Performance of Jonagold, McIntosh and Novaspy on three new semi-dwarf apple rootstocks in eastern Canada

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in the provinces of Ontario (ON), New Brunswick (NB), and Nova Scotia (NS), all of which differ in growing regime, to determine the performance of Jonagold (Wilmuta strain), McIntosh and Novaspy on three new size-controlling apple [Malus × domestica (Borkh.)] rootstocks AR86-1-20, CG.008, and G.30 compared with a standard (M.26EMLA). For most response variables, rootstock performance differed in each location. Irrespective of cultivar, trees on AR86-1-20 were consistently more vigorous than those on M.26EMLA, while trees on G.30 were more vigorous in four of six experiments, and trees on CG.008 were similar to those on M.26EMLA in five of six experiments. G.30 and CG.008 were significantly more yield-efficient in four of the six experiments and show promise as replacements for rootstocks in this size category. CG.008 could be a good choice for a productive, well-anchored semi-dwarf rootstock between M.26EMLA and M.7 in vigour control, and CG.30 is likely a suitable replacement for M.7. The Horticulture Research International (HRI) rootstock AR86-1-20 is well adapted to wide soil and climate differences and may replace other rootstocks in the semi-dwarf vigour category. The results of this study provide a comprehensive look at comparable field performance of some new rootstocks for three of the five apple growing regions of Canada.