0000000000867171
AUTHOR
Theodore M. Dejong
Comparison of growth potentials of epicormic shoots of nectarine trees grown on size-controlling and vigorous rootstocks
SummaryThe vegetative performance of four nectarine tree scion/rootstock combinations, with varying growth capacities, were analysed in the Spring after the canopy:root ratio was dramatically reduced by severe pruning in the dormant season. We anticipated that severe pruning and reduction of the shoot:root ratio would mitigate known root water supply limitations related to the various rootstocks and determine if other factors associated with the rootstocks would control the rates of epicormic shoot growth. The trees used in this field experiment were 3 years-old, with ‘May Fire’ nectarine grafted onto four different rootstocks: ‘Nemaguard’ (a vigorous seed-propagated control, P. persica P. …
The relationship of hydraulic conductance to root system characteristics of peach (Prunus persica) rootstocks
Specific rootstocks can differentially influence the vegetative growth and development of fruit trees. However, the physiological mechanism involved in this phenomenon has been elusive. Recent research comparing different peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) rootstocks suggests that the rootstock effect on vegetative growth in peach trees is associated to water relations and more specifically to differences in rootstock hydraulic conductance. This study was intended to confirm differences in hydraulic characteristics of similar size peach trees grafted on different rootstocks and to examine root system characteristics that could be associated with rootstock hydraulic limitations. Trees on roots…