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Most fruit trees are actually two or more trees in one. They are composed of the scion variety which is the fruit that we eat and then the rootstock.
Fruit tree fruit rootstocks are important for many different reasons. These are selected based on many needs. One of the most important reasons is to help control the size of a tree.
It is the rootstock that affects the size of the tree. For example, apple rootstocks range in size from dwarf to full-size. A full size tree is one that grows on its own root or on a seedling rootstock.
Dwarfing rootstocks are propagated by vegetatively methods so that they all have the same characteristics. That allows you to select a tree size that will fit your backyard orchard. It will also help create a tree that you can manage.
Smaller trees are easier to prune, to spray and to harvest. In addition, the smaller trees produce more fruit per area than the full size trees.
Trees that are planted on identical, size controlling rootstocks grow more uniformly and that makes them easier to manage. The trees start bearing fruit at a younger age and produce more fruit for their size over the life of the tree. These trees are called precocious because of their early bearing habit.
These are some suggested tree rootstocks for Utah are
Apples:
Dwarf - M.9, Budagovsky 9, G.16 Very precocious and trees must be staked
Semi-dwarf - M.7, G.30 Good, free-standing tree
Standard - None recommended, too large, non-uniform
Peaches:
Lovell - The most common rootstock in Utah. It makes productive trees, but they are susceptible to iron chlorosis
Bailey - Tree is 20% smaller than Lovell but it is very productive
Cadaman - Slightly larger than Lovell and very resistant to chlorosis
There are many other rootstocks for other fruit trees. They are selected for specific reasons to help keep the trees the right size and to make them more productive.
Written by:
Larry A. Sagers Extension Horticulture Specialist Utah State University Thanksgiving Point Office
