Have you wondered what rootstock you should use? If you are like me, the name of the rootstock is confusing enough. Also, there are so many different ones and I couldn’t find a simple reference the summarized them. I’m sure the table is missing some, but I tried to include every reference I could find as well. The download button will give you a PDF version if you would like it for your records. Let’s explore why the rootstock you use is important.
There are three main reasons rootstocks are an important topics for cider enthusiasts. The first is because most apples are heterozygous, meaning they generally don’t reproduce true to the mother tree. The flower of the mother tree is pollinated by another tree. The seeds formed and contained inside a fruit that looks relatively identical on the mother tree are actually all different. They are a melding of both parents and will produce a new tree that is genetically not like either of its parents. It may contain some elements of both, but will usually also contain some unique characteristics. This means you have to graft a piece of scion from one tree onto another tree to create a tree that reproduces the desired fruit. Planting seeds from an apple will result in a unique tree. The tree to which the scion is grafted is called the rootstock.
The second reason rootstocks are important to cider makers are because they define the size of the tree and therefore, the productivity. This includes both the amount of fruit per tree you can expect but also how quickly you can expect fruiting to start. The type or vigor of the tree defines how big it will get. The smaller a fully mature tree will be, the sooner it will fruit. Dwarf trees can fruit in 2-3 years versus seedling or standard trees, which can take 8-10 years to fruit. Note that pear trees can take even longer. Other factors will play into the productivity, like spacing, sun, nutrients, and water but the larger the tree the more fruit you should expect but the further distance away from another tree you need to plant it. also, the larger the tree, the longer it will take to start bearing and the more challenging harvesting the tree can be. Dwarf trees can often be harvested from the ground while standard trees require ladders or other mechanical assistance to shake or remove apples.
The last reason rootstocks are important are because of their resistance to diseases and environmental conditions. Just like different apple varieties have traits that can make them good for different uses like cider, eating, baking, or juice, the rootstock on which they grow can be more and less susceptible to diseases and the environment. People living in cold regions are often interested in rootstocks that are cold-hardy, meaning they can withstand harsh winters. Other rootstocks might be more resistant to certain diseases. For example, wet areas can be more prone to some diseases and selecting a rootstock resistant to these issues or at least not prone to them is important.
Ultimately, the rootstock of your apple defines the layout and robustness of your orchard.
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