Program Areas — Dr. Ronald Perry , Professor

Fruit - Pomology

Rootstock evaluation of tree fruit (1980-2006)

A principal part of the tree rootstock research program is spent on evaluating new rootstocks for our primary crops in Michigan; apple, cherry, peach and plum. The goal for these crops is to find rootstocks that can help make tree production a profitable and sustainable enterprise. In apple, we have focused on finding new rootstocks that adapt to Michigan conditions and fit into high density modern planting systems. These stocks are also being evaluated under various management systems. These trials serve a dual purpose in generation of data for research with findings disseminated to growers directly or through extension educators. Field testing of rootstocks is still a long term process of some 10-20 years which today is carried out by Dr. Greg Lang at MSU. The apple industry is almost exclusively planting many of the dwarfing clonal rootstocks in new Vertical Axe and Tall Spindle plantings. For tart cherry, the standard seedling rootstock, Mahaleb, is still the standard which has been used for over 300 years. We continue to try new rootstocks which can reduce tree canopy size, resist soil maladies such as anaerobic soils, Phytophthora and Armillaria. Sweet cherry has been following apple industry lead by focusing on rootstocks which reduce canopy size to facility fresh harvest and like tart cherry for the processing industry, rootstocks that resist soil maladies. The peach industry still relies primarily on peach seedling rootstocks but seeks clonal rootstocks which resist anaerobic soil conditions. As a leader in the NC 140 Regional rootstock trial committee on pome and stone fruit rootstocks, rootstock researchers at MSU have coordinated and organized trials in a number of states and regions.

Perennial root system studies related to soil dynamics

Over the years we have graduate students working on projects related to soil dynamics and physiology of fruit tree rootstocks and their root systems. Work was conducted on the relationship of soil stresses to the decline of cherry trees. Root system studies were conducted on the impact of root system health, morphology and longevity. We conducted field studies in growing tart cherry, apple and peach on raised beds at the Clarksville Hort Exp Station. We found after 10 years that cherry and peach survival was much higher on beds and that apple on MM 106 rootstock was not affected. The soil and site selected for the study was more well drained than expected and desired.

 

 

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