Influence of rootstock on the quality of sweet cherry fruits in the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Abstract

Sweet cherry is a thermophilic and whimsical crop that reacts painfully to unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as frost, drought or high humidity in the air and soil. At the same time, this crop requires a uniform supply of heat and moisture during the growing season. In the climatic conditions of the Volgograd region, stressful situations often arise that can partially or completely reduce the yield of fruit crops, especially those introduced to our region from other regions. To reduce the risk of losing the yield of fruit plantations, including sweet cherry, it is necessary to pay special attention to the choice of the variety, as well as the rootstock on which this variety is grafted. The publication presents the results of studying the influence of rootstocks on the qualitative and quantitative indicators of sweet cherry fruits, such as taste, weight, uniformity, color, and productivity. According to the results of the study in the field (in the garden), varietal-rootstock combinations were identified that have one-dimensional, crack-resistant, large fruits, while maintaining high and stable productivity. According to the results of research, it was found that the rootstock affects not only the strength of growth and the shape of the crown, but also the quality of the fruit. The most dependent of the studied varieties on the type of rootstock is Euphoria, the lowest weight of berries was observed on the rootstock VSL-1. At the same time, this rootstock has a higher percentage of resistance to cracking of the fruit. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that with the help of rootstock, it becomes possible to influence the quality indicators of fruits.