P-HL DWARFING ROOTSTOCKS FOR SWEET CHERRIES

Three dwarfing rootstocks (P-HL A, B, C) for sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) were selected from hybrid seedlings of ‘Rtynska Ptacnice’ at RBIP Holovousy for use in intensive growing systems. All three have resistance to winter frost, and sensitivity to cherry leaf spot fungal disease (Blumeriella jaapii) is comparable to P. avium rootstocks. Traditional methods of propagation give poor results, but they can be propagated using in vitro culture. The P-HL rootstocks have good compatibility with most sweet cherry cultivars. ‘P-HL A’ reduces tree size by 70% compared to ‘F 12/1’ and induces very early fruiting and high yields. It is suitable for higher density orchards and slender spindle systems. Anchorage is poor, so trees must be supported. The life cycle of the orchard is 20 to 25 years. ‘P-HL B’ reduces tree size by 50% compared to ‘F 12/1’ and induces very early fruiting and high yields. Anchorage is very good and the life cycle of the orchard is 25 to 30 years. ‘P-HL C’ –reduces tree size by 80% compared to ‘F 12/1’ and induces very early fruiting and high yields. It is suitable for slender spindle systems. Anchorage is poor, so trees must be supported. The life cycle of the orchard is 15 years.