Rootstock–Scion Hydraulic Balance Influenced Scion Vigor and Yield Efficiency of Malus domestica cv. Honeycrisp on Eight Rootstocks

Abstract

Rootstocks with internal hydraulic limitations can effectively restrict scion growth, influence crop load, and improve yield efficiency in apple production. The characteristics of xylem vessels in rootstock and scion play essential roles in determining the hydraulic properties of the grafted tree; however, much remains unknown for commonly available rootstocks. In this study, we extracted secondary xylem using an increment borer from living Honeycrisp scion (Malus domestica cv. ‘Honeycrisp’), and two Malling rootstocks, one Budagovsky rootstock, and five Geneva rootstocks. The size and density of xylem vessels in rootstocks and scions were analyzed in relation to trunk cross-section area (TCSA), tree–water relations, and fruit dry matter of 2019, as well as with cumulative yield efficiency during 2014–2019. Honeycrisp scion exceeded most of the rootstocks in cross-section size and density of vessel elements. Scion vigor and cumulative yield were positively correlated with TCSA and total vessel cross-section area (VCSA) of the rootstock, with G.202 being the highest, and B.9 being the lowest with small xylem vessels in high density. In the rootstocks with the highest cumulative yield efficiency, the rootstock/scion ratio in VCSA was equal to or slightly higher than 1. Lower scion vessel density in G.214 was associated with lower fruit dry matter weight, more restricted water relations, and worsened leaf chlorosis. G.935 with larger rootstock vessels led to both high yield and high yield efficiency. This suggested that higher scion vessel density and larger rootstock vessel size can be advantageous characteristics for early-stage evaluation.