Influence of clonal rootstocks on growth and cropping of 'Lapins' sweet cherry

An investigation on the growth and cropping of sweet cherry trees, which were cultivated on heavy soil, was conducted for five years after planting (19972001). The experiment included the self compatible cultivar Lapins grafted on ten rootstocks of differing vigour, including: IT 12/1, Ma x Ma 14, PiKu 4.20, GiseIa 4, Gisela 5, Gisela 12, Weiroot 13, Weiroot 72, Weiroot 158 and Edabriz. In our growing conditions, the cultivar Lapins did not yield as expected. On the rootstocks PiKu 4,20 and Gisela 4 the highest yields were achieved, while trees on the rootstock F 12/1 had the lowest yield. The rootstock Edabriz was of the lowest vigour, while PiKu 4.20 was of the highest vigour. Our results supported those of others indicating that Gisela 5 is, among dwarf cherry rootstocks, the most promising for modern, intensive sweet cherry growing. In addition, the results indicated that the rootstock Gisela 4 is also promising for intensive orchards because is amongst the most dwarfing, precocious and productive rootstocks. Edabriz was too weak for commercial use.