they reach full productivity after 10-12 years. But such a garden will delight you for 30-40 years.
As a stock, a forest apple tree is not suitable, because its root system is less branched than that of cultivated varieties, and therefore such trees tolerate transplanting much worse. You also need to consider the results, that is, the yield that the apple tree should bring. The seed stock and, accordingly, the trees planted on them have a limited yield of about 15-20 tons per hectare. This is due to the fact that the trees grow large, and part of the crown is unproductive, although skeletal and semi-skeletal branches also require nutrition.
Vegetative, or clonal, apple tree stocks are a real find for those who grow large gardens where productivity is placed above all else. Trees on them have moderate growth, and are also early-growing. There are a lot of varieties of vegetative stocks, each has its own peculiarities, so we will talk about each of them separately later.
Dwarf rootstocks
Apple trees on a dwarf stock are divided into 5 groups according to the strength of growth. M8 is a very dwarf and earliest stock for the apple tree. They are not too common for the simple reason that they have a superficial root system. They are poorly fixed in the soil, unstable to drought and make high demands on soil fertility. If the groundwater is very high, then you can try to grow such a garden. Apple tree seedlings on a dwarf rootstock grow and take effect already in the second year, however, such trees practically do not tolerate drought and require constant attention, since branches without support will easily break in the summer under the weight of the fruit, and in winter from snow.
M27 is a super-dwarf rootstock that is practically not used in gardens and garden plots. Its wood is very fragile, as a result of this, the plants often break, and it is very difficult to preserve them. The trees on these stocks have a very small crown, which does not speak in favor of high fruiting.
D-1071 is another excellent sample developed at the Donetsk experimental station. This is the result of crossing M9 with Anise velvet variety. Moderate growth, fruiting in the third year, and very high productivity are noted, which is what he earned the recognition of gardeners. Frost tolerance is satisfactory, tolerates drought well.
Recognized Leader of Russian Gardens - M9
Most often, gardening uses the stock M9 (Paradise 9). Its origin is unknown, but it is close to varieties growing in Georgia. It is compatible with any type of stock, which determines its popularity. Outgrowths often form on seedlings at the site of vaccination, but this does not interfere with the normal healing process. Apple trees on a dwarf rootstock are very early, which is especially important if the garden is planted for commercial purposes. Productivity is very high, much higher than that of other stunted stocks. The durability of trees is about 20 years. By the end of this period, it is necessary to prepare new seedlings in advance so as not to be left without a crop. This stock is drought tolerant, but very demanding on soil fertility. The best results can be achieved on soils generously fertilized with biohumus. On light, sandy and heavy clay soils they do not grow at all. On this stock, it is best to grow medium-sized varieties of apple trees. M9 is resistant to powdery mildew and scab, but is most often affected by aphids and rodents. The rootstock of the M9 apple tree is the most common for growing in central Russia, adapted to climatic conditions. Moreover, the trees on this stock feel normal in Siberia, only in the most severe winters there is a risk of freezing.
Semi-dwarf stocks
Apple trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock are convenient for breeding. They are not so demanding on regular watering and equipping a tree with special supports. When the stocks of M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 were just withdrawn, they began to be widely used in gardens. However, practice has shown that these species have a number of disadvantages, due to which they have lost their popularity. First of all, they have poor rooting, are sensitive to waterlogging, so the lowlands are not suitable for planting. In addition, almost all form a root shoot, which is not very convenient for a gardener.
However, apple trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock are very convenient, and therefore work in this direction continued, and MM-102 replaced it. To do this, crossed the grade Northern Scout and M1. The result is a stock that has excellent compatibility with all varieties, the trees on it are quick-growing and fruitful. It should be borne in mind that the root system takes up a lot of space, it is well-branched, which means that the tree will not need support. The frost resistance of the roots is medium, can withstand up to -10 degrees. It tolerates drought due to a well-developed root system. But prolonged waterlogging and marshland can ruin the future garden.
Medium stocks
In fact, the line between semi-dwarf and mid-root stocks is very thin. Both are the best choice for gardens. Fruits, of course, will have to wait a little longer, but such plants are much better adapted to Russian conditions, tolerate frosts and are characterized by productivity. Clonal rootstocks of apple trees allow mass production of seedlings that have identical properties, which guarantees an optimal result on a personal plot.
MM-104 was obtained in England from crossing M2 and the North Scout grade. It belongs to medium-tall ones, and on soils with high fertility it approaches strong-growing ones. Apple tree seedlings on a stockstock early bear fruiting, but yield is slightly lower than, for example, MM 106. Frost resistance is average, it can withstand temperatures up to -12 degrees. M-111 launched in England and promising for the southern zone of Ukraine. Alnarp (A2) is a strong-growing stock that is bred in Sweden. The trees begin to bear fruit for 3-4 years, the yield is high. Frost resistance - up to -14 degrees. It tolerates the proximity of groundwater, does not form root shoots. As you can see, the varieties of apple rootstocks are difficult to even list, there are so many of them today.
Medium stock of Russian breeding
All of these varieties have moderate frost resistance and practically do not survive in Siberia. However, growing apple stocks is a very promising activity, in which Russian breeders are also interested. As a result, a beautiful medium-sized stock was developed, which is ideal for Russian conditions. It is well compatible with most known varieties, it is quite drought and frost resistant, that is, it can be used on your personal plot. After about three years, you will already have a fruiting apple tree. Rootstock 118 is perfectly fixed in the soil and does not require additional support. Root shoots form very little, which is extremely convenient for care. Requires regular lowering pruning to keep the tree within three meters in height. The trees on this rootstock quickly take root, grow intensively and bear fruit well.
Rootstock cultivation
If you decide to do this yourself, then you will need to prepare the seed in advance. Apples must be removed from the tree when the seeds turn brown. This usually happens before the fruit ripens completely. The fruit needs to be crushed and the mass washed in water. Ripened seeds will remain at the bottom. Now the most interesting thing: the seeds need to be stratified, that is, subjected to low temperatures, but milder than if you planted them directly in the ground before winter.
Apple trees will require 90 days of stratification. To do this, soak the seeds for a day in water, and then mix with sand or peat and put on the lower shelf of the refrigerator. Regularly check the humidity level, as well as mix the composition to ensure oxygen access. Seeds are planted when they notice that they begin to hatch. If you correctly calculated the time, then this should be mid-April - early May, when you can plant them directly in the ground. Here they will spend their first summer and wintered safely. Next year you will have ready-made seedlings that can be used as stock. We have only partially described the apple tree stocks, however you can refer to the reference information to collect information about the varieties of your region.
Clone rootstock cultivation
Everything is much simpler here. You only need to purchase a ready stock and cut off its top. Planting the rootstock of the apple tree should be done in the mother liquor, where for 10 years it will give you new processes. It is for such a period that this site must be reserved in advance. Heavy, clay soils are completely unsuitable for the mother liquor, but sandy soils, on the contrary, will be an ideal option, but only with constant watering. Keep in mind that together with stocks you will take a colossal amount of nutrients from the soil, so that the land in the mother liquor is very depleted. Therefore, regularly apply mineral fertilizers, sawdust and straw, rotted manure. Here, someone will argue that sawdust acidifies the soil, but the apple tree tolerates such conditions perfectly .
How many rootstocks you need, see for yourself based on your own needs. If you need a large mother plant, then keep the distance between the rows about 150 cm. You will not grow a tree, but a bush. Before planting, we dig a small groove, about 8 cm, and soot into it at the right distance stock. Immediately after planting, we trim it at a height of 30 cm. The first year of the plant's task is to root well, so no additional manipulations will be required. Early in the spring, next year, cut a stump 5-7 cm high from ground level. Shoots will start to grow from the spare buds, and as soon as they reach a height of 15 cm, they will need to be sprinkled with earth. As you grow, you need to hatch the mother liquor at least two more times. Be sure to moisten the soil before this or hill after rain. In the fall, you can take ready-made lay-offs and plant them separately. After this, it is necessary to fill the bare parts of the mother liquor with earth. In the spring, do not delay the opening of bushes sprinkled in autumn so as not to delay the awakening of sleeping buds. Thus, your garden can be constantly supplied with almost free material for growing varietal apple trees. If you have a large territory, then this occupation can be the beginning of a profitable business.
To summarize
Orchard is not only a real decoration of your summer cottage, but also a source of apples that can be stocked for the whole winter, as well as a good additional income. First of all, select the varieties that you would like to grow on the site. Find out what conditions are necessary for their normal growth and fruiting. Finally, find the mother tree from which you could take the material for vaccination. Now you can begin to search for stocks. Of course, they must be combined with each other. Growing stock from seeds is a troublesome and long business; it is much better to buy a suitable cuttings and put it in the mother plant. Next year you will have young cuttings ready for vaccination. Please note that the stock should ideally match the climatic features of your region, otherwise the plant will freeze.
Do not neglect information about its root system. The fibrous, located on the surface indicates that the plant will be small, it will not tolerate drought and will need support. Plants with a developed core system, on the contrary, will not tolerate wet areas, lowlands with close occurrence of groundwater.