
A rootstock is basically a root system that a fruit tree is grafted onto. What this root does primarily is control the vigour and eventual size of the tree. In practice, this means you can choose a tree that is perfectly suited to the space you have. If you have a large area or an orchard then an M25 rootstock will allow an apple tree to grow ...
How to grow your own rootstocks?
Types Of Rootstock
- Dwarfing & Semi-Dwarf Rootstocks. If you look at an ancient orchard you will probably notice the trees are quite large in size and fairly substantial.
- Vigorous Rootstocks. Vigorous rootstocks will produce trees that can grow up to 10 (33’) or more. ...
- Semi-Dwarfing Rootstocks – The Best Of Both Worlds. ...
What are the examples of rootstock?
Use “rootstock” in a sentence | “rootstock” sentence examples
- Others are produced from thick rootstock called rhizomes.
- The bushy plants develop from fleshy, stout rootstock.
- Numerous shoots grow from the nodes of the rootstock.
- The long, wiry rootstock produces numerous shoots, which develop bushy plants.
How are apple tree rootstocks propagated?
- Apple trees propagated on seedling rootstocks lack in fruit quality and production with time.
- Apple trees on seedling rootstocks come late into production.
- Apple trees propagated on seedling rootstocks have a large tree size, hence more labour is required for tree maintenance and fruit harvesting.
Where to get rootstock for grafting?
- The rootstock had to be grown - either from seed, or more likely through clonal propagation
- Scion wood from the desired variety had to be collected in winter, while the parent tree was dormant
- The scion had to be grafted onto the rootstock by someone skilled at grafting
- The grafted tree was then probably grown out in a nursery bed for another season

What rootstock is used for apple trees?
M9. 337 is the global standard for rootstock and is the most widely planted cultivar in Washington. M9. 337 shows tremendous compatibility with most scions, but its susceptibility to fire blight makes it a rootstock to avoid in areas where fire blight is a concern, Auvil said.
What is the purpose of a rootstock?
Why do we use rootstock? Mostly to create very specific plant traits. Rootstock plants determine the longevity of the plant, resistance to pests and diseases, cold hardiness, fruit yield, and the size of the tree and its root system.
Do apple trees need rootstock?
Generally, apple bare root plants must be ordered at least one to two years in advance of the planting season in order to reserve desired varieties and rootstocks. This is particularly true if you are planting a large quantity of trees, planting a popular new variety or a rare variety, or require a specific rootstock.
Where does apple tree rootstock come from?
Our rootstocks are propagated from mother plants grown in a trench called a stool bed. Each year they send up sprouts. When the sprouts have grown a certain amount, we fill in the trench with a loose mix of plant superfood. That's where the biochar comes in!
Does rootstock produce fruit?
Most rootstocks will produce edible fruit if left to grow naturally, but the fruit is usually small and poorly flavored. The variety selected for the scion imparts the fruit characteristics such as size, color, and quality factors.
How do you grow apple rootstock?
Save yourself money and grow your own rootstock. Just dig a long trench the same height of the tree and bury them (each in their own one) – they'll sprout multiple times from their trunks and grow more trees. Our neighbour is one of the best growers around, so we do whatever she tells us.
What is the best rootstock for apples?
M25 is the most vigorous apple rootstock. It produces a "standard" apple tree of up to 6m height after 10 years or so in good conditions, and is the best choice for old-fashioned traditional orchards, as well as locations with poor soils.
Why are apple trees grown on rootstock?
Left to grow naturally, fruit trees will reach a height of at least 5m – far too big for the average garden, and not practical to harvest fruit from. For this reason, many fruit trees are grafted on to a root system, or 'rootstock' of a related tree that keeps them a more manageable size.
Why are fruit trees grafted onto rootstock?
Grafting onto rootstock that is already established allows young fruit trees to bear fruit earlier. Rootstock plants also determine the tree and root system size, fruit yield efficiency, longevity of the plant, resistance to pests and disease, cold hardiness, and the tree's ability to adapt to soil types.
How do you identify rootstock?
0:564:59Identifying Rootstock Suckers On Mandarin Orange Tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so they grow these these mandarins on root stock because there are specific traits that the thatMoreAnd so they grow these these mandarins on root stock because there are specific traits that the that the that the growers like about the root stock. And for instance like cold hardiness.
Can you grow rootstock from a cutting?
0:005:41Growing Citrus from Cuttings - Rooting Citrus Rootstocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf seeds are not available it can be useful to grow citrus root stocks from cuttings. I grew theMoreIf seeds are not available it can be useful to grow citrus root stocks from cuttings. I grew the cuttings in a hydroponic growth medium called Stonewall Stonewall is a man-made product.
How do you multiply an apple tree?
5:236:48How To Grow Apple Trees From Cuttings EASY WAY! (Growing Tips)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay stick it in there fill up the soil. Around. You know filling up this container. And you knowMoreOkay stick it in there fill up the soil. Around. You know filling up this container. And you know you should have keep it watered of course all the normal stuff like a plant.
Very-Dwarf Apple Rootstocks
1. Mature height: Very small, 5ft-7ft 2. Spacing: 3ft-4ft 3. Bearing age: 2-3 years 4. Staking: RequiredSuitable forms: Small centre leader, Pyrami...
Semi-Dwarf Apple Rootstocks
1. Mature height: Medium, 8ft-12ft 2. Spacing: 4ft-10ft 3. Bearing age: 3 years 4. Staking: RecommendedSuitable forms: Bush, Centre leader / spindl...
Semi-Vigorous Apple Rootstocks
1. Mature height: Large, 10ft-14ft 2. Spacing: 12ft-18ft 3. Bearing age: 2-3 years 4. Staking: Not necessarySuitable forms: Half-standard, Bush, La...
Full-Size Apple Rootstocks
1. Mature height: Very large, 14ft-20ft+ 2. Spacing: 24ft+ 3. Bearing age: 5 years 4. Staking: Not necessarySuitable forms: Full-standardAntonovka...
What is rootstock in apple trees?
What is a rootstock? The apple tree rootstock controls the tree’s size, precocity, cold hardiness, and partly its disease resistance (such as fireblight). In order to grow a reliable and high quality fruit tree, growers graft the scion, which is above the ground and responsible for the fruit’s characteristics and disease resistance, ...
What is the best rootstock for cordon apples?
M9. M9, like other dwarf rootstocks which create small trees, is an ideal rootstock for dense plantings and making cordon apples, which is one form of tree training. However since it has shallow and weak roots, it needs soil that is rich in nutrients.
How far apart should I plant a tree on a semi-standard rootstock?
Note: When planting trees on semi-standard rootstocks, you can plant them generally about 15 feet apart. G.890. G.890 is one of the semi-standard rootstock that is also resistant to fire blight, crown rot, and woolly apple aphid. Additionally it is more precocious than Malling rootstocks with similar vigor.
How many rootstocks did Hatton find?
Hatton at England’s East Malling Research station helped start this work by gathering 24 different rootstocks and naming them. As a result of his work, we now have M selections such as M9, M7, M2, M8 and M13 (note that the number in the name of the rootstock doesn’t correlate to tree size).
How tall is a MM106 tree?
MM106. MM106, also known as Malling-Merton 106, produces trees around 60-70% of the standard size so around 12ft tall. However you can prune the tree to a smaller size. In addition to being precocious and productive, it is also resistant to woolly apple aphid. However it is susceptible to collar rot.
How far apart should I plant dwarf rootstock?
Note: When planting trees on dwarf rootstocks, you can plant them generally about 5-7 feet apart. Bud.9. Researchers bred Bud. 9 (also known as Budagovsky 9 or B.9) in the Soviet Union by crossing M.8 x Red Standard (Krasnij Standart). This dwarf rootstock is resistant to collar rot and very cold hardy.
Can an apple tree grow on an M9 rootstock?
For example, an apple tree on an M9 rootstock can grow to the same height as one grown on an MM106 rootstock with the appropriate care. However, the M9 tree will have fewer and thinner branches. Therefore, when you see below the height of the tree at maturity, it is an approximate maximum.
The Ultimate Guide to Apple Rootstock
Apple trees are grafted (or fused) onto a rootstock that helps determine the size and strength of your tree once it has reached maturity. Grafting is a practice that has occurred for thousands of years. More recently, immense amounts of research have resulted in a list of the apple rootstocks believed to provide the best results.
So What Is a Rootstock Anyway?
In simple terms, “rootstock” refers to the base of a tree, including the roots and trunk, that a scion (or the flowering or fruiting part of the tree that you see above ground) is grafted to. For the grafting process to be successful, the rootstock and scion need to be fairly close relatives.
What Is The Best Rootstock for Apple Trees?
When it comes to determining what the best rootstock is, there are a lot of factors to consider! What is ideal for one grower may be different for another. There are so many different rootstock variations that have been scientifically studied, bred, and established over decades.
What are rootstocks used for?
Rootstocks to control tree size have been used in apple production for over 2,000 years. Historically, most of the clonal apple rootstocks that we use in the United States traditionally originated in Europe. In the mid-1800s horticulturists began referring to rootstocks by name. They were called Paradise (or French Paradise) or Doucin (or English Paradise), the former being more dwarfing than the latter. These plants, however, showed much variation in size control. In addition, many new stocks had been introduced inaccurately under these names; undoubtedly viruses and genetic mutations had occurred in the plant material. In the late 1800s one author described 14 different kinds of Paradise rootstocks. This diversity led researchers at England's East Malling Research Station to gather the selections to determine their trueness to name. The researchers concluded that indeed there were numerous misnamed and mixed collections of plant material.
What rootstocks were never commercially important?
Most of these, with the exception of M.9, M.7, M.2, M.8, and M.13, were never commercially important in the United States. In succeeding years some rootstocks were developed from controlled crosses, M.26 and M.27 being the most famous.
What is a Geneva 16 apple tree?
Geneva 16 (G.16) was released from Cornell University's breeding program. Like others in the series, it is resistant to fire blight. It is tolerant of crown and root rots. It is susceptible to woolly apple aphid and powdery mildew. Size was initially reported to be between that of M.9 and M.26. However, in a trial at Rock Springs with the scion cultivar of Golden Delicious at the end of the tenth growing season, it was approximately 20% smaller than trees on M.9T337 and 65 percent smaller than M.26. It does appear, however, to induce wider branch angles in the scion cultivar. Geneva 16 is very sensitive to latent viruses in apple and should only be propagated with virus free scion wood on top.
How many different types of rootstocks were discovered in the late 1800s?
In the late 1800s one author described 14 different kinds of Paradise rootstocks. This diversity led researchers at England's East Malling Research Station to gather the selections to determine their trueness to name.
What is a MM 106 tree?
Malling-Merton 106 (MM.106) A rootstock, slightly larger than M.7, that produces freestanding, early bearing trees. Trees on MM.106 are susceptible to collar rot when planted in wet soils and are not recommended for poorly drained sites. Delicious on MM.106 is susceptible to apple union necrosis.
When did Penn State start rootstock?
Penn State has been a member of this project since its inception in the late 1970s. Growers should be aware of each rootstock's known capabilities and limitations. Many of the newer rootstocks will probably be available to the commercial industry before they have been thoroughly evaluated with different cultivars.
Is rootstock resistant to aphids?
It is fire blight and phytopthora resistant as well as having resistance to woolly apple aphids. The rootstock has been mainly tested in New York and New Zealand. In New Zealand they are looking at this rootstock as a possible replacement for M.26 since it is more productive than M.26.
MM106 rootstock
Suitable forms : Half-standard, Bush, Large centre leader / spindlebush, Large fan or espalier
MM111 rootstock
Suitable forms : Half-standard, Bush, Large centre leader / spindlebush, Large fan or espalier
Bud. 118 rootstock
Suitable forms : Half-standard, Large centre leader / spindlebush, Large fan or espalier
What is the best rootstock for apple trees?
M25 is the most vigorous apple rootstock. It produces a ""standard"" apple tree of up to 6m height after 10 years or so in good conditions, and is the best choice for old-fashioned traditional orchards, as well as locations with poor soils.
What is a M26 rootstock?
M26. M26 is a good general-purpose rootstock, which can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from medium-sized bush trees, to cordons and espaliers. Best considered for the same situations as MM106 (below) but where you want a smaller tree, although vigour increases in warmer climates.
What is a MM111 tree?
MM111. A semi-vigorous rootstock, producing trees somewhat larger than MM106, in the range 4m-5m / 14ft - 18ft. MM111 is well-known for its ability to grow in both heavy and light soils and to tolerate drought and damp conditions. However it has never achieved the popularity of MM106 because it is very slow to start bearing.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing an apple tree?
Advantages: Doesn't require much looking after, and ideal for growing traditional large apple trees. Disadvantages: You will need a ladder and fruit-picking bags to pick the apples. Introduction to Rootstocks.
When was the M9 rootstock invented?
Widely used by commercial orchards, and also ideal for the garden. M9 was one of the first modern apple rootstocks, released in 1917 as a specific classification of an old French ""Paradise"" rootstock called Jaune de Metz.. The ""Paradise"" rootstocks were used in Europe since the the Middle Ages.
Is M27 apple tree dwarf?
The most dwarfing of all apple rootstocks, produces a tree which will be smaller than a person standing with their arms slightly spread out. Some authorities suggest that M27 is ""difficult"" because it is so small, but in our experience growing M27 apple trees is straightforward provided you attend to their needs - regular watering, good soils, mulching and weed suppression.
Can an apple tree grow on a M9?
An apple tree on M9 can readily grow to the same height as a tree on MM 106 if you let it or encourage it. However the M9 tree will have far fewer branches than the MM106 tree, and the branches will not be as thick or have as many secondary branches, and will not form as dense a canopy of leaves in the summer.
Is Bud 9 a low vigor rootstock?
A low vigor rootstock producing a tree similar to, or slightly smaller than, M9-337 in size. Bud 9 is more winter hardy and less susceptible to fire blight than M9. It is very resistant to collar rot and moderately resistant to apple scab and powdery mildew. This rootstock requires support and supplemental irrigation is recommended particularly on ...
Is Geneva 41 a good rootstock?
Geneva® 41 is immune to fire blight, crown rot and wooly apple aphid. Geneva®41 is very cold hardy and precocious. It is good rootstock to consider for replant sites. This rootstock requires support.
Is G.890 a winter hardy rootstock?
G.890 is tolerant to replant disease, and resistant to fire blight, crown rot, and wooly apple aphid. It is a winter hardy rootstock with low suckering.
Is emla 106 a winter rootstock?
It is a winter hardy rootstock with low suckering. EMLA 106 (Northern Spy x Malling 1) Moderate vigor, about 70% the size of trees on seedling, EMLA 106 is heavy cropping and resistant to wooly apple aphid.
Where are emla rootstocks from?
The M and EMLA rootstocks from East Malling, the Bud rootstocks from the former Soviet Union and more recently, the G rootstocks from Geneva, New York, have become the most commonly used rootstocks for apple production in the United States and throughout the world. BUD 9.
What is a G-11 tree?
GENEVA® 11 (G-11) Developed from a cross of Malling 26 and Robusta 5, G-11 produces a tree similar in size to M-9 (337).
Is G-41 a hardy root?
Developed by Cornell University in Geneva, NY, G-41 is also similar in size to M-9. This root has very high resistance to fire blight and woolly apple aphids. G-41 is a hardy root and does very well on replant sites. It has proven to grow a productive tree with good fruit size and quality.
Is Bud 9 a dwarf tree?
BUD 9. The most dwarfing rootstock we currently offer, Bud 9 produces a tree typically smaller than M-9, though some northern/colder districts have observed vigor much closer to M -9. Bud 9 is very winter hardy, resistant to collar rot and somewhat less susceptible to fire blight than M–9.
EMLA 7 Apple rootstock
Produces a semidwarf apple tree from 11-16 feet tall. Trees can begin bearing in 3-4 years. It is hardy to -35 degrees F. and does well on wet soil...
Budagovski 9 apple rootstock
A very dwarfing apple rootstock similar to EMLA 9 but more hardy. Trees can be maintained at 6 to 10' in height. Requires staking.
EMLA 26 Apple rootstock
It will produce a dwarf tree from 8-14 feet tall. Does well in most soils. It is hardy to -40 deg. F. Produces fruit in 2-3 years. Can be grown fr...
MM106 Emla Apple Rootstock
Semi-dwarf rootstock slightly bigger than M7 that does well on a variety of soils. USDA Zones 4-9.
MM111 Apple Roostock
Produces a semi-standard heavy bearing, precocious, well anchored tree about 20 feet tall. This rootstock has fiberous roots and does well in a wid...
Geneva 30 Apple rootstock
Good resistance to crown rot and fire blight, this rootstock produces trees about 11-16' tall. It is similar to EMLA 7, but has better anchorage, h...
Geneva 41 Apple Rootstock
Small dwarf rootstock. Slightly more dwarfing than Malling 9. Resistant to woolly apple aphid, fireblight and crown rot. Induces high productivity,...
