Rootstocks and Pollination of Apple Trees

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of rootstocks in fruit and nut trees?

They determine the color of the fruit.

They are genetically different systems that influence tree size. (correct)

They dictate the harvesting period for the fruit.

They are the main variety chosen for flavor.

Which rootstock provides trees that are typically dwarf in size?

MM.111 (correct)

M.26, G.11

M.9, Bud 9

MM.106

How does the vigor of rootstock affect the ultimate size of a tree?

The vigor of the rootstock and grafted variety together determine tree size. (correct)

Rootstock vigor is unrelated to tree size.

Higher vigor always results in a smaller tree.

Lower vigor guarantees a vice versa effect on tree size.

What percentage size does the rootstock M.7, G.30 correspond to?

55 - 65% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rootstocks has the lowest growth size potential?

M.27 Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher number associated with rootstocks indicate?

Greater height potential of the tree. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of rootstock selection, what is primarily focused on?

The vigor ratings of both the rootstock and graft. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding planting a wide range of fruit varieties?

It challenges the management of different heights. Signup and view all the answers

Which cherry varieties are known to be self-fruitful?

Lapins, Black Gold, Sweetheart Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety does NOT set its own fruit with its own pollen?

Red Delicious Signup and view all the answers

What is a common requirement for most apple varieties to set fruit?

Pollen from another variety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following apple varieties is a known self-fruitful variety?

Transparent Signup and view all the answers

Which cherry variety requires pollen from another variety for successful fruit set?

Hedelfingen Signup and view all the answers

Which of these peach varieties is known to mature in August?

Encore Signup and view all the answers

Which varieties of cherries are identified as tart (pie) cherries?

Not specified in the content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about apple pollination is accurate?

Pollen from different varieties can be compatible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of cutting a bouquet of blooms from another variety and placing it beside the tree?

To encourage fruit production through cross-pollination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended spacing for apple trees in high-density planting?

6 to 20 feet apart Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of planting trees too closely together?

Need for more pruning Signup and view all the answers

Which soil condition is most conducive for orchard tree growth?

Deep and well-drained Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum soil depth needed for proper root development in fruit trees?

Four feet Signup and view all the answers

Where should the graft union be positioned when planting a fruit tree?

Aboveground Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential problem caused by overapplication of nitrogen in fruit trees?

Bitter pit in apples Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of planting dwarf trees on trellises?

Closer spacing between trees Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety is described as having excellent applesauce quality but is not as tart as Lodi?

Pristine Signup and view all the answers

What color are the skins of the Dayton apple variety?

Medium red Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety is noted for being extremely crisp and sweet-flavored, making it a favorite for children?

Pixie Crunch Signup and view all the answers

Which variety of apple is characterized by a firm texture and being very susceptible to black rot?

GoldRush Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Jonafree apple in comparison to Jonathan?

Less tart Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety has a high resistance rating across multiple disease categories?

Pristine Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety is characterized by its light to medium red skin and sprightly flavor?

Enterprise Signup and view all the answers

Which apple variety is described as having a significant problem with corkspot?

Williams Pride Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary harvest month for the Spartan apple variety?

Early September Signup and view all the answers

Which variety stores well until March and is noted for its firm, crisp texture?

CrimsonCrisp Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of painting the trunk with a white, water-based latex paint?

To prevent sunburn Signup and view all the answers

How should the hole for planting a tree be prepared before placing the roots?

By roughening the sides with a shovel Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake home orchardists make regarding the application of phosphorus and potassium?

Using them every year despite tree needs Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the best methods to protect fruit trees from deer?

Caging the tree Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of boron for fruit trees?

It is a micronutrient essential for plant health and productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for applying boron to a fruit tree?

Dissolving in water and applying to the soil Signup and view all the answers

What effect can occur from too much phosphorus and potassium in the soil?

Buildup beyond the tree's needs Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to protect newly planted trees from small animals?

Using a tree protector around the trunk Signup and view all the answers

Dwarf rootstocks are typically selected by home orchardists to grow standard-sized trees.

False Signup and view all the answers

Gisela rootstocks produce trees that are 50 percent the size of Mazzard seedlings.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cherry trees in Kentucky are primarily grown on new dwarf rootstocks that have been developed.

False Signup and view all the answers

MxM2 rootstock corresponds to 75 to 85 percent of the growth size of Mazzard.

False Signup and view all the answers

Dwarf trees grown on trellises should be supported by poles or stakes.

True Signup and view all the answers

High vigor apple varieties are generally not compatible with dwarf rootstocks.

True Signup and view all the answers

New research has provided more choices for growth-controlling rootstocks.

True Signup and view all the answers

Most of the Gisela rootstocks produce trees larger than Mazzard seedlings.

False Signup and view all the answers

Apple trees should typically be spaced less than six feet apart in high-density planting.

False Signup and view all the answers

Dwarf fruit trees can be planted closer together than standard-sized trees.

True Signup and view all the answers

Soil needs at least six feet above an impenetrable layer for proper root development in orchard trees.

False Signup and view all the answers

Overapplication of nitrogen can cause excessive growth in fruit trees and lead to physiological problems.

True Signup and view all the answers

The graft union of a fruit tree should be planted below ground for optimal growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

Placing a bouquet of blooms from another variety next to a fruit tree can help with pollination.

True Signup and view all the answers

Tightly spaced trees do not require additional pruning to remain productive.

False Signup and view all the answers

It is generally beneficial for fruit trees to be planted in shaded areas to limit water loss.

False Signup and view all the answers

Thinning peaches to about ten to twelve inches from one another is ideal for their growth.

False Signup and view all the answers

The period of cell division for apples lasts five to six weeks after petal fall.

False Signup and view all the answers

Early thinning of blossoms or fruit can discourage flower initiation for the next year’s crop.

False Signup and view all the answers

Pears form flower buds earlier than apples and can be thinned within 30 days of full bloom.

False Signup and view all the answers

The best method to determine when fruit is ready to pick is by measuring its sugar content.

False Signup and view all the answers

Fruit continues to ripen after it has been harvested and placed in cold storage.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cell division in pears lasts for a period of four to five weeks after petal fall.

False Signup and view all the answers

Apples initiate flower buds for the next year’s crop within 60 days of full bloom.

False Signup and view all the answers

Peaches require winter sprays to control peach leaf curl.

True Signup and view all the answers

The codling moth typically produces five generations per year.

False Signup and view all the answers

Chlorothalonil is effective against brown-rot blossom blight.

True Signup and view all the answers

Larvae of the codling moth can enter fruit within 20 days after eggs hatch.

False Signup and view all the answers

Fungal spores causing brown-rot blossom blight are primarily spread by animals.

False Signup and view all the answers

Blossom sprays should be applied only at the full bloom stage.

False Signup and view all the answers

Fruit mummies are the source of fungal spores that affect fruit trees.

True Signup and view all the answers

Twigs can be infected by fungi traveling from infected blossoms.

True Signup and view all the answers

Fruit ripening occurs when the ground color of the fruit changes from green to blue.

False Signup and view all the answers

Cell enlargement in fruit development occurs during the cell-division phase.

True Signup and view all the answers

Thinning fruit can negatively influence fruit enlargement.

False Signup and view all the answers

Storing fruit at high temperatures helps extend its shelf life.

False Signup and view all the answers

Bruises and wounds on fruit can allow pathogens to infect adjacent fruits.

True Signup and view all the answers

The 'tight cluster' stage occurs after the 'white bud' stage in apple development.

False Signup and view all the answers

In the dormant stage, fruit trees like apples and pears have no cellular activity.

True Signup and view all the answers

A 90% kill of peach buds occurs at 23° F during the third stage.

False Signup and view all the answers

The bloom stage of fruit development is characterized by the fruit's petals falling off.

False Signup and view all the answers

Fruits can continue to enlarge throughout their entire growth period.

True Signup and view all the answers

The 'fruit set' stage occurs after the 'bloom' stage in fruit development.

True Signup and view all the answers

The 'pink' stage signifies that the fruit is fully matured and ready for harvest.

False Signup and view all the answers

Apple buds can withstand lower temperatures compared to peach buds in terms of survival rate.

False Signup and view all the answers

In fruit development, sweet and tart cherries enter the dormant stage at the same time.

True Signup and view all the answers

Growing tree fruits or nuts can provide a great deal of ______, but it requires year-round care.

satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

When planning your orchard, choose varieties that not only are family favorites but are also easy to ______.

care for Signup and view all the answers

Researchers in England developed the ______ series of dwarf rootstocks.

Malling Signup and view all the answers

The most vigorous apple rootstocks are ______, which are simply sprouted apple seeds.

seedlings Signup and view all the answers

Dwarf trees are always the best choice for home ______.

orchards Signup and view all the answers

Many apple varieties require good conditions for ______ to take place.

pollination Signup and view all the answers

Dwarf rootstocks can help ______ trees that are easier to manage for home growers.

produce Signup and view all the answers

Cold hardiness is an important characteristic for ensuring the survival of trees in ______ regions.

cold Signup and view all the answers

The ultimate size of a tree depends on the vigor of both the rootstock and the ______.

grafted variety Signup and view all the answers

Rootstock M.27 is expected to grow to ______ percent of a tree on seedling rootstock.

< 25 Signup and view all the answers

Each rootstock series is identified by the letter 'M' (for Malling) or 'MM' (for Malling ______).

Merton Signup and view all the answers

The size of a tree could range from ______ (4 to 12 feet) to semidwarf (16 to 18 feet).

dwarf Signup and view all the answers

Higher numbers associated with rootstocks typically represent ______ trees.

taller Signup and view all the answers

Not all recommended varieties are included in the ______ in this chapter.

lists Signup and view all the answers

The vigor ratings can help determine how big a tree will ______.

grow Signup and view all the answers

Nearly all fruit- and nut-tree varieties are grafted to a genetically different ______, called a rootstock.

root system Signup and view all the answers

Megietsu, Lapins, Black Gold, and Sweetheart are self-fruitful sweet varieties of ______.

cherries Signup and view all the answers

Most varieties of ______ do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another pollen-compatible variety.

apples Signup and view all the answers

The variety Red Delicious does not set its own fruit with its own pollen but can set fruit on ______.

Golden Delicious Signup and view all the answers

Some sweet cherries do not set fruit unless they are pollinated by another ______ variety.

pollen-compatible Signup and view all the answers

Glowing Star requires an early-blooming ______ such as Lodi for successful pollination.

pollinizer Signup and view all the answers

Some apple varieties, such as ______ Beauty, are self-fruitful and can set fruit on their own.

Rome Signup and view all the answers

The variety called ______ is known to produce fruit on other apple varieties but does not set its own.

Red Delicious Signup and view all the answers

Hedelfingen is pollinated by ______ or Sweetheart to ensure proper fruit set.

Lapins Signup and view all the answers

Most gardeners use a complete fertilizer that includes nitrogen, ______, and potassium.

phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

To reflect sunlight and help prevent sunburn, paint the trunk with a white, water-based indoor latex ______.

paint Signup and view all the answers

An easy source of boron for fruit trees is ______.

Borax Signup and view all the answers

Fencing is considered the best method for protection against ______.

deer Signup and view all the answers

If fertilizers are used every year, phosphorus and potassium levels can build up far in ______ of the tree’s actual need.

excess Signup and view all the answers

Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the tree's ______ system.

root Signup and view all the answers

Roots should be placed over a low mound of soil in the ______.

hole Signup and view all the answers

Trees that are low in boron exhibit poor shoot growth and poor ______ set.

fruit Signup and view all the answers

Pheromones are chemical messengers used by animals to ______ with each other.

communicate Signup and view all the answers

Spray 15 to 21 days after ______ fall for the first generation.

petal Signup and view all the answers

The level of damage considered acceptable can vary from one ______ to another.

gardener Signup and view all the answers

Dormant (Winter) sprays are used to control overwintering ______, aphids, and scales.

mites Signup and view all the answers

Most home orchardists try to control pests with a dormant oil spray, which essentially ______ the pests.

smothers Signup and view all the answers

The UK Cooperative Extension publication provides a more in-depth discussion of ______.

IPM Signup and view all the answers

Use a sticker, unless the label says not to. Stickers improve the spray's ______ to leaves.

adherence Signup and view all the answers

Learning the life cycles of important insects and diseases that may ______ your orchard is part of IPM.

attack Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rootstocks

Fruit trees are generally grafted to a rootstock, a genetically different root system, for specific growth habits.
Rootstocks are identified by letters “M” (Malling) or “MM” (Malling Merton) and a number.
Higher numbers do not necessarily indicate taller trees.
Rootstock vigor influences tree size, with lower numbers representing smaller trees.
Example rootstock vigor percentages: MM.111 (90%), MM.106 (60-75%), M.7, G.30 (55-65%), M.26, G.11 (40-50%), M.9, Bud 9 (25-35%), M.27 (<25%).

Pollination

Most apple varieties require pollination by another compatible variety for fruit set.
Some varieties, like Rome Beauty, Newtown, and Transparent are self-fruitful.
Red Delicious does not set fruit with its own pollen but sets fruit on Golden Delicious and vice versa.
Gravenstein requires an early-blooming pollinizer like Lodi.
To pollinate a single tree, graft a compatible variety or place a bouquet of blooms from another compatible variety near the tree during bloom.

Tree Spacing

Apple trees are typically spaced from six feet apart for high density to over 20 feet apart.
Other fruit trees have wider spacing (12-24 feet) due to lack of growth-controlling rootstocks.
Dwarf trees trained on trellises have the closest spacing.
Closer spacing may push trees into earlier production, but requires more pruning and increases disease risk due to less foliage drying.
Spacing should consider available space and desired tree quantity.

Planting and Fertilizing

Orchard trees thrive in deep, well-drained soils with at least four feet of soil above an impermeable layer or water table.
Raised beds are beneficial in poor soil conditions.
Plant trees at the same level they were growing in the nursery, ensuring the graft union is aboveground.
Dig a wide hole to accommodate the root system, roughening the sides for root growth.
Paint the trunk with white latex paint to reflect sunlight and prevent sunburn.
Protect the trunk from damage using tree protectors or fencing.
Use complete fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) but avoid over-application of nitrogen, which can lead to excessive growth and problems like bitter pit in apples.
Apply boron, a micronutrient essential for fruit set, using Borax solution applied to the soil within the drip line.

Apple Varieties

Hundreds of apple varieties exist
Dwarf rootstocks are common for home orchardists
Bud 9 rootstock is suitable for trellises

Cherry Rootstocks

Most Kentucky cherries are grown on Mazzard rootstocks
Gisela rootstocks offer different sizes and vigor levels
Gisela 5, 6, and 12 produce trees at 50%, 70-90%, and 60% of Mazzard size respectively
MxM2, MxM60, and MxM14 are new rootstocks, offering early bearing and disease resistance
Pollination is essential for cherry trees, consider grafting or using bouquets of blooms

Tree Spacing

Apple trees are spaced from 6 to 20 feet apart
Other fruit trees need 12 to 24 feet spacing due to lack of rootstocks
True genetic dwarf trees can be planted closer
Trellised dwarf trees have the closest spacing
Close spacing promotes early production, but requires more pruning
Tightly spaced trees can experience disease problems due to less foliage drying

Planting & Fertilizing

Orchard trees thrive in deep, well-drained soils with at least 4 feet of soil depth
Ensure the graft union is above ground during planting
Full sun exposure is essential
Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can lead to excessive growth and fruit problems like bitter pit in apples
Plant growth regulators help thin the crop in commercial orchards

Peach Thinning

Thin peaches to 6-8 inches apart
Early thinning stimulates flower initiation for the next year's crop
Helps with biennial bearing varieties (fruit every other year)
Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division

Apple Fruit Thinning

Flower buds for the next year's crop initiate within 40 days of full bloom
Thinning within 40 days of full bloom improves the following year's bloom
Cell division takes 4-5 weeks after petal fall
Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division and enlargement

Pear Fruit Thinning

Cell division for pears takes 60 days after full bloom
Continue thinning pears within 60 days of full bloom
Pears continue cell division for 7-9 weeks after petal fall
Thinning increases fruit size by encouraging cell division and enlargement

Fruit Ripening

Ripening times vary by variety and weather
Apples with codling moth damage fall earlier than a ripe crop
Taste is the best method for judging ripeness
Fruit continues to ripen in cold storage
Harvest fruits before full ripeness if storage is desired
Fruit color changes with ripeness: ground color turns green to yellow before maturity

Fruit Storage

Cool fruits as soon as possible after picking to extend storage life
Handle harvested fruit gently to prevent bruising and pathogen infection
Pathogens from bruises can spread to other fruits

Fruit Development Stages

Apple, pear, peach, tart cherry, plum, and prune development stages are charted
Chart shows 10% and 90% kill temperatures at different stages for frost protection

Codling Moth

Three generations per year
Overwinters as a larva under loose bark, leaf litter, or protected places
Pupates in spring, emerging as an adult in late May to early June
Adults begin to deposit eggs 2-3 days after emergence
Eggs hatch in 12-14 days and larvae enter fruits

Blossom Sprays

Ideal blossom sprays are applied at pink, full bloom, and petal fall stages
Refer to UK Cooperative Extension publication ID-21 for recommended fungicides and insecticides

Cherry, Peach, Plum Disease Control

Prevent brown rot blossom blight by applying protective fungicides before, during, and after bloom
Brown rot fungi overwinter on infected fruit, buds, and cankers
Spores spread by wind and splashing rain
Fungi can infect blossoms, twigs, and cause twig blight and cankers

Pruning

Specific pruning techniques for fruit trees are discussed in Chapter 17

Fruiting Habits

Fruiting habits vary by type of tree
Some fruits bear on more than one type of wood

Orchard Planning

Variety Selection: Choose varieties based on your preferences, but prioritize varieties that are easy to care for and dwarf trees for home orchards.
Multiple Varieties: Consider growing multiple fruit varieties for greater diversity but be prepared for increased management complexity.
Rootstock: Most fruit and nut trees are grafted to a rootstock for desired characteristics like size, disease resistance, and yield.
Rootstock Vigor: Tree size is influenced by both the grafted variety and the rootstock vigor.

Rootstocks for Apples

Apple rootstocks are categorized based on the "Maling" series, with letters and numbers representing each variety.
Malling Series: Choose a rootstock based on your desired tree height, with numbers denoting different sizes.
Rootstock Size: The size of a tree on a specific rootstock is expressed as a percentage of a tree on seedling rootstock.
Apple Rootstock Examples: MM.111 (90%), MM.106 (60-75%), M.7 (55-65%), M.26 (40-50%), M.9 (25-35%), M.27 (<25%).

Fruiting Requirements

Cherries: Some sweet cherries, such as Lapins, Black Gold, and Sweetheart, are self-fruitful, meaning they can produce fruit without cross-pollination.
Tart Cherries: Tart cherries are self-fruitful.
Apples: Some apple varieties, such as Rome Beauty, Newtown, and Transparent, are self-fruitful, but most require cross-pollination.

Planting

Position: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tree's root system, roughen the sides to promote root growth.
Root Placement: Place the roots over a mound of soil to ensure proper anchoring.
Trunk Protection: Protect the trunk from sunburn by painting it with white latex paint.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer Use: Utilize a complete fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) for fruit trees, but avoid over-fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium.
Boron: Boron is a micronutrient essential for fruit tree health and productivity. Use Borax as a boron source if necessary.

Pest & Disease Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implement IPM strategies to minimize pest and disease damage.
Life Cycles: Understand the life cycles of common orchard pests and diseases.
Dormant Sprays: Use dormant oil sprays in winter to control overwintering pests like mites, aphids, and scales.
Disease Control: Dormant sprays also control diseases that enter the tree through buds.

### Pheromone-Based IPM

Trapping: Female sex pheromones attract males to traps for monitoring and control.
Confusion: Use pheromone-releasing devices to disrupt male mating behavior.
Pesticide Attraction: Pheromones can be mixed with pesticides to attract pests to the chemical control.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of rootstocks and pollination specific to apple trees. Learn about various rootstock types, their impact on tree size, and the importance of compatible varieties for successful pollination. Test your knowledge on how to optimize fruit set for different apple varieties.