GISELA^® 5 ROOTSTOCK IN GERMANY

The economic importance of Gisela 5 rootstock in Germany was assessed by annual nursery production figures and the results of a questionnaire distributed to research and extension specialists in the main German sweet cherry growing regions. Annual nursery production (worldwide except for the Americas) increased from 10,000 plants in 1990 to over 1 million plants in 2000. A comparison of the total sweet cherry area with the area planted in the last 5 years shows significant progress in adopting vigor-reducing rootstocks (which increased from 10% to 68%) at the expense of conventional rootstocks (which decreased from 90% to 32%). The success of Gisela 5 is evident, as 51% of the sweet cherry trees planted in the last 5 years was grafted on Gisela 5. Adaptation of Gisela 5 to German soil and climatic conditions is assessed as good. Irrigation is necessary in regions with less than 450 mm precipitation and is recommended in other areas. No special sensitivity to diseases, viruses, or pests - as compared to conventional cherry rootstocks - is reported from any region. Tree support during the first 3 to 5 years is preferred in several sites, especially if the tree is trained as a central leader. Planting of Gisela 5 in Germany is expected to increase further in the future, as plant availability, installation of irrigation systems, and interest in orchard covers increases.