GROWTH, FLOWERING AND FRUITING POTENTIALS OF NEW DWARFING ROOTSTOCKS IN THE PROGENY OF DAMIL^®

Based on differences in precocity and flowering intensity induced by the three previously-selected Belgian rootstocks Inmil^®, Damil^® and Camil^®, a new selection program was started in 1985 using seedlings of open-pollinated Damil^®. The goals were to improve precocity and maintain tree vigor similar to that imparted by Damil^®. More than 120 seedlings were propagated vegetatively and grafted with `Burlat’ and `Lapins’ sweet cherry (which are characterized, respectively, by low and high capacities for flower induction). The test trees were planted at three different locations, where annual growth, flowering and fruiting behaviors have been observed. A total of 27 potential candidate rootstocks have been identified that induce a higher flower spur intensity than Damil^®, occasionally in the third year but certainly in the fourth year after planting.