Early performance of ‘Auksis’ apple trees on dwarfing rootstocks in the Baltic region

ʹAuksisʹ apple trees on P22, P59, P61, P62, P66, P67, PB-4, Pure 1, B.9, B.396, M.9 and M.26 rootstocks were planted in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in 2005. After five growing season, the strongest growth and the highest yield were recorded in Lithuania. The growth rate of trees on B.396, B.9, P62, P67, P66 and Pure 1 was similar to those of trees M.9. The rootstocks P22, P59 and PB-4 appeared to be more dwarfing than M.9. The highest cumulative yield of ʹAuksisʹ was obtained from trees grafted on M.9, M.26, P62 and P67. The least productive were trees on PB-4 rootstock at all the places. Effects of rootstock on fruit weight were modest. Rootstock and location interaction was recorded for P61 in growth vigour control, and P22 and Pure 1 in cumulative yield.