ALTERNATIVE TO MYROBOLAN ROOTSTOCK FOR APRICOT CULTIVATION

The choice of apricot rootstock is first determined by the soil conditions; the adaptation to particular soil conditions being crucial for tree survival. Additionally, growers could be interested in low-vigour rootstocks for better vigour control and fruit quality. In Switzerland, apricots are traditionally cultivated on Myrobolan, which is too vigorous for high soil fertility and, thus, not adapted for high-density planting. Therefore, an enlarged vigour range is needed in order to produce high quality fruits. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different rootstocks on survival and agronomic performances of the cultivar Luizet. A trial with ten different rootstocks was carried out in 1992 in the conditions of central Valais (Switzerland). Trees were traditionally trained as free-standing multiple leader (5.0 m x 3.5 m; 571 trees/ha). The rootstocks were selected according to their compatibility with light-sandy soil, slightly limestone (pH 7.6) and to cover the largest vigour range. From the 3rd to the 12th year, vigour evolution (trunk cross-area), productivity, yield as well as fruit size were determined. Citation, Rubira and Jaspi showed a vigour reduction of 35 to 45% compared to Myrobolan, while GF655-2, W61, Pixy and Torinel showed a decrease of 15 to 25%. GF43 and Myrabolan were of similar vigour and Julior showed a 20% higher vigour.

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