Rootstock and interstock effects on deciduous fruit tree vigour, precocity, and yield productivity

Abstract

Rootstocks have been used for propagating temperate fruit trees for more than 2000 years. Many of the rootstocks used, as well as providing a simple method of propagation, also affect scion growth, cropping, and adaptability to different environmental conditions. How rootstocks bring about their effects on scion growth and cropping is still not understood. This review describes and discusses some of the many rootstock effects on temperate fruit tree scion growth, vigour, and habit, as well as scion precocity and abundance of flowering and the propensity of flowers to set fruits. Finally rootstock effects on yield efficiency are considered. © 1995 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.