The joint Cornell University and United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Apple Rootstock Breeding and Evaluation Program develops new rootstock cultivars with an emphasis on productivity, yield efficiency, ease of nursery propagation, fire blight resistance, tolerance to extreme temperatures, resistance to the soil pathogens of the sub-temperate regions of the US, and tolerance to apple replant disorder.
Characteristics of Apple Rootstocks
The use of dwarfing rootstocks is the primary means utilized to affect tree size. Apples are the fruit crop that most commonly utilizes dwarfing rootstock. Size range from the very dwarfing rootstocks such as M.27 and P.16 to nearly standard size rootstocks such as MM.111 and MM.106. In pears there is not nearly the range in size controlling rootstocks the majority of which are only +/- 20% the size of seedling.
HARVEST DATES FOR APPLES IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON
Jim Kamas, Monte Nesbitt& Larry Stein Extension Fruit Specialists, Texas AgriLife Extension
The commercial apple industry worldwide is in the midst of a major change in fruit production management systems. With size-controlling rootstocks tree size has been reduced and the number of trees per acre, referred to as tree density, has increased significantly. Some orchards in Europe have exceeded 5,000 trees per acre.
apple-maturity-chart
The apple cultivar situation is changing rapidly across the country and within Pennsylvania. Before setting out large plantings of a new strain or cultivar, always plant a few trees on a trial basis. Also try to visit or talk to growers who may already have bearing fruit of a particular cultivar.
Apple Variety Notes
Apples are a unique fruit. They enjoy an enviable reputation as one of the most popular fruits worldwide and are produced in almost every country that has a cool temperate climate. Together with oranges and bananas they dominate all markets by being available year-round. Crisp, crunchy fresh apples appeal to young and old alike, and they have the added advantage of being easily processed into juice, pulped for baby food, or canned or frozen for apple pies and bakery products.
