Aspects influencing the rootstock - scion performance during long term evaluation in pear orchard

Abstract

During 1999–2016, the performance of ‘Red Bartlett’, ‘Conference’ and ‘Beurré Alexander Lucas’ grafted on four pear (Pyrus) rootstocks OH × F 69, OH × F 87, OH × F 230, OH × F 333 and on quince (Cydonia) rootstock BA 29 was evaluated at the RBIP Holovousy Ltd. For each combination, trunk cross-section area, cumulative yield, yield efficiency and mean fruit weight were assessed. The growth vigour of the scion cultivars on OH × F rootstocks was similar or slightly higher comparing to the growth on BA 29. Throughout the years, the growth vigor and productivity of the rootstock combinations may change. Less vigorous combinations of rootstock/scion were linked with higher yields in young trees, but usually with just moderate yields in later seasons. By contrast, combinations with higher growth vigour had usually higher yields in the later seasons. This balance is genotype specific, where aside of rootstock an important role is played by the scion cultivar vigour. The bearing precocity may be influenced by the cultivar as well. The results can vary with different climatic conditions and orchard management.