Apple stock

Apple seedlings, which we usually buy at fairs or in specialty stores, mainly consist of scion and rootstock. The rootstock for an apple tree is the basis of a fruit-bearing tree with a graft grafted on it. Or the bud of the variety we need.

Stock concept

If we consider an apple tree seedling as a separate biological specimen, then, of course, it is capable of giving itself a root system. But such self-rooted crops, as a rule, will begin to bear fruit very slowly. And the harvest will have to wait a long time. What will not happen if cultures are correctly combined. And also choose the right combination of varieties. This is a very important knowledge that will affect the yield of the tree in the future. And also on the life span of the plant.

The stock is a kind of base where the cultivated plant will be grafted. More precisely, its bud or stalk. Many qualities of a tree depend on the stock. This is resistance to frost, the timing of fruiting. Sizes of branches and trunk, number of flowers and ovaries. Yield stability. As well as the appearance of the fruit.

Classification of rootstocks

All rootstocks are divided according to different characteristics. The following is a classification of rootstocks based on vigor.

• Vigorous.
• Weak.
• Medium-sized.

Weak rootstocks, in turn, are divided into semi-dwarf and dwarf rootstocks.

Based on the technique of obtaining, the rootstocks are divided into seed, insert (intercalary). And also clonal (vegetative). Seed stock includes those crops that have been grown using seeds obtained from conventional varieties. Here, the strength of the plant's growth will be influenced by the very variety from which the seeds were obtained.

Most of the varieties that have enviable cold resistance, both aboveground and underground, are considered vigorous. It is beneficial to use them as rootstocks when grown in not the most favorable lands. The seeds of Antonovka and Grushovka are often used for these purposes. As well as seeds of other well-known varieties.

Clonal rootstock for apple tree

This is the name of seedlings that were obtained using a vegetative method of propagation of forms and types of plants used as rootstocks. In this way, apple varieties are most often propagated, which are characterized by weak growth. And also some other fruit crops.

Those agricultural enterprises have specially equipped greenhouses. They can create the conditions of nature. Here rootstocks are propagated using green cuttings.

Clonal rootstocks have a fibrous root system. Therefore, their advantage is the ability to adapt well in those places where groundwater occurs close to the surface. And also the resulting crops grow evenly and bear fruit at the same time.

Of the minuses of the same fibrous root system, a weak resistance of roots in the ground is distinguished. And also these plants must be watered regularly in the absence of precipitation. So that the earth does not dry out.

Intercalary rootstock

These are rootstocks that are formed by a combination of a seed stock and an intermediate insert of a low-growth stock. This is a part of the stem, which has a length of about 20 cm. It is obtained from the main trunk of a weakly growing apple tree.A very big advantage of seedlings obtained on such rootstocks is the low growth of the tree. And also a very quick entry into fruiting. In addition, the tree is well anchored in the soil.

Of the minuses, we can note the mechanical weakness of such forms of the apple tree. For example, Paradizki Budagovsky.

Methods for growing wild wild on stock for apple trees

Wild birds are usually grown from seeds. At least that's what happens in nurseries. The seeds are first extracted from the fruit. Then the process of their stratification takes place. This means that the seeds are exposed to very low temperatures. Then the seeds are sown. And as the seedlings emerge and grow, they dive. After that, the plants are dug up and the rootstocks are planted.

If this is a very large nursery, then mechanized harvesting of seeds takes place here. Here ripe fruits are laid in special devices. They are called fruit grinders. And also grind them. If this is not very laborious, then the seeds are harvested by hand.

Seed preparation

If the soil is light, not prone to flooding, then the seeds can be sown here in the autumn. After that, in winter, they will receive a natural effect of the cold. If, on the other hand, the earth is heavy, then the seeds must be stratified in the sand. In this case, the seeds are placed in special boxes with coarse wet river sand. If there are few seeds, they can be stratified in a small flower pot. Here the container, in which the seeds and sand are placed, is transferred to the room. The temperature is no more than five degrees and at least three degrees.

If the temperature in the room gets higher, or you see that the seeds have begun to germinate, you need to move the container to the snow. Or even bury it in it. The apple variety will influence the period of seed stratification. As an example, a common garden tree is stratified for 3 months. While the seeds of the Chinese apple tree are exposed to cold for at least 70 days. And Siberian apple trees are more than 30 days old.

How to sow apple seeds

Seeds must be sown in prepared and nutrient-rich soil. To a depth of about 2-3 cm, where the grooves were previously made. The seeds are filled with sand. Then, when the seeds are sown, the soil should be watered from above. And also lay out a layer of mulch.

As the seedlings appeared and until two real leaves grew on them, the seedlings should be dived. Prune the main root about 4 cm. Seedlings should be planted at a sufficient distance from each other. Then the planting must be moistened. And also lay out a sufficient layer of mulch. At first, it is better to create a small shadow for them.

Further care of the plantings consists in timely weeding, loosening. And also feeding. At the beginning of summer, it is necessary to feed apple trees with manure, urea. Consumption: a quarter of a bucket per 1 m of the garden. A solution of ammonium nitrate is also used, diluted at a dosage of 40 g per bucket of water.

How to combine apple stock and scion

The varieties are very well combined with such apple trees as Antonovka, Grushovka and Borovinka. The worst compatibility is with the Raneta Purpurov variety. And also with the Kitayka variety. To be more specific, the Kitayka rootstock cannot be used for varieties such as Anis, Antonovka. They go well with the Velvet apple variety and others. If the varieties turned out to be incompatible, then in the future the apple tree will show signs of starvation. And the root system is likely to die.

In addition, the apple tree does not go well with hawthorn, irga. And also other pome breeds. Cultures combined in this way will have a short life span.

Vaccination site

The place where you plant another plant will affect the condition of the seedlings. Especially when it comes to weak rootstocks. Because in order to preserve the necessary qualities of the culture, the grafting should be organized so that the vigorous scion does not come into contact with the soil.If this rule is not followed, the scion can take root. While a weak culture will lose its dominant properties.

Here one should be very careful about the clonal and intercalary stock. When planting an apple seedling on a clonal rootstock, the plant should be grafted about 3 cm above the soil. When using the insert method, the grafting site will depend on the weather conditions in your area. If the climate is characterized by a large amount of precipitation in the form of snow, then the insert is left above the ground. If there is little precipitation in winter, then the insert is deepened into the soil by about 1/3.

You can also use stems that are 15 cm higher as a graft. In this case, the vaccination is done by copulation. When it comes to the spring period, as well as by the method of budding in the summer.

How to determine the stock for an apple tree

If the seedling is grafted, then here you can find out the type of rootstock. If the stock is seed, then its root system will contain a taproot. And also a few strong shoots. If the stock is clonal, the root system of the seedlings will be fibrous. However, professionals in their field can also determine the origin of the rootstock by the shape of the rootstock.

Characteristics of rootstocks of various varieties

Apple tree of Nedzvetsky... This variety is very popular in Central Asia. And also in Kazakhstan. In the central part of Russia, the variety is not used as a rootstock. Because the resulting crops are dying out.

Chinese woman... This apple variety has excellent frost resistance. In addition, the variety is drought tolerant. As well as common fungal diseases. This apple tree is often planted for the purpose of landscaping the site. In addition, the variety can be used as a stock. But it is necessary to take into account the compatibility of varieties. The apple tree is best combined with Melba, Autumn striped and others. This variety should not be combined with Anis, Antonovka. Therefore, if you use Kitayka as a rootstock, here you need to carefully approach the issue of compatibility of varieties.

Sibirskaya Yagodnaya variety... This variety has a very wide variety of forms. Medium-sized varieties and vigorous crops. They can grow up to 10 m in height. Often this apple tree is used as a stock in the Ural and Siberian regions. This culture is very well combined with Antonovka Shafrannaya, Borovinka. And also with Papirovka. The root system of the tree tolerates frost well. However, it does not tolerate dry summers. You can propagate crops by seeds. And also parts of the roots. The short growing season makes it necessary to carry out early budding. Unlike other rootstocks.

Purple apple tree... This hybrid is obtained by combining the Nedzwiecki apple tree and the dark red apple tree. The variety has good winter resistance. Withstands frosts down to -30 degrees. Therefore, it is very actively grown in the central zone of Russia. And also in its southern part. There is little information about the combination of this variety with other varieties at the moment.

Apple tree Raika... This apple variety can very often be confused with Kitayka. However, these are completely different cultures. The variety is very popular as a dwarf rootstock. It is used in private households. And also in large industrial plants.

Non-standard stock for apple trees

Other fruit crops are often used as a stock.

Rowan... If there is no more suitable specimen as a stock, then a rowan stock is used. However, the resulting variety is characterized by a short lifespan. Because trees have different growth rates. As well as the thickness of the trunk.

Hawthorn... This culture can be used as a dwarf stock for an apple tree. However, the distance to the vaccination must be observed here. It should be at least half a meter from the ground. The resulting plant has a very fast fruiting. And also at the same time a very short life span.Scientists find it illogical to use hawthorn as a rootstock. This experiment can be done for the sake of interest. Or to decorate the site with exotic crops.

Irga... Irga and an apple tree can be combined, given that the irga is completely undemanding to care. And also to the place of growth. It adapts well to any climatic conditions. But here, the different thickness of the stem of the crops can negatively affect the growth of the resulting plant.

Landing plan

The landing pattern can vary significantly in different climates. Here it is necessary to focus on the growth ability of the variety itself. And also the rootstock.
For the Non-Black Earth Zone, the following landing patterns are used. Vigorous varieties combined with seed stock should be planted at a distance of 4 and 6 meters. If the stock is intercalary, then they are planted according to the scheme 5 by 3 meters. With clonal stocks - 5 by 2 meters.

If we are talking about the southern strip of Russia, then here the landing pattern is somewhat different. Dwarf rootstocks are planted at a distance of 1-2 meters. A distance of 4 meters is maintained between the rows. As for the depth, everything here will depend on the level of occurrence of groundwater. If the groundwater flows close to the soil, then the grafted apple trees should be planted on a mound.

Rules for caring for a grafted apple tree

After you have planted the grafted tree, further care will depend on the survival rate of the new plant. And also on the speed of its development. When the length of the branches reaches more than 40 cm, you can already form the crown of the future tree. At the same time, the central stem is shortened by three buds in the coming spring. The side branches are adjusted in size so that they are below the top. They are cut and folded back.

Scion preparation methods

As a scion, you need to choose those varieties and trees that you like. And which have excellent characteristics. And also good fruiting. You also need to pay attention to the age of the mother plant. He must be at least one year old. It is better to choose those shoots that are on the south side of the tree, from the edge. If we consider the height of the tree, it is better to take the middle level for the cutting.

It is recommended to cut a stalk for the future stock at the end of autumn. Or even at the beginning of winter. Care should be taken to ensure that the branches are not frozen. And also strong growths are more suitable as cuttings. About the width of a pencil. And the length is close to half a meter. It is advisable to store prepared cuttings under a snowdrift at least 50 cm thick.

If, however, in the region of cultivation for winter, a small presence of precipitation is characteristic, then before the snow falls, the stems can be shortened to about 30 cm.And put them in a plastic bag, mixing them with peat or moss. Sand is also good. The bag is tied tightly and placed in the lower compartment of the refrigerator. The optimum storage temperature in this case is one to two degrees.

During the entire storage period, it is necessary to constantly inspect the prepared material for the presence of fungus formation in it. And also make sure that the kidneys do not swell prematurely. If you are growing a seed stock, the seedlings should be weeded here. And also regularly feed, bringing the stem to a width of at least 7 mm. In addition, growing branches around the grafting site must be removed at all times.

Vaccination methods

There are several ways to implement the grafting of the required culture on the stock for an apple tree. If it is spring, then grafting with a cuttings will be optimal. It can be copulation, grafting onto the bark. And also cleft inoculation. If the thickness of the stems of both crops is approximately equal, then copulation is recommended. Oblique cuts should be made on each copy. Approximately 3 cm.

In the simple case, these slices are simply appended. And if this is an improved version, then it is necessary to make a cut in the form of a tongue. The combined area must be fixed by greasing it with garden varnish.And it's better to tie it even on top. For example, PVC film or electrical tape. All procedures must be carried out before the buds begin to bloom.

If the thickness of the stem of the rootstock exceeds the thickness of the stem of the scion, then the grafting is done behind the bark or in the split. Thus, an incision is made under the bark, which has a length of about 2 cm. It will be necessary to insert a stalk with an oblique cut into it. As described above. Then the wound site is treated with garden varnish. And also wrap with foil or washcloth.

If you are inoculating into a split, here, in addition to the cut, an additional incision is made here. It will be necessary to insert a shank with an oblique cut into it. The junction should be fastened with a garden pitch and wrapped.

Apple stock: growing rules

Dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees are most often propagated using layering. Sometimes propagation by cuttings is also used. Here everything will depend on the type of plant. The following is information on obtaining popular rootstocks such as 54-118, M 106.

First, choose the most important basic healthy shrub. Here the seedlings, which are two years old, are planted on rich, fertile land. And before the arrival of winter, the seedling is spud. You can also cover it with peat or sawdust. With the onset of spring, the upper part is cut off from the mother plant, leaving a small stump. Approximately 3 or 4 cm. Further, after new shoots are formed on the remaining hemp, they should be cared for. Namely: watering and hilling. Already in the fall, this stalk will be ready to become a stock, and it is cut off.

The timing of the entry of the apple tree into fruiting here will depend on the quality characteristics of this variety. And also on the level of development of the resulting stock. Varieties like Welsey, Goldspur, Student and Narodnoe, belong to the early ones. If we are talking about classic old varieties grafted onto ordinary rootstocks from seeds, then they can begin to bear fruit only in the seventh year after planting. Maybe later. And if the crops are grown on low-growing rootstocks, then they begin to bear fruit several years earlier.

Conclusion

Summing up, it can be noted that the best varieties of apple trees with a large list of advantages can only be obtained by grafting. Knowing all the intricacies of the combination of rootstock and scion, as well as the grafting technique, you can grow the desired crop yourself.