Growth and cropping of four plum cultivars on different rootstocks in South Western Poland

Abstract

The experiment was established at a spacing of 4 x 2 m. Plum cultivars were grafted on the 'Wangenheim Prune' seedlings and three vegetative rootstocks: 'Pixy', 'GF 655/2' and 'St. Julien A'. Until the seventh year after planting, the growth, yield, fruit quality and survival were affected by the cultivar and rootstock. 'Pixy' appeared very frost sensitive. After the severe winter of 1996/97 some trees on this rootstock died. 'Cacanska Rana' cultivar was the most productive on 'Wangenheim Prune' seedlings. Total yields per tree from 1996 to 2001 were the highest for 'Empress' and 'Oneida' trees on 'GF 655/2'. 'Pixy' and 'Wangenheim Prune' rootstocks reduced a vegetative growth of plum cultivars in comparison to 'GF 655/2'. Type of rootstock had no influence on fruit weight. Production of root suckers was the most prolific on 'GF 655/2'.