Abstract
This paper analyses the distribution of root systems of nine dwarf apple rootstocks (M.9 T 984, M.9 T 337, Jork 9, Mark 9, Budagowski 9, M.9 EMLA, Pajam 1, Pajam 2 and Supporter 4). All rootstocks were grafted with apple cultivar Granny Smith. The study was performed in the experimental orchard established in the Prespa region (Resen, R. Macedonia). The experimental orchard was established in 2004, with a planting distance 3.5 m x 1.5 m. At the end of the 7th growing season following characteristics were evaluated: length and weight of the fine (fibrous) and coarse roots, and depth distribution of the root system. Among the evaluated rootstocks statistically significant differ-ences in total length of the fine roots were not found. Between different rootstocks the results for total length of coarse roots showed more variability. In general, even 89% of the total length of root system belonged to fine roots, and the highest percentage (35%) was located at depths of 20 to 40 cm. Trees grafted on Mark 9 rootstock had the highest value for total root length, while the smallest values were registered on those grafted on Pajam 1 rootstock. Trees grafted on Supporter 4 rootstock had the greatest weight of the root system, while the smallest one was found on rootstock Budagowski 9.
Highlights
IntroductionThe some environmental factors like soil, climate, presence of a shallow hard rock or groundwater, as well as the cultural practices applied, can induce important changes in the root system distribution in soil [1,2,3]
The root systems of fruit trees have a heredity-determined pattern
The objective of this study is to show the effects of various dwarfing apple rootstocks on distribution of the root system of Granny Smith apple cultivar under the specific conditions of the apple growing region of Prespa, South-Western Macedonia
Summary
The some environmental factors like soil, climate, presence of a shallow hard rock or groundwater, as well as the cultural practices applied, can induce important changes in the root system distribution in soil [1,2,3]. Quality and distribution of roots is useful in agricultural production to provide information on the location of fertilizer application, tree spacing, intercrops, soil management and irrigation [4]. The development of root system is primarily affected by its origin (rootstock and variety combination), soil and climate conditions, and applied cultural practices. Atkinson et al [5] and Atkinson [6] point out that the length of root systems of apples directly depends on the planting distance and the type of the rootstock. According to Vasconcelos et al [8] a perfect method for evaluating roots does not exist because the suitability of a method for the evaluation of the root system depends on the in situ conditions
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