Investigation of Apple Rootstocks in the Nursery

The effects of apple rootstocks M.9, M.26, MM.106, B.118, B.396, P.60, P.2, P.22, P.59 and 'Antonovka' seedlings on the quality of one year old planting material and their nutrient status were studied at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture in 2005-2007. Two apple cultivars 'Auksis' and 'Shampion' were included in the trial. Significant differences among rootstocks were found when tree height, stem diameter, leaf area and leaf weight were measured. The tallest one year old trees grew on B.118, M.9 and 'Antonovka' seedling rootstocks. Significantly shorter trees grew on P.22, P.2 and B.396 rootstocks. The taller planting material had bigger stem diameter. Trees propagated on P.2, P.60 and B.396 rootstocks had smaller stem diameter. M.9, P.22, P.59 and B.118 rootstocks had larger leaves. Trees on P.2, M.26, MM.106 and seedling rootstock had significantly smaller leaves. Though there was a positive correlation between rootstock growth, vigour and vegetative growth characters of planting material, interactions with M.9 and P.59 rootstocks were established.