Integrated Assessment of Scion-Stock Combinations of Apple Tree and Their Cultivation Efficiency in Orchards of an Intensive Type
On the basis of long-term investigations for the conditions of the Central Chernozem region of Russia the agrobiological models of scion-stock combinations of apple tree were developed, including the system of the main parameters of physiological state of plants and ensuring formation of high stable productivity. It was proved that biometrical parameters of apple trees (height, crown projection, crown capacity, trunk diameter, number of roots, increase in shoot length) is caused by stock vigor by 71-98%. This should be taken into account while choosing apple tree planting density. The mathematical correlations between number of roots and crown capacity (r = 0.86-0.94) and between number of roots and increase in shoot length (r = 0.72-0.90) were determined. According to the results of examination of growth biology, first harvesting year detection, productivity and fruit quality the most promising scion-stock combinations were selected for different types of orchards. The intensive technologies with the planting scheme 4.5 x 1.5 m of varieties Martovskoe, Bogatyr, Synap Orlovsky combined with rootstock P14; Orlik with P60 and P14 yield harvest of 30-36 t/ha on the 6-10th year after planting. For the variety Martovskoe with stocks 62-396 and P60, Bogatyr with 57-545 and Р60, Synap Orlovsky with P60 this value is 25-30 t/ha. High density 7-year old apple orchard with planting design 4.5 x 1.0 m produced 30-40 t/ha of fruits (Orlik on stocks 62-396 and Р59, Zhigulevskoe on 57-545 and Р59, Lobo on Р59) and 40-50 t/ha (Orlik on Р60; Zhigulevskoe, Lobo on 62-396 and Р60). The fraction of the best and first-class fruit reached 90-95%.