| Title |
Investigators | Department | Objectives | Approach Keywords | Progress Reports | Impact Statements | Publications | |
Project * COL00285 | |
| Title | Improving Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Tree-Fruit Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use |
| Investigator(s) | Larsen, H; Pokharel, R; |
| Department | Horticulture and Landscape Architecture |
| Objectives | 1. To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit trees characteristics grown under different management systems and environmental conditions. 2. To develop and improve rootstocks for temperate-zone fruit trees with breeding and genetic engineering, to improve propagation techniques for rootstocks, and to acquire new rootstocks from worldwide sources. 3. To study the genetics and developmental physiology of rootstock/scion interactions in temperate-zone fruit trees. 4. To better understand the response to and impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on scion/rootstock combinations in temperate-zone fruit trees. |
| Approach | We will collect, extract, and identify the plant parasitic nematodes associated with deciduous fruit tree rootzones to determine whether rootstocks differ in nematode populations in their associated soils. We will measure and compare growth and fruit production of fruit tree scions on different rootstocks grown in high pH soils under arid to semi-arid conditions following planting. |
| Keywords | pomefruit, stonefruit, rootstocks, phytoparasitic nematodes, dagger nematodes, arid environment, apple, peach, sweet cherry; |
| Progress Reports | |
| 1993 | The 1984 apple, 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock, 1987-88 sweet cherry, and 1988 pear rootstock trials were maintained and data collected. A new semi-dwarf planting with CG rootstocks was planted this year. CG30 had significantly greater increase in TCSA than CG13 or CG222. No differences occurred between CG30, CG210, CG202, and M7A. In the 1984 apple trial, trees on B .9 provided the greatest yield efficiency, followed by EMLA 26 and 7. The rootstock P.22 provided the greatest overall dwarfing and Ant.313 produced the least. In the 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock trial, greatest yield efficiencies occurred with Rome/B.9, Golden Del. and Empire/Mark, and Jonagold/O.3. In the 1987 sweet cherry trial, GM9 had the smallest TCSA and Colt had the greatest. The 1988 pear rootstock trial OHF217 showed the greatest increase in TCSA and greatest yield. |
| 1994 | The 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock, 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG) rootstock, 1987 sweet cherry, and 1988 pear rootstock trials were maintained and data collected. A new dwarf apple rootstock planting with M.9 size rootstocks was planted at the Rogers Mesa Res. Cntr. this year as was a peach rootstock planting at the Orchard Mesa Res. Cntr. In the 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock trial, the ranking from largest to smallest rootstock, independent of variety, was M.26 EMLA, O.3, M.9 EMLA, B.9, and then Mark. Greatest yield efficiencies occurred with Rome/B.9, Golden Del./Mark, and Empire/Mark. In the CG trial, CG210 had more TCSA than CG202, all other rootstocks were intermediate. In the 1987 sweet cherry trial, compared to Mazzard GM9 was 80% smaller, GM79 and 61/1 were 49% smaller, and Colt was 34% larger. Frost and birds eliminated yield data. OHF217 continued to show the greatest increase in Bartlett pear TCSA; OHF513 had the greatest yield. All trees in the 1994 dwarf apple planting survived; however, significant mortality occurred in the 1994 peach planting especially and unexpectedly with Lovell, the industry standard. All of these trials are 10 year trials; thus, any impact will not be known until recommendations can be made. However, from the pear trial, the Calleryana seedling rootstock should not be planted in our alkaline soils. |
| 1995 | The 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock, 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG) rootstock, 1987 sweet cherry, 1988 pear rootstock trials, 1994 peach, and 1994 dwarf trial were maintained and data collected. In the 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock trial, the ranking from largest to smallest rootstock, independent of variety, remained M.26 EMLA, O.3, M.9 EMLA, B.9, and then Mark. Greatest yield efficiencies occurred with Rome/B.9, Rome/M.9 EMLA, and Golden Del./Mark. In the CG trial, M.7 EMLA had the greatest TCSA and CG202 the least. In the 1987 sweet cherry trial, compared to Mazzard GM9 was 77% smaller, GM79 and 61/1 were 45% and 49% smaller, and Colt was 34% larger. Frost and birds again eliminated yield data.OHF217 continued to have the greatest TCSA and yield in the Bartlett pear planting; Calleryana had the least of both. M.9 RN29 and B.9 were the tallest and had the greatest TCSA in the 1994 dwarf apple planting; G.65 was excluded because of lack of trueness to name. In the 1994 peach planting, BY520-8 and BY520-9 had the greatest TCSA while Ishtara and Rubira has the smallest. All these trials are 10 year trials; thus, any impact will not be known until recommendations can be made. Calleryana seedling rootstock continues to be a rootstock for pears that should not be planted in our alkaline soils. |
| 1996 | The following NC-140 trials were maintained & data collected: 1987 sweet cherry, 1988 pear ,1990 apple cultivar/rootstock (C/R), 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG), 1994 peach, & 1994 dwarf apple . After 10 years in the 1987 sweet cherry trial, GM9 was 75% smaller, GM79 & 61/1 were 43% and 52% smaller, Colt was 29% larger, and MxM46 was equal in TCSA when compared to Mazzard. Frost again caused no yield. Lack of yield data in this trial prevents recommendation of any of these stocks; however, MxM46 had too much tree death to be planted in Colo. The GM series shows promise for Colo. OHF217 continued to have the greatest TCSA in the 1998 pear planting; Calleryana had the least. Calleryana seedling rootstock should not be planted in Colo. In the C/R trial, ranking from largest to smallest rootstock, independent of variety, remained M.26 EMLA, O.3, M.9 EMLA, B.9, & then Mark. Greatest yield efficiencies by cultivar were Rome/Mark, Jonagold/O.3, Golden Delicious/Mark & Empire/Mark. In the CG trial, M.7 EMLA had the greatest TCSA, while CG.222 & CG.202 the least. CG.30 had more yield than CG.210 all others were intermediate. In the 1994 peach planting, no differences in TCSA were found among the rootstocks. TaTao5 had more yield than 5 other rootstocks. Eight rootstocks had no suckering. No bloom date differences were noted. M.9 RN29, Mark, M.26 EMLA, & B.9 had the greatest TCSA in the 1994 dwarf apple trial. Impact will not be known until after each 10-year trial. |
| 1997 | The following NC-140 trials were maintained and data collected: 1988 pear, 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock (C/R), 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG), 1994 peach, and 1994 dwarf apple. This report will focus on the 1988 pear planting since 1997 was the last year for this trial. Pear production in Colorado is a stable industry; new ones replace the few removed trees. Very little new planting is being done due to the lack of really high yields per acre. There is demand in Colorado for high quality fresh pears . There is also strong demand for pears to be used in baby food products with most of the production going to this utilization. There is little money in processing, so new orchards are not often planted. For many years the industry has utilized the Bartlett seedling and grew full-sized trees. A more dwarfing rootstock would allow for a more economic production scheme. However, to Colorado's growers, total production is more important need than dwarfing. A research plot was established at the Orchard Mesa Research Center as a partial planting of a larger NC-140 trial. The design was a RCBD with ten replicates. The scion variety was Bartlett and the rootstocks were Bartlett seedling, Betulaefolia seedling, Calleryana, and the OHxF numbers 40, 217, 333, 339, and 513. Several parameters were measured. As to trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), OHxF217 had a greater TCSA than all other rootstocks, while Calleryana had the smallest. This was due to the fact that Calleryana was not able to tolerate our alkaline soils. It grew very little and was chlorotic. Besides Calleryana, none of the other rootstocks dwarfed the scion variety when compared to the Bartlett seedling. With no dwarfing, production would be the next interest. After ten years in the ground, OHxF 217 had more cumulative yield than all other rootstocks (92 kg/tree versus 73.7 kg/tree for the next highest OHxF 333). It was no different in cumulative yield efficiency or mean fruit weight than six of the other seven rootstocks. Overall conclusions are that Calleryana is a rootstock that should not be planted in Colorado. The increased production on OHxF 217 could relate to an approximately $2000 increase in returns to the grower which would be a significant impact to current pear growers. Even though the TCSA was larger, tree height was not any greater than the commonly used Bartlett seedling. This leads to the recommendation of OHxF 217 as the rootstock of choice from this trial. There may be other rootstocks more adapted for this area, but for now, growers should try OHxF 217 in their own orchards in an attempt to get more production off the same land area. |
| 1998 | The following NC-140 trials were maintained and data collected: 1990 apple cultivar/rootstock (C/R), 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG), 1994 peach, and 1994 dwarf apple. In 1998, a sweet cherry rootstock trial was planted and maintained. This report will focus on the 1994 peach planting. Peach production in Colorado is increasing; several old apple orchards are being replaces with peaches. There is demand for Colorado peaches and packing sheds have not reached their full potential. From a rootstock perspective, there are two major problems facing the peach industry. They are 1)the need for more vigorous but yet winter hardy rootstocks and 2)tolerance or resistance to alkaline soils. Under current production practices a more dwarfing rootstock is not considered important. To address these needs, a research plot was established at the Orchard Mesa Research Center as one site of a NC-140 trial. The design was a RCBD with eight replicates. The scion variety was Redhaven and the rootstocks were Lovell, Bailey, Tennessee Natural, GF 305, Higama, Montclar, Rubira, Ishtara, Myran, S 2729, Chui Lum Tao, Tzim Pee Tao, H 7338013, H 7338019, BY 520-8, BY 520-9, Ta Tao 5. Several parameters were measured. As to trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), Myran had a greater TCSA than 8 other rootstocks, while Ishtara (the smallest) was not significantly different from 15 others. This was expected since most of these are seedling source trees plus variability in tree size within peach is small. All rootstocks averaged less than one root sucker per tree. No yellowing was apparent on any of the trees in these plots. This followed the trend for the growing area in that fewer yellow trees were reported in 1998. All rootstocks produced trees that were no different in width. There were significant differences in yield among the rootstocks. Greatest yield occurred with the trees on H733819. Yet it was only greater than 3 other rootstocks. The overall conclusion after 5 years is all of the tested rootstocks in this planting would be adaptable to Western Colorado's conditions. However, these recommendations should be used with caution because several years are needed to really test these rootstocks. A test winter has not been experienced in the duration of this experiment. There is potential however, for some of these rootstocks to survive a winter better than the current standard rootstocks. Resulting production and orchard replacement costs from a winter freeze that would kill 20% of the current industry are estimated at four million dollars. In addition, not having winter hardy trees could result in many peach growers going out of business. Combined with the already high urbanization problem, existing peach growers would find it more difficult to grow peaches with houses bordering their blocks rather than other orchards. |
| 1999 | Maintenance continued on the 1990 Cultivar/Rootstock planting, the 1993 CG apple planting, the 1994 peach and 1994 dwarf apple plantings, and the 1998 sweet cherry planting. This report will focus on the 1990 Cultivar/Rootstock planting. The best choice of variety and rootstock could make the difference between an economically viable orchard and one that loses money for the orchardist. This trial was initiated in the NC-140 committee (NC-140 is composed of tree fruit researchers across the U.S. and Canada that do research on tree fruit rootstocks) to see how these cultivars and rootstocks would perform over a range of climates. This trial was done in Block 35 at the Rogers Mesa site. The initial trial was to include 4 varieties (Empire, Smoothee Golden Delicious, Nicobel Jonagold, and Rome) on 5 rootstocks (M.9 EMLA, M.26 EMLA, Ottawa 3, Mark and Budagovski 9). However, Golden Delicious on Bud.9 and M.9 EMLA were not available. It was planted in a randomized complete block design with 6 replications. Trees were supported and trained to a combination of slender spindle/central leader training system. Trees were watered by furrow irrigation. This same planting is replicated at 13 other sites across the U.S. In 1999, several frost events reduced the crop on most all the cultivars. The best combination of cultivar and rootstock for the greatest yield per tree in 1999 was Rome on M.26 EMLA (56 kg/tree). Jonagold had the greatest mean fruit weight (170 g) followed by Rome (146 g), Golden Delicious (127 g), and then Empire (110 g). As to rootstocks, M.26 EMLA had significantly larger fruit than Ottawa 3 (148 g versus 133 g, respectively). The tallest trees were on M.26 EMLA (4.0 m) and the shortest trees were on Mark (2.2 m). The most yield efficient tree over the past 10 years was Rome on B.9 and the least efficient was Empire on M .26 EMLA. Based on 10 years worth of data, a recommendation for Colorado would be as follows. For Empire, use either M.9 EMLA or B.9; for Golden Delicious, use M.26 (M.9 EMLA and B.9 not tested); for Jonagold, B.9 or M.9 EMLA; for Rome, use M.9 EMLA or B.9. Mark has shown significant soil line trunk swelling and should not be planted in Colorado. The rootstock with the most rootsuckers was Ottawa 3, while M.26 EMLA, M.9 EMLA, and B.9 had the fewest. The most suckering occurred with Empire on Ottawa 3. This suckering combined with virus susceptibility (as reported elsewhere) would lead to the recommendation not to plant Ottawa 3 rootstock. |
| 2000 | The following NC-140 trials were maintained and data collected: 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG) apple , 1994 peach, 1994 dwarf apple, and 1998 sweet cherry. This report will focus on the 1993 and 1994 apple plantings. The best choice of variety and rootstock could make the difference between an economically viable orchard and one that loses money for the orchardist. The 1993 CG trial was initiated to determine adaptability of fireblight resistant rootstock clones developed by the Cornell-Geneva breeding program to western Colorado. It was planted in Block 13 of the Western Colorado Research Center at Rogers Mesa (WCRC-RM) site in 1993 and consists of a Liberty scion on 5 CG rootstocks and an M.7 EMLA rootstock. The trees were supported, trained to a modified vertical axe training system, and watered by microsprinkler irrigation. Mean trunk diameters after 8 yrs growth ranged from 10.2 cm (M.7 EMLA) down to 5.3 cm (CG.202) ; mean trunk diameter for CG.222 was 5.8 cm. Cumulative fruit yield since planting was greatest for CG.30 (181.9 kg) and smallest for CG.222 (104.3 kg) and CG.202 (71.2 kg). Fruit yield (annual and cumulative) did not differ between M.7 EMLA, CG.13, and CG.210 rootstocks. The CG.202 and CG.222 rootstocks had the smallest mean fruit weights (255 and 238 g, respectively) while M7 EMLA had the largest mean fruit weight (354 g). There was no difference in mean number of suckers (ranging from 9 to 15/tree). The CG.13 and CG.30 rootstocks seem to have promise as rootstocks similar in size to M.7 EMLA. Although still too early for general recommendations, these could be planted by growers in trial plantings if they became commercially available. The 1994 apple dwarf rootstock trial was planted into an apple replant site without preplant fumigation in 1994 at the WCRC-RM site. It includes 16 rootstock clones (from the semi-dwarf M.26 EMLA to the very dwarfing M.27 EMLA) with a Treco Red Gala #42 scion . The trees are supported, trained to a modified vertical axe training system, and watered by microsprinkler irrigation. The trees are not growing vigorously; terminal growth is not excessive and leaf size is small. To date PAJAM 2 and M.9 RN29 have produced the greatest cumulative yield/tree (39.9 and 38.1 kg, respectively) while M.27 EMLA and p.22 have the smallest cumulative yield/tree (7.3 and 5.9 kg, respectively), but this is based on only 3 yrs worth of yield. Trees with the largest mean trunk diameter are M.26 EMLA and V.1, but the PAJAM 2, B.9,and M.9 RN29 rootstocks are very similar in size. P.22 is producing the smallest tree. It is too early for conclusions and recommendations at this time. |
| 2001 | The following NC-140 trials were maintained and data collected: 1993 Cornell-Geneva (CG) apple , 1994 peach 1994 dwarf apple, and 1998 sweet cherry. This report will focus on the older trials. At the end of eight years of growth in the 1994 dwarf apple rootstock trial, none of the trees are growing vigorously at this site. Terminal growth is not excessive and leaf size is small. The trees with the largest trunk diameter are PAJAM 2 and V.1; however, several rootstocks are very similar in size. The smallest trees were on B.491 and P.22. The most suckering was on PAJAM 2 and M.9 RN29, but differences between rootstocks were small. For 2001 , PAJAM 1 and B.469 had the highest yields. PAJAM 1 and P.16 had the highest average fruit weight. PAJAM 2 and M.9 RN 29 have produced the greatest cumulative yield to date, but this is based on only 4 years worth of yield. The least cumulative yield occurred with P.22. It is too early for conclusions, and no recommendations should be made at this time. At the end of eight years of growth in the 1994 peach rootstock trial, the trees are very similar in yield, growth , and root suckers. It is too early in this planting to draw conclusions; no absolute recommendations should be made at this time. However, it would appear that any of the rootstocks in this trial seem well adapted to western Colorado and could be considered for a trial planting. After nine years of growth in the 1993 Cornell-Geneva apple rootstock trial, the trees with the largest trunk diameter are on CG.13. Smallest trees were produced on CG.202 and CG.222. The most suckering was on the CG.30 and CG.210. Greatest cumulative yield occurred on CG.13 with two others yielding similarly. The least cumulative yield occurred with CG.202. It is still too early for general recommendations, but CG.13 and CG.30 seem to have promise as rootstocks similar in size to M.7 EMLA. These could be planted by growers in trial plantings if they become commercially available. This is the end of the fourth year of the 1998 sweet cherry rootstock planting. The trees on Mazzard and on Gisela 148-1 have the largest trunk circumference, and those on 209/1 and on Edabriz have the smallest. The W series rootstocks have the most suckers per tree (4 - 16) and the Gisela series had no suckers (except for 195/20 which had 7 suckers per tree). The trees are still too young to draw conclusions and no recommendations should be made at this time. |
| 2002 | The Western Colorado Research Center (WCRC) is very involved and has contributed much to regional rootstock evaluations due to our unique microclimates and low pest pressures. Although tree fruits have been grown in western Colorado for more than a hundred years there are few pome and stone fruit cultivar rootstocks that are well adapted to western Colorado growing conditions. Environmental and soil conditions in the region sometimes cause our fruit trees to crop inconsistently with low quality fruit. Better adapted rootstocks are producing consistently higher yields with higher quality fruit. Better adapted rootstocks have resulted in a substantial long-term economic improvement for area fruit growers. The research at the WCRC is currently in a transition period with several newer plantings which are not yet producing fruit. Each rootstock planting evaluates approximately ten different cultivars. Currently, we have two separate plantings of peach rootstock, a sweet cherry and an apple rootstock planting. The two peach plantings were planted in each of the last two years. Although the trees are growing well, fruit production is still two to three years in the future. The peach cultivars have been selected to be alkaline soil tolerant. Our alkaline soils along with our alkaline irrigation water cause micronutrient deficiencies in the trees that result in yield reductions and economic losses for growers. Alkaline soil tolerant trees could mitigate these losses and improve economic sustainability. Sweet cherries are a relatively new tree crop for the area and growers that have sweet cherry plantings have intermittently realized a large increase in income from sales. However, cherry cropping has been inconsistent over the past decade due to some late frosts. Finding a later blooming or more frost tolerant cultivar would greatly enhance cropping consistency and income potential for these growers. The 1998 sweet cherry rootstock planting is doing well, however, a hard, late freeze this past spring killed the flower buds and consequently the trees did not yield this year. Many growers in the area did realize a partial crop this year due to their individual microclimates and consequently received top prices for their cherries at area and regional markets. The 1994 apple cultivar planting is also doing well, however, due to the season-long drought, fruit had to be removed prior to the typical harvest date to conserve moisture in order to save the trees. With this year's environmental conditions aside, finding better adapted cultivars should have a positive economic impact on the region's long-term income from increased fruit long-term fruit production. |
| 2003 | The environmental and soil conditions in the western Colorado region cause fruit trees to produce inconsistently with low quality fruit. Better adapted rootstocks can produce consistently higher yields with higher quality fruit. In the past, better adapted rootstocks have resulted in a substantial long-term economic improvement for area fruit growers. The research at the Western Colorado Research Center in Colorado (WCRC) is currently in a transition period with several newer plantings which are not yet producing fruit while one older planting is still under study. Each rootstock planting evaluates approximately ten different cultivars. Currently, we have two separate plantings of peach rootstocks, a sweet cherry and an apple rootstock planting. The peaches were planted in 2001 and 2002, the cherries in 1998 and the dwarf apple in 1994. This report will focus on the older trial. At the end of ten years of growth in the 1994 dwarf apple rootstock trial, none of the trees are growing vigorously. Terminal growth is not excessive and leaf size is small. No trees were over 2.5 m tall. The trees with the most trunk growth remain PAJAM 2 and V.1; however, several rootstocks are very similar in size. The smallest trees are on B.491 and P.22 rootstocks. The most suckering was on PAJAM 2 and M.9 RN29. For 2003, P.2, B.469 and V.1 had the highest yields, however, several rootstocks also produced well, those include the P.22 and the MARK rootstock. This is the end of the fifth year of the 1998 sweet cherry rootstock planting. The trees on Mazzard and on Gisela 148-1 have the largest trunk circumference, and those on 209/1 and on Edabriz have the smallest. The W series rootstocks have the most suckers per tree (5-15) and the Gisela series had no suckers (except for 195/20 which had 10 suckers per tree). Yields were sporadic this year with little fruit. The trees are still too young to draw conclusions and no recommendations can be made at this time. The 2001 peaches are surviving but the trees are not growing well and appear to be stunted compared to the 2002 peaches; there was no fruit this year on the 2001 peaches. The 2002 peaches are growing well and appear to have survived the extreme drought of 2002 well. There was good growth and full canopies this year, and both peach plantings should begin cropping next year. |
| 2004 | The objective is to find new pome and stone-fruit rootstocks that produce better crop quality, quantity, improved cropping reliability, and disease resistance in the semi-arid environments of western Colorado. Evaluate and assess new pome and stone-fruit rootstocks for crop quality, quantity, and cropping reliability for introduction into commercial production in western Colorado. A final report and recommendations for dwarf apple rootstocks can be found in the publication listed below. For the sweet cherry trial, the Giesla 5 and Giesla 6 rootstocks are performing best to this point. New peach rootstocks were planted in 2000 and 2001 with first harvest in 2004. |
| 2005 | There are currently three rootstock trials being evaluated in western Colorado: a 1998 sweet cherry rootstock trial, and two peach rootstock trials planted in 2001 and 2002. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstocks: This trial is at the Rogers Mesa site near Hotchkiss, CO. A hard freeze (-7 C) during full bloom on April 1st severely reduced fruit set. However, some rootstocks had a delayed bloom compared to the majority of other rootstocks and did have better yields this year than last year. The W13, W158 and Edabriz were the latest blooming rootstocks and yielded best in 2005. Determining if the late blooming characteristics are consistent over time will greatly aid fruit growers choosing a rootstock that is better adapted to western Colorado growing conditions. Full bloom dates will be watched closely next year to identify the latest blooming rootstocks that would be less susceptible to a late spring freeze. The Mazzard and 209/1 rootstocks are not surviving well in our climate at 57% and 46 % survival, respectively. The 148/2 had the largest average fruit size at 7.5 g and Mazzard the lowest at 5.6 g fruit-1. The rootstocks with largest trunk size thus far in the study are the Mahaleb, 148/1 and W13. Suckering is highest on the W10 and W13 and lowest in the 148/1 and 209/1. 2001 Cresthaven Peach Trial: This trial is at the Orchard Mesa site. Survival is poor in the Hiawatha, K146-43, and VVA1, all at 50%, with Lovell at 57% survival. In 2005 this planting had its first fruit yield. The Cadaman, SLAP and Bailey were the highest yielding rootstocks at 38, 36 and 32 kg/tree, respectively. The BH-4 had the highest average fruit weights at 240 g/fruit. The rootstocks with the largest trunk size are the Cadaman, SLAP and BH-4. Suckers are low or non-existent in all rootstocks except the Julior rootstock. 2002 Cresthaven Peach Trial: This trial is at the Rogers Mesa site. The Penta, Pumiselect and Lovell rootstocks have the lowest survival at 75%, with MRS 2/5 and Cadaman at 100% survival. This was the first fruit bearing year for this planting. The highest yield was the VSV-1 at 5.8 kg/tree and the lowest yield is for the MRS 2/5 rootstock at 1.9 kg/tree. The highest average fruit weight was 191g/fruit for the Adesto 101 rootstock and the lowest for the VSV-1 at 162 g/fruit. The Adesto 101 had the largest trunk size and the smallest was the Lovell. The Cadaman and Lovell had the most suckers, and the Adesto 101 the least number of root suckers. |
| 2006 | Fifth and sixth year data in two peach rootstock trials and ninth year data in one sweet cherry rootstock trial were obtained at two western Colorado sites. In the 2002 peach study, Pumiselect peach rootstock provided the best fruit yield, crop density (no. fruit/cm2 trunk cross-sectional area [TCSA]), and yield efficiency (kg fruit/cm2 TCSA); Cadaman and Lovell rootstocks had comparable yield and and next best yield efficiency. But Pumiselect had poor tree survival (37.5%) compared to Cadaman (100%) and Lovell (75%). Rootstocks K146-43, MRS, Penta, VSV-1, and VVA-1 had the lowest yield/ tree and yield efficiency. VVA-1, Pumiselect, VSV-1, and K146-43 rootstocks had the smallest trees, all around 25 - 35% the size of Lovell rootstock trees. In the 2001 peach study, P30-135 and K146-44 rootstock trees were the smallest, around 30-35% the size of Lovell rootstock trees, and the lowest yield and yield efficiency. SLAP rootstock trees produced the best yield and yield efficiency, but also were around 115% larger than Lovell rootstock trees; Cadaman rootstock trees were around 120% larger than Lovell rootstock trees and had yield and yield efficiency comparable to that of Lovell rootstock trees. SLAP and Cadaman rootstock trees had 100% survival, compared to 48% survival for Lovell rootstock trees. In the 1998 sweet cherry rootstock trial, a severe spring freeze at full bloom precluded collection of crop yield data. Rootstock 209/1 provided the smallest trees, approximately 33% of Mazzard rootstock trees, but it also had the poorest survival (53%). The Giesela and Wyroot series rootstocks had excellent survival (86-100%), and the Giesela 148/2 and 148/8 rootstocks and the W53 and W72 rootstocks provided good dwarfing (40-50% of Mazzard rootstock trees). A preliminary survey of phytoparasitic nematodes associated with the sweet cherry rootstocks found high numbers of Xiphinema sp. and Pratylenchus sp. associated with W158 rootstock (108 and 95/100 ml soil, respectively) and high numbers of Meloidogyne sp. associated with W10 rootstock (316/100 ml soil). W10 had the highest total phytoparasitic nematode counts (796/100 ml soil), W158 the second highest total phytoparasitic nematode counts (630/100 ml soil), and Edabriz and Mazzard the third highest counts (583 and 523/100 ml soil, respectively). Rootstocks W13, W53, and W72 had the lowest total phytoparasitic nematode counts (206, 236, and 276/100 ml soil, respectively) and low counts of Xiphinema (23, 21, and 14/100 ml soil, respectively). Xiphinema was found in soils beneath all sweet cherry rootstocks; this species serves as a vector for cherry raspleaf virus which causes major damage and losses to sweet cherry and apple plantings in Colorado. Both peach rootstock plantings were removed in the fall of 2006 due to concern about potential virus infection in one rootstock. |
| Impact | |
| 1999 | Using the correct rootstock for a given planting is very important to the fruit grower. By choosing a dwarfing rootstock such as M.9 EMLA or B.9 over a semi-dwarfing rootstock such as M .26 EMLA based solely on yield per tree could result in an approximate gross income increase over 10 years of $20000 per ha ($8,000 per acre). |
| 2000 | Selection of appropriate rootstocks and rootstock-scion combinations can double annual and cumulative fruit production. This could serve to increase apple grower returns and reduce per unit production costs and allow growers to remain in business. |
| 2001 | Selection of appropriate rootstocks and rootstock scion combinations can double annual and cumulative fruit production. This could serve to increase fruit grower returns and reduce per unit production costs and allow growers to remain in business. |
| 2002 | Finding suitable apple, peach and cherry cultivars that are well adapted to our environmental and soil conditions could translate into increased and more consistent fruit yields over the long-term which, in turn, could translate into more stable economic and social conditions for fruit growers and area communities. |
| 2003 | Finding suitable apple, peach and cherry cultivars that are well adapted to our semi-arid environment and alkaline soil conditions can translate into increased yields and more consistent cropping over the long-term. This, in turn, can translate into more stable and consistent economic and social conditions for fruit growers and area communities. |
| 2004 | Finding suitable apple, peach and cherry cultivars that are well adapted to our semi-arid environment and alkaline soil conditions can translate into increased yields and more consistent cropping over the long-term for commercial tree fruit producers. This, in turn, can translate into more stable and consistent economic and social conditions for fruit growers and area communities. The final report and recommendations for the dwarf apple rootstock trial should encourage growers to use these rootstock in their new plantings. However, market conditions are discouraging new apple plantings at this time. |
| 2005 | The major impacts of these rootstock trials will be identification of rootstocks which consistently yield large amounts of quality fruit with a tree size that suits the farming methods of western Colorado. Identifying the right rootstock will gretly impact fruit grower income, and their viability and sustainability over the long-term. Another expected impact of this research is to identify rootstocks that are not well adapted to our environment so growers can know which rootstocks to avoid when planning a new orchard. |
| 2006 | Deciduous tree fruit rootstocks will be identified that balance consistently high fruit yield and quality with a tree size appropriate to farming methods in western Colorado. Conversely, such rootstocks that are poorly adapted to growing conditions in that area will also be identified. Such information on suitable and unsuitable rootstocks will enable Colorado fruitgrowers to select rootstocks that will work best for them and to avoid rootstocks that would not perform well in their orchards. |
| Publications | |
| 1994 |
Gaus, A. G. 1994. Peach Rootstocks - Past NC-140 Peach Research. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 14(6):1-2 . |
| 1995 |
GAUS, A. G. 1995. Peach Rootstocks - 1994 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Planting. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 15(1):1-2. (Colo. St. Univ. Coop. Ext.) |
| 1996 |
GAUS, A. G. 1996. 1990 Apple/Cultivar Rootstock Trial. Proc. New Mexico Apple Growers Conf. p .42. GAUS, A. G. 1996. Potential New Apple Rootstocks. Fruit Growers Nwsl. 16(3):6. (Colo. St. Univ . Coop. Ext.). |
| 1998 |
AUTIO, W.R., ANDERSON, J.L. BARDEN, J.A., BROWN, G.R., DOMOTO, P.A., FERREE, D.C., GAUS, A., HAYDEN, R.A., MORRISON, F., MULLINS, C.A., ROM, C.R., SCHUPP, J.R., AND TUKEY, L.D. 1998. Rootstock and Scion Interact to Affect Apple Tree Performance. Compact Fruit Tree. 31(4): 106-107 NC140. 1996. Performance of the NC-140 Cooperative Apple Rootstock Planting: I. Survival, Tree Size, Yield and Fruit Size. Fruit Varieties J. 50(1):6-11 |
| 2000 |
Gaus, A.G. 2000. 1990 apple cultivar-rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 119-120 in: Gaus, A., Hammon, R.W., Larsen, H.J., Nelson, E., Pearson, C.H., Rechel, E., Rogoyski, M.K., and Zimmerman, R. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 1999. TR00-4. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 131 pp. Gaus, A.G. 2000. 1990 apple cultivar-rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 44-45 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. 2000. 1993 Cornell Geneva rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 46-47 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. 2000. 1994 apple dwarf rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 48-49 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. 2000. 1998 sweet cherry rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 55-56 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. 2000. Fall-applied glyphosate timing trial in apples. Page 73 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. and Larsen, H.J. 2000. 1994 peach rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 53-54 in: Hammon, R.W. and Max, S.M.(Eds.). Western Colorado Research Center 1998 Research Report. TR99-12. Colo . Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 76 pp. Gaus, A.G. and Larsen, H.J. 2000. 1994 peach rootstock trial (NC-140). Pages 117-118 in: Gaus, A., Hammon, R.W., Larsen, H.J., Nelson, E., Pearson, C.H., Rechel, E., Rogoyski, M.K., and Zimmerman, R. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 1999. TR00-4. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. 131 pp. |
| 2001 |
Gaus, A.G. 2001. 1993 Cornell-Geneva Apple Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project) [Year 2000 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate .edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Gaus_AppleRootstockTrial.html) Gaus, A.G. 2001. 1994 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project) [Year 2000 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate .edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Gaus_DwarfAppleTrial.html) Gaus, A.G. 2001. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project) [Year 2000 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate .edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Gaus_PeachRootstockTrial.html) Gaus, A.G. and Larsen, H.J. 2001. 1994 Peach Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project)[Year 2000 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2000. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. (on the web at: www.colostate .edu/programs/wcrc/annrpt/00/Gaus_SweetCherry.html) |
| 2003 |
Godin, R.E. 2003. 1994 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project) [Year 2002 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2002. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. Godin, R.E. 2003. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project) [Year 2002 Observations]. Western Colorado Research Center Research Report 2002. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn., Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. |
| 2004 |
Godin, R. 2004. 2003 Observations for 1994 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project). p. 41-42 in: Larsen, H.J. [Ed.]. Western Colorado Research Center 2003 Research Report. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Tech. Rpt. TR04-05. Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. http://www .colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/infopages/2003report.pdf Godin, R. 2004. 2003 Observations for 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial (NC-140 Regional Project). p. 43-44 in: Larsen, H.J. [Ed.]. Western Colorado Research Center 2003 Research Report. Colo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Tech. Rpt. TR04-05. Colo. St. Univ., Ft. Collins. http://www .colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/infopages/2003report.pdf |
| 2005 |
Reighard, G. et al. 2004. Eight-Year Performance of 19 Peach Rootstocks at 20 Locations in North America. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 58(4):174-202. |
| 2006 |
Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2001 Peach Rootstock Trial. pages 25-26 in: Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2006. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Ft. Collins, CO. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2002 Peach Rootstock Trial. page 27 in: Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2006. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Ft. Collins, CO. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial. pages 23-24 in: Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2006. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Ft. Collins, CO. 38 pp. Reighard, G.L., Beckman, T., Belding, R., Black, B., Cline, J., Cowgill, W., Godin, R., Kaps, M., Lindstrom, T., Ouellette, D., Stein, L., Taylor, K., Walsh, C., Whiting, M., and Robinson, T. 2006. Performance of Prunus rootstocks in the 2001 NC-140 peach trial. Scientific Works of the Lithuanian Inst. of Hort. & Lithuanian Univ. of Agric., Sodininkyste Ir Darzininkyste. 25(3):327-333. |