Source: PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
ROOTSTOCK AND INTERSTEM EFFECTS ON POME AND STONE FRUIT TREES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0194356
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NC-140
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2002
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2007
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802
Performing Department
HORTICULTURE
Non Technical Summary
Tree fruit rootstocks have a dramatic impact upon the productivity and profitability of orchards. This project will allow Pennsylvania growers to learn which rootstocks perform best under our growing conditions.
Animal Health Component
85%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
5%
Applied
85%
Developmental
10%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2021110102055%
2021112102010%
2021114102025%
6011110301010%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1114 - Peach; 1110 - Apple; 1112 - Cherry;

Field Of Science
3010 - Economics; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
1. To evaluate the performance of pome-and-stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments and under different management systems. 2. To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome-and stone-fruit rootstocks. 3. To improve the ability to identify and identify pome-adn stone-fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical, and genetic differences. 4. To develop new and better pome- and stone-fruit rootstocks through breeding and genetic engineering, and to acquire new rootstocks from breeding programs in other parts of the world. 5. To determine biotic and abiotic stress tolerances of pome- and stone-fruit trees in relation to new and existing rootstocks.
Project Methods
Tree fruit rootstocks will be evaluated in replicated fashion in cooperation with various universities

Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Two new apple rootstock trials were established at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center in 2007 to evaluate the survival, growth and productivity of advanced selections from the USDA ARS breeding program, in cooperation with Dr. Gennaro Fazio in Geneva, NY. One planting consists of nine dwarf rootstocks, the other consists of four semi-dwarf rootstocks, and both plantings contain two cultivars, Honeycrisp and Daybreak Fuji. The trees were planted with two trees of each rootstock per replicate, and with eight replications for a total of 16 trees per variety/rootstock combination. The dwarf planting was spaced at 4 feet by 12 feet; 908 trees per acre, and trained to the Tall Spindle system, supported by a nine foot tall four wire trellis. The semi-dwarf planting was spaced at 10 feet by 20 feet; 218 trees per acre, and trained as a slender pyramid with individual tree stakes. Mortality of Daybreak Fuji trees on G. 16 rootstock in the dwarf planting was nearly 100 percent, suggesting that this cultivar is not virus free. Mortality of Fuji on G. 30 in the semi dwarf planting was also high, for reasons not yet understood. The Honeycrisp strain evaluation at Cornell's Hudson Valley Lab was concluded at the end of the 2006 harvest. The nine best colored strains and one average colored selection from this planting have been topworked onto Bud 9 trees at FREC, and also budded by a commercial nursery in 2006 to determine if the perceived color improvements are stable through vegetative propagation. The 1999 apple planting and the 2006 apple planting at FREC continue as active projects. The 1998 Jonagold rootstock trial was concluded after the 2006 harvest. Tree loss of G.41 was 70 percent in this trial, and we suspect that G.41, is susceptible to graft union necrosis caused by tomato ring spot virus. Analysis of plant tissues sampled from trees in this planting is underway to determine if the virus is present. The 2002 peach rootstock trial was also removed after the 2006 season, due to the discovery of two stone fruit viruses in one of the rootstocks by Dr. Greg Reighard at Clemson. Site preparation began for a peach rootstock trial to be planted in 2008, and for one peach and one apple rootstock trial in 2009. Data collection for 2007 is complete for the 1999 apple rootstock trial, the 2006 apple rootstock trial, as well as the new 2007 plantings. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: J. Schupp, R. Crassweller, R. Marini, D. E. Smith, K. Reichard. Organizations: State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Training Intensive Fruit Production Planning for Automation (December 18,2006), Fruit Grower Field Day (July), Horticulture 432 Deciduous Tree Fruit Production at Penn State University (Fall Semester 2007). TARGET AUDIENCES: Commercial fruit growers in the Mid-Atlantic states, Orchard consultants, County Educators Efforts Field days, Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Winter Fruit Schools, Regional Twilight Fruit meetings, and Cumberland Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference

Impacts
Research results will form the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. Utilization of these recommendations results in earlier returns on investment related to orchard establishment costs. Financial benefit to fruit growers is derived from earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality. Because most new apple plantings are planted on size controlling rootstocks with substantially reduced canopy volume per acre, pesticide usage on new acreage is reduced by nearly 40 percent, thus reducing the environmental impact plus saving grower costs in pesticides and application. Conducting rootstock trials on a regional basis can allow for fine tuning of recommendations. As an example, G.41 rootstock from the USDA breeding program in Geneva is gaining a great deal of interest nationally for use in replant sites, but our preliminary results suggest that this rootstock may be hypersensitive to Tomato Ringspot virus, reducing their suitability for Mid-Atlantic orchard replant sites.

Publications

  • Baugher, T. A., J. Schupp, S. Miller, M. Harsh, K. Lesser, K. Reichard, E. Sollenberger, M. Armand, L. Kammerer, M. Reid, L. Rice, S. Waybright, B. Wenk, M. Tindall, E. Moore. 2007. Chemical and mechanical thinning of peaches. Proc. New England Fruit and Veg. Conf. pp. 107-111.
  • McArtney, S. J., J. R. Schupp, M. Parker, J. D. Obermiller, and T. Edgington. 2007. Preharvest 1-MCP delays fruit maturity and reduces softening and superficial scald of apples during long-term storage. HortScience (In Press).
  • Schupp, J., T. A. Baugher, M. Harsh, K. Lesser, D. Buckmaster, L. Kime, B. Wenk, D. Rice, S. Waybright, J. Van Pelt, R. Musselman, and M. Tindall. 2007. A systems approach for retooling Mid-Atlantic orchards. Proc. Wash. State Hort. Assoc. 102nd Ann. Mtg. pp. 83-88.
  • Schupp, J. R., T. A. Baugher, R. M. Harsh, K. Lesser, and B. Wenk. 2007. Mobile platforms increase orchard labor efficiency. HortScience 42:1000.
  • Schupp, J. and K. Reichard. 2007. Effect of a sprayable 1 MCP formulation on fruit maturity, fruit quality, and preharvest drop of Golden Delicious and Law Rome apples. HortScience 42:969.
  • Schupp, J., K. Reichard, and L. Kime. 2007. Thinning GoldRush apples in a certified organic orchard. HortScience 42:992.
  • Robinson, T., L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barrit, J. Cline, W, Cowgill, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper and M. Warmund. 2007. A Multi-location Comparison of 'Geneva 16', 'Geneva 41' and 'M.9' Apple Rootstocks in North America. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 732:59-65.
  • Autio, W.R., B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, S.D. Seeley and M. Warmund. 2007. Early Performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' Apple Trees on Several Dwarf Rootstocks in the 1999 N-140 Rootstock Trial. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 732:119-126.
  • Autio, W.R., B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G. L. Reighard, T. L. Robinson, S.D. Seeley and M. Warmund. 2007. Early Performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' Apple Trees on Several Semi-dwarf Rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 732:127-134.
  • Crassweller, R. M., J. R. Schupp and D. E. Smith. 2007. Rootstock and cultivar evaluations - 2006. PA Fruit News 87(2):60-62.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Sudden cold temperatures in early December 2005 killed all but two of the Redhaven/ MRS 2/5 trees in the 2002 NC-140 peach trial. This suggests that trees on MRS 2/5 may harden off more slowly than is desired. Trees on Pumiselect rootstock in this planting were reported to be virus infected, and this planting is being removed based upon directive from the project coordinator. Tree mortality is high for Jonagold trees on G.41 rootstock in the 1998 apple planting. The preliminary diagnosis for the tree loss is graft union necrosis caused by tomato ring spot virus. Further diagnostic study is planned to confirm the preliminary conclusion. G.16 and M.9 have 100% survival in this planting, and trees on these two stocks are very comparable in growth and cropping performance. Tree mortality is very high for all three Supporter rootstocks in the 1999 dwarf Fuji planting in Biglerville. Fuji trees on Supporter rootstocks in the companion planting at Rock Springs are also growing and performing poorly, while McIntosh trees on Supporter rootstocks have growth and productivity similar the other rootstocks in the trial. The 2006 replant by rootstock planting was established and grew well, although initial tree quality, caliper, and number of feathers were highly variable. Data collection for 2006 is complete for all plantings.

Impacts
Research results will form the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. Utilization of these recommendations results in earlier returns on investment related to orchard establishment costs. Financial benefit to fruit growers is derived from earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality. Because most new apple plantings are planted on size controlling rootstocks with substantially reduced canopy volume per acre, pesticide usage on new acreage is reduced by nearly 40 percent, thus reducing the environmental impact plus saving grower costs in pesticides and application. Conducting rootstock trials on a regional basis can allow for fine tuning of recommendations. As an example, G.16 rootstock from the USDA breeding program in Geneva is gaining a great deal of interest nationally for use in replant sites, but our preliminary results suggest that this rootstock may be hypersensitive to Tomato Ringspot virus, reducing their suitability for Mid-Atlantic orchard replant sites.

Publications

  • Crassweller, R. M., Smith, D.E. and Schupp, J.R. 2006. Apple rootstock and cultivar evaluation for Pennsylvania. PA Fruit News 86(2):36-39.
  • Krawczyk, G., Hull, L.A., Schupp, J.R., Crassweller, R.C., Halbrendt, N. and Travis, J.W. 2006. Pennsylvania state report for CSFWC, 2005. Proceedings Cumberland Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference.
  • Marini, R.P., Barritt, B.H., Brown, G.R., Cline, J., Cowgill, Jr., W.P., Crassweller, R.M., Domoto, P.A., Ferree, D.C., Garner, J., Greene, G.M., Hampson, C., Hirst, P., Kushad, M.M., Masabni, J., Mielke, E., Moran, R., Mullins, C.A., Parker, M., Perry, R.L., Prive, J.P., Reighard, G.L., Robinson, T., Rom, C.R., Roper, T., Schupp, J.R., Stover, E. and Unrath, R. 2006. Performance of 'Gala' apple on four semi-dwarf rootstocks: A ten year summary of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 60:58-68.
  • Marini, R.P., Anderson, J.L., Autio, W.R., Barritt, B.H., Cline, J., Cowgill, Jr., W.P., Crassweller, R.M., Garner, J., Gauss, A., Godin, R., Greene, G.M., Hampson, C., Hirst, P., Kushad, M.M., Masabni, J., Mielke, E., Moran, R., Mullins, C.A., Parker, M., Perry, R.L., Prive, J.P., Reighard, G.L., Robinson, T., Rom, C.R., Roper, T., Schupp, J.R., Stover, E. and Unrath, R. 2006. Performance of 'Gala' apple trees on 18 dwarfing rootstocks: Ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 60:69-83.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The efficacy of thinning spray tank mixes of two 6-benzyladeneine formulations at two concentrations for thinning Fuji apples was compared. There were no differences between the two tank mixes at either 6BA concentration, although set was numerically lower with the NUP formulation. Treatment effects on yield followed a similar pattern to fruit set, with the 100 ppm NUP tank mix reducing yield more than 100 ppm MaxCel. Doubling the rate of 6BA did not significantly increase the thinning response with either formulation. All four 6BA tank mixes increased the proportion of fruit of 3.25 inches and up and reduced the proportion of fruit smaller than 2.75 inches in diameter. The NUP formulation increased the amount of fruit sized 3.5 inches and up size category than MaxCel at 100 ppm. Both treatments increased the proportion of fruit greater than 3 inches by 43-82% over that produced by the controls. Studies to evaluate the effect of timing, spray interval, and oil alternatives of oil/liquid lime sulfur (FOLS) applications were conducted. Timings with a four day interval between sprays gave the greatest reduction in photosynthesis rate. Fruit size was unaffected by thinning treatment. Tank mixes including either dormant oil + LS and Soybean oil + LS increased the proportion of fruit in the largest fruit size category. Neither LS alone, nor soybean oil alone were effective as a single spray. FOLS prior to either NAA or 6BA dramatically increased thinning response of York apple trees. Studies to evaluate how pre-harvest foliar sprays of stop-drop compounds affect Delicious apple fruit maturity and firmness after storage, with and without post-harvest 1-MCP were conducted. NAA, applied at the traditional timing or pre-loaded increased the internal ethylene concentration at harvest and reduced fruit firmness of Delicious apples in storage. AVG prevented the increase in internal ethylene concentration and loss of firmness caused by NAA preloading. 1-MCP reduced internal ethylene concentration following RA storage. There were no treatment differences in internal ethylene concentration following CA storage. A project was initiated in the 2005 growing season to identify one or more promising thinner options for peaches. Bloom thinners increased fruit thinning by 10 to 50 percent and reduced follow-up hand thinning time by 20 to 50 percent. No phytotoxicity was observed. The percentage of fruit in the 3-inch or greater size categories was increased by 20 to 50 percent. There were no significant differences in fruit color. The most cost-effective treatments in the Redhaven study were ATS and Silwet, respectively and in the Loring study were rope thinning, Tergitol and Silwet, respectively. Net profits increased by $60 to $280 per acre in the Redhaven trial and over $290 per acre in the Loring trial.

Impacts
Refining the effects of fruit thinning programs enables growers to improve the size and quality of fruit and increase farm profitability. Fish oil plus lime sulfur has proven to be a valuable chemical thinner in the bloom-to-petal fall timing. This gives both conventional and organic producers an effective new tool for crop load management. Growers will have updated information on stop drop sprays that will enhance the quality of fresh fruit to the consumer. This will prevent loss of grower profitability due to loss of crop marketability.

Publications

  • Crassweller, R., McNew, R., Azarenko, A., Barritt, B., Belding, R., Berkett, L., Brown, S., Clemens, J., Cline, J., Cowgill, W., Ferree, D., Garcia, E., Greene, G., Hampson, C., Merwin, I., Miller, D., Moran, R., Obermiller, J., Rosenberger, D., Rom, C., Roper, T., Schupp, J. and Stover, E. . 2005. Performance of apple cultivars in the 1995 NE-183 Regional Project planting: I. Growth and yield characteristics. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 59:18-27.
  • Miller, S. S., McNew, R. W., Barritt, B. H., Berkett, L., Brown, S. K., Cline, J. A., Clements, J. M., Cowgill, W. P., Crassweller, R. M., Garcia, M. E., Greene, D. W., Greene, G. M., Hampson, C. R., Merwin, I., Miller, D. D., Moran, R. E., Roper, T. R., Schupp, J. R. and Stover, E. 2005. Effect of cultivar and site on fruit quality as demonstrated by the NE-183 regional project on apple cultivars. HortTechnology 15:886-895.
  • Schupp, J. R., McFerson, J. R. and Robinson, T. L. 2005. Alternatives to Fish Oil for Thinning Apples with Lime Sulfur. HortScience 40: 1117.
  • Crassweller, R. M., Schupp, J. R. and Baugher, T. 2005. Cookbook guidelines for apple training systems. Penn. Tree Fruit Prod. Guide Supplement. 7 pp.
  • Crassweller, R. M. and Schupp, J. R. 2005. Rootstocks for the mid-Atlantic region. Proc. In-Depth Fruit School on Intensive Fruit Production: A Systems Approach. Ch. 5, pp. 28-58.
  • Schupp, J. R. 2005. Key components in an orchard systems blueprint. Proc. In-Depth Fruit School on Intensive Fruit Production: A Systems Approach. Ch. 4, pp. 20-27.
  • Schupp, J. R. 2005. Meeting the challenge with orchard intensification. Proc. In-Depth Fruit School on Intensive Fruit Production: A Systems Approach. Ch. 8, pp. 71-74.
  • Schupp, J. R. 2005. Getting the most from stop drops: ReTain and NAA. Penn. Tree Fruit Prod. Guide Supplement. 7 pp.
  • Robinson, T. L., Schupp, J. R., Fargione, M. and Osborne, J. 2005. Growing Large Gala Apples. Compact Fruit Tree 38(2):2-5.
  • Crassweller, R. M., Smith, D. E. and Schupp, J. R. 2005. Apple rootstock & cultivar evaluation for Pennsylvania. Penn. Fruit News 85(2):57-61.
  • Hull, L. A. and Schupp, J. R. 2005. Impact of fish oil/lime sulfur on arthropod pests, natural enemies, apple scab, and fruit set-2004. Penn. Fruit News 85(2):43-47.
  • Schupp, J. R. and Crassweller, R. M. 2005. Establishment of new apple plantings for horticultural research at Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center. Penn. Fruit News 85(2):43.
  • Schupp, J. 2005. Are the mild temperatures earlier this winter going to set fruit trees up for winter injury? FruitTimes 24(1):3.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The 1994 Gala planting was removed at the end of the 2003 growing season. After ten years the largest trees as measured by TCSA were on M.26 followed by those on V.1. The smallest trees were on P.22, M.27, B.491, and P.16. The greatest cumulative yield per tree was on V.1 with M.26, M.9NAKBT337, Lancep, Cepiland, M.29RN29, and O.3 having slightly lower, but not significantly different yields. Cumulative yield efficiency was greatest on B.491 but it was not significantly different from ten other rootstocks. A hybrid planting of the full 1999 planting containing only the Supporter series and M.9 and M.26 with McIntosh and Fuji was established at Rock Springs. At the end of the 2003 growing season there was a significant cultivar rootstock interaction. McIntosh/M.26EMLA were the largest trees and had the most growth based upon TCSA. There were no significant differences in TCSA or growth between Supporter 1, 2, or 3. With Fuji however, Supporter 2 was significantly smaller than Supporter 3, M.9 and M.26. There were no differences due to rootstock for McIntosh for either height or spread. However, Fuji on M.26 was significantly taller and had a greater spread than Fuji on Supporter 1, 2 or 3. There was no difference due to rootstock in blossom rating, number of fruit per tree, or yield per tree for McIntosh. McIntosh fruit weight on M.9 and M.26 was significantly greater than fruit weight from trees on Supporter 1, 2 or 3. Fuji blossom rating, number of fruit per tree, and yield per tree was significantly lower on M.26 than on Supporter 1, 2 or 3. Fuji fruit weight was greatest from trees on M.9 and least from trees on Supporter 1. Yield efficiency of both McIntosh and Fuji was lowest on M.26 and significantly lower than efficiency of Supporter 1, 2 or 3. The 1999 semidwarf planting consists of only McIntosh on M.26EMLA, M.7EMLA and Supporter 4. The largest trees in the planting as measured by TCSA were on M.7 and Supporter 4 and significantly larger than M.26. M.7 had a significantly greater number of rootsuckers than either M.26 or Supporter 4. The 2003 Golden Delicious dwarf rootstock planting had significant differences in tree size as measured by TCSA at planting; with trees on B.9 being the smallest and trees on PiAu 51-14 being the largest. By the fall of 2003 these two rootstocks were still the smallest and largest, respectfully; but the differences between the others was much narrower. In the 1996 Gala and ginger Gold planting comparing M.9 and B.9 there was significant cultivar x rootstock interactions with this study. There were no differences in TCSA or yearly tree growth between the two rootstocks for Ginger Gold, but Gala on B.9 was significantly smaller than on M.9. Rootstock did not influence average number of fruit per tree, fruit weight or crop load for Ginger Gold. Gala/B9 had significantly higher average number fruit per tree, yield, efficiency and crop load than Gala/M.9. Fruit weight of Gala/M.9 was significantly greater than on Gala/B.9. Yield of Ginger Gold/B.9 was significantly higher than yield on Gala/M.9.

Impacts
This Pennsylvania project is part of the national NC-140 rootstock research project. Locally planned experiments, with varieties commonly grown in PA, are yielding information that will be useful specifically for Mid-Atlantic growers. According to the PA Tree Fruit Survey that was released in October 2003 nearly 73% of apple trees planted in the state are on size controlling rootstocks. The Pennsylvania industry, like the rest of the U.S. industry, has undergone a dramatic change in tree size and production systems in the last ten years. In 1992 trees planted on the dwarfing rootstock such as M.9 accounted for only 2.7% of all the trees in the state. In 2002 this percentage jumped to 11.9%. Results from the rootstock trials have directly transferred to grower decisions on rootstocks, tree spacings and training systems and are evident from the change cited in the Pennsylvania Orchard and Vineyard survey. The results have been transmitted to growers at field days, newsletter articles, and educational meetings. The change in the industry has allowed production to remain steady while acreage has declined and tree numbers have increased. The latest information on rootstocks has been incorporated into the Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide available at http://tfpg.cas.psu.edu.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The following rootstock experiments were under investigation at the Horticulture Research Farm (HRF) at Rock Springs: 1994 Gala dwarf study, 1995 Ginger Gold semidwarf study, 1996 B.9/M.9 comparison with Ginger Gold and Crimson Gala, 1997, York Imperial/B.9 systems trial and 1999 McIntosh & Fuji Supporter rootstock trial. A sweet cherry rootstock trial is located at the Lake Erie Regional Grape Laboratory in North East, PA. The following experiments are being conducted at the Fruit Research. and Extension Center (FREC) at Biglerville, 1994 NC-140 semidwarf apple study, 1994 NC-140 dwarf apple trial, 1998 NC-140 tart cherry trial, 1999 Cornell-Geneva semidwarf apple trial, 1999 Cornell-Geneva dwarf apple trial, 1996 Cooperative Vineland apple trial, 1997 `Imperial Gala' and `Jonagored' G.30 trial, 1998 Cornell-Geneva 3041 and G.16 apple trial, 1999 Geneva 30 trial with Gala and 2002 Peach rootstock trial. The smallest trees in the 1994 Gala trial at both FREC and HRF are on M.27EMLA and the largest on Vineland 1 and M.26EMLA. Mean yield per tree tended to mirror trunk cross sectional area (TCA) with the smallest yield on the smallest trees. In a comparison with Ginger Gold, trees on M.26 out yielded trees on M.7. There was a significant interaction in TCA between Ginger Gold and Crimson Gala on M.9 and B.9. Trees of Jonagold on CG.3041 were significantly smaller than Jonagold on G.16 or M.9. In the two cherry rootstock trials trees on Gisela 5 and GI.209-1 were the smallest for both Hedlefingen and Montmorency. Trees of Fuji/CG.3041 at FREC were larger than Fuji on M.9T337. At HRF there was a cultivar by rootstock interaction for TCA and number of rootsuckers between Fuji and McIntosh and the Supporter rootstocks in the 1999 planting. McIntosh on all the Supporter rootstocks had greater yields than McIntosh on M.9. With Fuji, however, yield on the Supporter rootstocks was similar to yield on M.9 rootstock; but all were significantly lower than Fuji/M.26. At FREC trees of Fuji on CG.30N and CG.7707 produced the largest trees, while the smallest were on M.26EMLA. Trees on CG.7707 produced the most fruit although trees on CG.4814 were close.

Impacts
This Pennsylvania project is part of the national NC-140 rootstock research project. Locally planned experiments, with varieties commonly grown in PA, are yielding information that will be useful specifically for Mid-Atlantic growers. According to the PA Tree Fruit Survey that was released in October 2003 nearly 73% of apple trees planted in the state are on size controlling rootstocks. The Pennsylvania industry, like the rest of the U.S. industry, has undergone a dramatic change in tree size and production systems in the last ten years. In 1992 trees planted on the dwarfing rootstock such as M.9 accounted for only 2.7% of all the trees in the state. In 2002 this percentage jumped to 11.9%. Results from the rootstock trials have directly transferred to grower decisions on rootstocks, tree spacings and training systems and are evident from the change cited in the Pennsylvania Orchard and Vineyard survey. The results have been transmitted to growers at field days, newsletter articles, and educational meetings. The change in the industry has allowed production to remain steady while acreage has declined and tree numbers have increased. The latest information on rootstocks has been incorporated into the Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide available at http://tfpg.cas.psu.edu.

Publications

  • Greene II, G.M. 2003. Influence of rootstocks on the growth, productivity, and longevity of apple trees. Penn Fruit News 83(2): 24-25, 28-30.
  • Robinson, T., Anderson, L., Azerenko, A., Barritt, B., Brown, G., Couvillon, G., Cowgill, W., Crassweller, R., Domoto, P., Embree, C., Fennell, A., Garcia, E., Gaus, A., Granger, R., Greene, G., Hirst, P., Hoover, E., Johnson, S., Kushad, M., Moran, R., Mullins, C., Myers., S., Perry, R., Rom., C., Schupp, J., Taylor, K., Warmund, M., Warner, J. and Wolfe, D. 2003. Performance of Cornell-Geneva apple rootstocks with 'Liberty' as the scion in NC-140 trials across North America. Acta Horticulturae 662:521-530.
  • Crassweller, R. M. and Smith, D.E. 2003. Performance of Ginger Gold apple on five semidwarf rootstocks. HortScience 38:666.
  • Autio, W., Crassweller, R., and Prive, J.P. 2003. Rootstock affects performance of Ginger Gold apple trees. HortScience 38:667.