Abstract

SANCHEZ-CERVANTES, Mariana; LOPEZ-JIMENEZ, Alfredo; CORTES FLORES, José-Isabel  and  CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, José-Pablo. Effect of rootstock by approach on the nutritional status of ‘Brookfield Gala’ apple tree. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.4, pp.591-602.  Epub Feb 21, 2022. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v12i4.2233.

In high-density apple orchards, dwarfing rootstocks play a key role, as they promote or stimulate early production, increase yield and quality of fruit per unit surface area. However, their horticultural performance depends on the capability of soil to supply water and nutrients to the root system. Under shallow soil limiting conditions some dwarfing rootstocks are not able to meet water and nutrient requirements for the variety. In Aquixtla, Puebla, growth and development in ‘Brookfield Gala’/Bud.9 apple trees are weak, with symptomatology of mineral deficiencies, in contrast to the trees grafted in Emla7, which are producing fruits normally. This work reports the nutritional status of ‘Brookfield Gala’ /Bud.9 trees, supported by the rootstock Emla7. The foliar analysis in 2018 showed a higher concentration of Mn and B in ‘Brookfield Gala’ /Bud.9 trees with approach graft performed in 2016 and 2017, respectively. In 2019 the concentration of Cu and B was higher in the trees with approach graft performed in 2017. In all trees the concentration of Zn and K was low and the concentration of Ca and B was high. The effect of approach grafting with the rootstock Emla7 was incipient in the development and growth of the ‘Brookfield Gala’/Bud.9 apple tree.

Keywords : Malus pumila Mill.; dwarfing rootstocks; high densities.