Rootstock effect on the performance of sweet cherry cv. Lapins

Abstract

Twelve clonal rootstocks of sweet cherry grafted with the cv. Lapins were tested. Each graft combination included 18 trees divided into six randomized blocks. The trees were spaced at 5 × 3 m and trained as spindles. Tree vigour, yield, fruit size, fruit quality and yield efficiency were evaluated for eleven subsequent years. According to trunk diameter, the most vigorous rootstocks were Gi 497/8, Gi 154/7, Gisela 4 and P-HL-A; 32-41% larger compared with the standard Gisela 5. The highest cumulative yield per tree and yield efficiency were recorded on the rootstocks Gi 154/7 and Gisela 4. The lowest yield was recorded on Damil, Gi 209/1, Gi 195/20, Gi 148/8 and Gisela 5. P-HL-A and Gi 523/02 gave the largest fruit weights and Gi 209/1, Gisela 5 and Gi 195/20 the smallest. Moderate tree die-back was recorded on Gi 154/7 and P-HL-A, low tree mortality on Gisela 4 and Damil. All the trees survived on Gi 497/8. Gisela 4 and Gi 154/7 produced some root suckers.