ROOT DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF NINE APPLE ROOTSTOCKS AT TWO NC-140 TRIAL LOCATIONS
in HortScienceThe 1980 NC-140 uniform apple rootstock trial plantings located in Michigan and Ohio were used to determine root distribution patterns of the nine rootstooks involved in the trial. The scion for the trial was Starkspur Supreme (Malus domestica Borkh.) on Ottawa 3, M.7 EMLA, M.9 EMLA, M.26 EMLA, M.27 EMLA, M.9, MAC 9, MAC 24 and OAR 1 rootstock. Trenches were established parrallel with the tree rows 0.8 m from the center of the trunks on both sides. The trenches were 1.5 to 2 m deep. Grids were constructed 1.2 m deep × 1.8 m wide with 30 cm × 30 cm grid squares. Soil was washed from the profile and the grid was placed over the profile. Roots were classified into 3 size categories; less than 2 mm, 2 to 5 mm and greater than 5 mm. Soil physical properties were also characterized. Differences were found between rootstock root distribution patterns and will be discussed in relation to rootstock and location/soil properties.
