Nutrient Status and Growth Performance of Two Peach Cultivars Budded on Rootstocks with Different Growth Vigor

Abstract

Rootstocks that reduce tree vigor are in demand for all fruit species, including peach. The study evaluated the suitability of four rootstocks (Prunus besseyi Bailey, Hui-Hun-Tao, Rakoniewicka, and Minnesota) and two peach cultivars (‘RedHaven’ and ‘Harnaś’) for the production of maiden peach trees in a nursery. The percentage of successful budding, tree height, stem diameter, branching characteristics, and root system development were evaluated according to rootstock and cultivar. In addition, the accumulation of macronutrients in the leaves was determined. The highest percentage of successful maiden trees was obtained on the Hui-Hun-Tao rootstock (89.7%), whereas the lowest percentages were recorded for the Rakoniewicka (81.1%) and Minnesota seedling (80.4%). The cultivar ‘Harnaś’ showed significantly higher budding success (86.0%) than ‘RedHaven’ (82.7%). The Minnesota seedling and Prunus besseyi rootstocks significantly reduced tree height and stem diameter compared with those of the Hui-Hun-Tao and Rakoniewicka rootstocks. The two cultivars did not differ significantly in tree growth. Better-branched maiden trees were produced on the Rakoniewicka and Hui-Hun-Tao rootstocks. Trees budded onto the Rakoniewicka rootstock had the greatest fresh weight. The highest number of roots was recorded for young trees on the Prunus besseyi rootstock (13.4), whereas the Minnesota seedling produced the fewest roots (8.7). Leaves of trees budded onto the Rakoniewicka and Prunus besseyi rootstocks contained higher accumulations of phosphorus and magnesium. Potassium levels were highest in leaves from trees produced on the Rakoniewicka rootstock. Leaves of trees on the Minnesota seedling contained significantly lower calcium content than those on the other rootstocks, which was associated with the seedling’s lower vigor and less-developed root system. Compared with the Rakoniewicka rootstock, the Minnesota seedling reduced maiden tree height by 18%, while Prunus besseyi reduced it by 17%. In addition, the Minnesota seedling reduced the number of lateral shoots by 29% and their total length by 32%, whereas the corresponding reductions for Prunus besseyi were 41% and 35%, respectively. Despite its dwarfing effect, Prunus besseyi produced a root system comparable in size to that of the well-rooted Hui-Hun-Tao rootstock. The Minnesota seedling and Prunus besseyi rootstocks appear to be suitable for the production of maiden peach trees with reduced growth in the nursery.