Effect of Adara-M2624 and other seven rootstocks on fruit damages and defects of two sweet cherry varieties

Abstract

Rootstocks modify tree performance by adapting to different soil and climatic conditions. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, with six replications. The percentage of damage was measured by the following components: cracked fruit, stemless fruit and mechanical damage. The percentage of defect was measured by the following components: spur fruit, double fruit and deep suture. The addition of damage and defect constituted the total loss. Climatic conditions, variety and rootstock influenced all variables. Rootstocks influenced the losses of Bing and Celeste varieties. The rootstocks that recorded the lowest loss and simultaneously, the lowest damage and defect were SL 64, MxM 60 and Weiroot 13, whereas CAB6P and Adara-Mariana 2624 reduced defects but increased damage. Both GiSeLa®5 and GiSeLa®6 reduced damage, although GiSeLa®5 increased defects. Rootstocks SL 64, MxM 60, Weirrot 13 and GiSeLa®6 reduced cracking, mechanical damage and suture; CAB6P and Adara-Mariana 2624 reduced suture and spur but increased cracking and mechanical damage; GiSeLa®5 reduced all three types of damage and increased all types of defects. Proper rootstock selection reduces losses.