Morphological and Growth Characteristics of Newly introduced Exotic Apple varieties on M9T337 Rootstock in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The study was undertaken to make preliminary assessment for morphological and growth characteristics of new exotic apple varieties viz., Super Chief Sandidge, Gala Red Lum, Fuji Zehn Aztec, and Golden Clone B imported from Italy on M9T337 rootstock and planted at a distance of 1.5× 3m on four wire trellis system (2222trees/ha) in an experimental orchard of SKUAST-K established in spring 2013. Characteristics like Tree height (m), TCSA (cm2), canopy area (cm2), incremental growth of tree height (cm), shoot length (cm), number of shoots, intermodal length (cm), annual shoot extension (cm) and leaf area (cm2) were recorded. Super Chief Sandidge was observed to be highly dwarf variety in terms of tree morphology and Fuji Zehn Aztec as moderate. Growth characteristics were highest in Golden clone B and lowest in Super Chief Sandidge. On the basis of vegetative behavior, variety Super Chief Sandidge planting at the rate of 3906 trees/ha can be recommended to utilize the inter-tree space more efficiently and for high productivity.