ARS | Publication request: Geneva rootstocks for weak growing scion cultivars like Honeycrisp

Submitted to: New York State Fruit Quarterly
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 20, 2011
Publication Date: June 20, 2011
Citation: Robinson, T., Fazio, G., Hoying, S., Miranda, M., Iungerman, K. 2011. Geneva rootstocks for weak growing scion cultivars like Honeycrisp. New York State Fruit Quarterly. 19:10-16.

Technical Abstract: Duplicate field trials with ‘Honeycrisp’ apple on 22 rootstocks conducted for 9 years at Geneva, NY (in Western NY State) and Peru, NY (in Northern NY State), showed that two dwarf Geneva® stocks (G.41 and G.11) had good tree survival, superior yield performance to M.9, similar fruit size as M.9 and less bienniality than M.9. A third stock, G.935, which was similar in size to M.26 was also superior in yield to M.9 but was not less biennial. Our data have shown that over a broad range of climates and soils, that 2 dwarfing Geneva stocks, G.11 and G.41 have performed better than M.9 while G.935 which is similar in vigor to M.26 has performed similar to M.9. Previous studies have shown their significant fire blight resistance is an advantage over M.9 and offers substantial benefits to North American apple growers (Russo et al., 2007). Other studies have shown that G.41 also has significant resistance to replant disease. We have also identified several new elite rootstocks which may have potential for processing growers who want a free standing tree. These stocks are semi-dwarfing fire blight resistant stocks with high yield efficiency and good precocity. It is likely that these will be free-standing trees.