Sweet Cherry Rootstock Testing in Slovenia

In the paper the results of two sweet cherry rootstocks testing in Slovenia will be evaluated. The first experiment was planted in the spring of 1997 at Fruit Growing Centre Bilje. The following rootstocks were tested: 'Weiroot 72', 'Weiroot 158', 'Weiroot 13', 'Gisela 4', 'Gisela 5', 'Gisela 195/20', 'Edabriz', 'Pi-ku 4.20', 'MaxMa 14' and 'F 12/1' all with sweet cherry cultivar 'Lapins'. The training system applied was a spindle. The tree volume was the highest on the rootstock 'F 12/1' and the lowest on the 'Edabriz'. The highest cumulative yield was on 'Pi-Ku 4.20' (Piku 1) but the yield efficiency was highest on 'Gisela 5'. The second experiment started in winter 2000/2001 at 3 locations in Slovenia. Rootstocks tested were: 'Gisela 5', 'Weiroot 158' and 'MaxMa 14' with scion cultivars 'Lapins', 'Nordwunder', 'Kordia' and 'Regina' in eight scion-rootstock combinations. Trees were maintained in solaxe and spindle training systems. The results of the second rootstock trial clearly showed the influence of location, training system and scion/rootstock combination on vegetative growth and yield. 'MaxMa 14' proved as vigorous rootstock, but 'Gisela 5' and 'Weiroot 158' proved as semi vigorous. The yield and yield efficiency were the highest on 'Gisela 5' on all sites.