What are stocks for an apple tree, what are they for?need and how to grow them? These are all questions that are increasingly being raised as spring approaches. Such attention to this topic is fully justified, because the apple orchard that you plant today will grow and bear fruit for many more decades, and the yield is laid right now. Therefore, we want to discuss in detail such an actual topic as the rootstock for an apple tree. Immediately make a reservation: it is 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 rootstocks can be a separate occupation, very useful for your budget. It would be someone then sell them.
Today, the abundance of different varietiesApple trees just admire. Of course, every gardener has a great temptation to grow large and sweet fruits in his plot. You probably already know that in order to grow a cultural tree, you need to plant the material of the desired variety, and it is from this place that development will proceed. Thus, the part to be grafted (branch or bud) will be referred to as graft, and what we graft is a stock. And only at first glance it seems that the main graft in this duet. 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 sapling as a stock, you may not wait for the results.
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 seminal 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 apple trees and got a young tree, which will be the seed stock.
The second option is clone stock.They multiply by layering or cuttings, which is why they are used much more frequently than others, because growing takes much less time. All clonal stocks can be divided into two groups - sredneroslye and dwarf. It is the apple trees on the dwarf rootstocks from the side seem to be the most attractive, but they require the greatest investment. From the gardener will need equipment supports and the organization of watering, as well as pest control throughout the life of the garden. Therefore, amateurs are advised to choose medium-sized or large stocks.
In fact, this is not a miracle of genetic engineering.It appeared as a result of breeding new varieties and was grown from seeds. Why then did the breeders decide to change the way they were propagated? The fact is that seedlings grown from seeds can be pereopylichatsya with other apples and get new properties. For example, to purchase from the pollinator intensive growth. But vegetative propagation guarantees the cultivation of a tree, which will retain the power of growth and the properties of the variety that was recognized as an ideal stock. Clone apple rootstocks are widely used almost everywhere, whole farms are engaged in growing young trees in greenhouses through vegetative propagation, and then selling them through retail network of specialized stores.
This is a separate question that also requiresattention. The best rootstocks of apple trees are unpretentious, winter-hardy varieties that will grow equally well in any climatic zones. Therefore, most often taken seeds Antonovka ordinary. Also for these purposes, Chinese or Anis is suitable. If they are not there, but the Grushovka Moscow or Borovinka is offered, then they can also be safely taken. Why exactly they? For self-cultivation, they are practically not used, because the fruits are too unattractive. However, these trees are frost-resistant, unpretentious and resistant to various diseases. What do you think, what will happen if you take as a stock a seedling grown from a seed of a thermophilic, southern variety, and it will be planted in central Russia? Of course, in the very first winter it will freeze, along with the root system. So we choose only local varieties or zoned, adapted to specific conditions.
Cultivation of apple rootstocks, we just belowlet's consider in great detail, but for now let's discuss once again the difference between the rootstocks grown in one way or another. Grown out of seeds stocks are highly resistant to diseases and climatic conditions, but the trees grafted on them, later come into fruiting. This is usually 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, forest applebecause its root system is less branched than that of the cultivated varieties, and therefore the transfer is such a tree that it suffers much worse. You also need to consider the results, that is, the yield that the apple tree should bring. Seed rootstock and, accordingly, the trees planted on them, have a limited yield, approximately 15-20 tons per hectare. This is due to the fact that trees grow large, and part of the crown is unproductive, although the skeletal and semi-skeletal branches also require food.
Vegetative, or clonal, rootstocks of apple area real find for those who grow large gardens, where productivity is put above all. The trees on them have a moderate growth, and are also skoroplodnymi. There are a lot of varieties of vegetative rootstocks, each has its own characteristics, so we will talk further about each of them individually.
Apple trees on dwarf rootstock are divided into 5 groups ofpower of growth. M8 is a very dwarf and very fast-growing rootstocks for apple trees. They are not too common for the simple reason that they have a shallow root system. They are weakly 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 saplings on a dwarf stock grow and come into effect in the second year, however, these trees almost do not tolerate drought and require constant attention, because the branches without support will easily break in summer under the weight of the fruit, and in winter from snow.
M27 is a super dwarf stock thatpractically not used in gardens and on private plots. Its wood is very fragile, as a result, this leads to the fact that plants often break, and it is very difficult to keep them. The trees on these rootstocks have a very small crown, which does not speak in favor of high fruiting.
D-1071 is another excellent specimen bred.at the Donetsk experimental station. This is the result of crossing the M9 with the Anis variety velvet. There is a moderate growth, fruiting in the third year, a very high yield, which he deserved the recognition of gardeners. Frost tolerance is satisfactory, tolerates drought.
Most often used in gardening stock M9(Paradisc 9). Its origin is unknown, but it is close to the varieties grown in Georgia. Let's combine with any kind of stocks, as causes its popularity. On the seedlings at the site of vaccination often growths are formed, but this does not interfere with the normal healing process. Apple trees on dwarf rootstock are very skoropplodnye, which is especially important if the garden is planted for commercial purposes. The yield is very high, much higher than that of other undersized stocks. The longevity 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 resistant, but very picky about soil fertility. The best results are achieved on soils generously fertilized with biohumus. On light, sandy and heavy, clay soils do not grow at all. On this stock, it is best to grow medium-grown apple varieties. M9 is resistant to powdery mildew and scab, but more often than others the aphids and rodents are affected. Apple tree stock M9 is most common for growing in central Russia, adapted to climatic conditions. And the trees on this stock feel normal in Siberia, only in the most severe winters there is a risk of freezing.
Apple trees on semi-dwarf rootstock are convenient forbreeding. They are not so demanding on regular watering and equipping wood with special supports. When the stocks M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 were just removed, they began to be widely used in gardens. However, practice has shown that these species have a number of drawbacks, due to which they have lost their popularity. First of all, they have poor rooting and are susceptible to overwetting, so lowlands are poorly suited for planting. In addition, almost all form the root growth, which is not very convenient for the gardener.
However, apple trees on semi-dwarf rootstocks arevery convenient, and therefore work in this direction continued, and MM-102 came to replace it. To do this, crossed the grade Northern scout and M1. It turned out a stock that has excellent compatibility with all varieties, the trees on it are skimpy and fruitful. It should be borne in mind that the root system takes up a lot of space, it is well ramified, which means that the tree will not need support. Frost resistance of the roots is average, stand up to -10 degrees. It tolerates drought due to a well-developed root system. But prolonged waterlogging and marshland can ruin the future garden.
In fact, the line between semi-dwarf andmiddle rootstocks are very thin. Both those and others are the optimum choice for gardens and kitchen gardens. Fruit, of course, will have to wait a little longer, but such plants are much better adapted to Russian conditions, tolerate frost well and are distinguished by yield. Clonal rootstocks of apple trees make it possible to obtain seedlings with identical properties in large quantities, which guarantees an optimal result on the plot.
MM-104 is obtained in England from the crossing of M2 and varietyNorthern scout. It belongs to medium growth, and on soils with high fertility it is approaching strong growth. Apple saplings on the stock early come into fruiting, but the yield is slightly lower than, for example, in MM 106. Average frost resistance, withstand temperatures up to -12 degrees. M-111 was launched in England and promising for the southern zone of Ukraine. Alnarp (A2) is a strong-growing stock that was bred in Sweden. Trees begin to bear fruit for 3-4 year, high yields. 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, so many of them today.
All listed varieties have an averagefrost resistance and practically do not survive in the conditions of Siberia. However, growing apple rootstocks is a very promising occupation, in which Russian breeders are interested. As a result, a beautiful middle-growth stock was bred, which is ideal for Russian conditions. It is well compatible with most well-known varieties, it is quite drought-resistant and frost-resistant, that is, it can be used on your personal plot. In about three years, you will already have a fruiting apple tree. The stock 118 is perfectly fixed in the soil and does not require additional support. Root shoots form very little, which is extremely convenient to care. Requires regular down pruning to keep the tree within three meters in height. The trees on this rootstock quickly take root, grow intensively and bear fruit well.
If you decide to do it yourself, thenYou will need to prepare the seed in advance. Apples should be removed from the tree when the seeds turn brown. This usually happens before the fruit is fully ripe. The fruit should be crushed and rinse the mass in water. Ripe seeds will remain at the bottom. Now the most interesting thing: the seeds need to be stratified, that is, subjected to low temperatures, but softer than if you sow them directly into the soil before winter.
Apple trees will require 90 days of stratification.To do this, soak the seeds for a day in water, then mix with sand or peat and clean on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Regularly check the level of humidity, and mix the composition to ensure the access of oxygen. Planted seeds when they notice that they are starting to hatch. If you have correctly calculated the time, then it should be mid-April - the beginning of May, when you can plant them straight into the ground. Here they will spend their first summer and safely winter. Next year you will have ready seedlings that can be used as a stock. We have given only a partial description of apple rootstocks, but you can refer to the reference information in order to collect information about varieties of your region.
Everything is much simpler here.You only need to purchase a ready stock and cut off its top. Planting apple rootstock should be made in the mother liquor, where he will give you new shoots for 10 years. It is for such a period that it is necessary to reserve this section in advance. Heavy, clayey soils are absolutely unsuitable for the queen cell, but sandy ones, on the contrary, will become an ideal option, but only if they are constantly irrigated. Keep in mind that together with the stocks you will take a tremendous amount of nutrients from the soil, due to which the land in the mother liquor is very quickly depleted. Therefore, regularly make mineral fertilizers, sawdust and straw, rotted manure. Here, someone will argue that the sawdust acidifies the soil, but the apple tree perfectly tolerates such conditions.
How many rootstocks you need, see for yourself.based on their own needs. If you need a large matochnik, then keep the distance between the rows about 150 cm. You will have to grow not a tree, but a bush. Before planting, we dig a small groove, about 8 cm, and plant the stock at the correct distance into it. Immediately after planting, we prune it at a height of 30 cm. For the first year, the task of the plant is to take root, therefore no additional manipulations will be required. Early spring, the next year, cut a stump 5-7 cm high from ground level. Shoots will begin 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 pile up the queen at least two more times. Be sure to moisturize before this soil or spud after rain. In the fall, you can take away the ready-made cuttings and plant them separately. After this, it is necessary to cover the exposed parts of the queen cell with earth. In the spring, you should not delay the opening of the bushes covered with autumn, so as not to delay the awakening of sleeping buds. Thus, your garden can be constantly supplied with practically free material for growing cultivated apple trees. If you have a large territory, this occupation can be the beginning of a profitable business.
Orchard is not only real decorationyour summer cottage, but also a source of apples, which can be stored for the whole winter, as well as a good additional income. First select the varieties you would like to grow on the plot. Find out what conditions are necessary for their normal growth and fruiting. And finally, find a mother tree from which you could take material for grafting. Now you can start searching for rootstocks. Of course, they must be combined with each other. Growing a stock from seeds is troublesome and long; it is much better to buy a suitable cutting and plant it in the mother liquor. Next year you will have young cuttings ready for vaccinations. Please note that the stock must ideally match the climatic features of your region, otherwise the plant will freeze.
Do not neglect the information about its root.the system. The loquate, located on the surface indicates that the plant will be undersized, it will not survive the drought and will need support. Plants with a developed core system, on the contrary, will not tolerate wet areas, lowlands with close groundwater storage.
