Focus on stone fruit rootstocks

Rootstocks are crucial in stone fruit cultivation as they determine the adaptation of plants to different soil types, as well as influencing disease tolerance, vigor and productivity. In peach, apricot, cherry and plum crops, choosing the right rootstock can make a significant difference to the health and success of the orchard.

Among the most popular and used options are Garnem, Rootpac, Mirared and Adarà, all rootstocks known for specific characteristics of adaptability and resistance. These strains offer versatile and quality solutions to meet the needs of growers.

Garnem rootstocks are among the most popular for peach, apricot and almond trees, born from the cross between Prunus persica and Prunus dulcis. Among its most appreciated characteristics is its resistance to nematodes, parasites that attack the roots of plants causing dieback and reduced production. Garnem is also known for the high vigour it gives to the plant, ensuring excellent development and abundant production. It adapts very well to calcareous and arid soils, often difficult for other varieties, and is also able to enter production in a short time compared to other rootstocks. However, it is less suitable for soils with waterlogging, as its root system can be negatively affected.

The Rootpac series of rootstocks, developed to adapt to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions, offers particularly versatile options. Among the most used are Rootpac 20 and Rootpac R, which have different characteristics in terms of vigor and adaptability. The Rootpac series stands out for its ability to adapt to various types of soil, including saline and heavy soils, and for its high tolerance to diseases that affect the root system, such as fungi and bacteriosis. In addition, Rootpac variants offer vigor options ranging from standard to moderate growth, allowing growers to adjust plant growth to the specific needs of the orchard. Thanks to its adaptability, Rootpac is particularly popular for intensive and super-intensive cultivation.

Mirared, the most recent rootstock, is a valid solution for apricots and plums. This rootstock is a hybrid that combines high productivity with good resistance to diseases and environmental stresses. Mirared adapts well to different varieties of stone fruits, making it ideal for mixed orchards. It has a high tolerance to pathogens, whether fungal or viral, and gives a balanced growth to the plant, keeping it moderate in size and thus facilitating management operations. This rootstock is also resistant to both low winter temperatures and summer water stress, which makes it particularly suitable for arid areas. However, its resistance to nematodes is not as high as that of Garnem, so it is preferable to avoid using it in soils where the presence of these parasites is significant.

Adà is an innovative rootstock, known for its tolerance to clayey and compact soils, which are often difficult to manage with other varieties. It is mainly used for cherry trees, although it is also compatible with other stone fruits. Adà stands out for its ability to adapt well to soils with poor drainage, a valuable feature for cultivation in clayey or heavy soils. It gives the plants a moderate vigor, favoring easier management of size and production. Plants grafted on Adà tend to produce fruit of good quality and size, without suffering significant reductions in yield. Although it is highly resistant to waterlogging, Adà offers less vigor than other rootstocks, so it is important to consider this characteristic according to the specific needs of the orchard.

Choosing the right rootstock is crucial to ensure the health and productivity of stone fruits. Garnem is ideal for calcareous and dry soils due to its high vigor and resistance to nematodes; Rootpac stands out for its wide adaptability and tolerance to diseases, making it optimal for intensive cultivation; Mirared is versatile, with good resistance to pathogens and moderate vigor, perfect for apricot and plum trees; finally, Adà proves to be excellent for clayey and compact soils, particularly suitable for cherry trees. These varieties represent reliable solutions to respond to different agronomic challenges, improving the resilience and quality of orchard production.

Copyright Image fruitjournal.com