Researches on stock-scion compatibility between some important chestnut cultivars and hybrid rootstocks

This study was carried out in the research plots and laboratories of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Uludag University and Yalova Ataturk Central Horticultural Research Institute, between 1995 and 1998, in order to determine the degree of graft compatibility between native chestnut cultivars (C. sativa Mill.): 51101 Osmanoglu, 51111 Sariaslama, 52112 Vakit K, 61316 Dursun K, and Maraval CA 74 and Marigoule CA 15 (C. sativa x C. crenata) hybrid rootstocks. The macroscopic and microscopic view of the anatomical structure at the bud graft union were examined, and shoot growth, starch accumulation in the scion and stock, and at the bud graft union were investigated 2,6,12 and 16 months after budding in all scion / stock combinations. When some properties of the anatomical structure of the bud graft unions were taken into consideration: new cambium, xylem and phloem tissues were already formed 6 months after budding. However, vascular continuity between stock and scion was determined in the sections taken 12 months after budding. In these sections, the continuity of cambium, xylem and phloem tissues were seen as well formed. Following IKI tests, the staining of stock and scion tissues were seen to be similar and no colour differentiation could be detected. According to the results obtained from anatomical observations of the bud graft unions, it was suggested that native chestnut cultivars are graft compatible with the hybrid rootstocks.