TABEL^® EDABRIZ: A DWARF ROOTSTOCK FOR INTENSIVE CHERRY ORCHARDS

Tabel^® Edabriz is a clone of Prunus cerasus that was selected by INRA and Ctifl in the late 1980s as one of the first dwarfing rootstocks for sweet cherry orchards. The oldest test orchards are 11 years old. This report provides comparative data from evaluation trials conducted on Tabel^® Edabriz and other standard and experimental rootstocks, as well as a first overview of commercial orchards planted with Tabel^® Edabriz.
Trees on Tabel^® Edabriz were 28 to 42% less vigorous than on MaxMa 14 (which itself is much less vigorous than Mazzard seedling rootstocks). Sweet cherries on Tabel^® Edabriz require deep, fertile soils and irrigation. Such trees are susceptible to chlorosis, especially when the pH is >8. During the first 5 years, aphid populations should be monitored closely, for severe infestations of aphids may lead to tree death. While graft compatibility is good, scion varieties must be virus free. Trees on Tabel^® Edabriz start bearing at an early age and the yield efficiency is very good. However, fruit size is reduced compared to many of the other rootstocks. The smaller tree size also improves harvest efficiency by increasing picking speed.