I think the answer is very likely no. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Sometimes one doesn’t know the rootstock, e.g., for “dwarf” and “semi-dwarf” apple trees from Stark Brothers (they use two different types for each descriptor for the trees they sell to the public and they don’t tell you which is which).
Let’s take the Stark trees as an example. If they were allowed to grow to full size, observations about size, time to fruit, etc. would likely give us a good idea of which of the two possible rootstocks a particular tree is. However, if that is not a good option (e.g., one wants to limit the tree size), that probably won’t work. Are there any simple and reasonably accurate methods otherwise?
111 is easy to tell because it sends out primordia above the soil line up to the scion- the burr knots. M 26 is more likely to create the bulb affect just above the graft union than other rootstocks. M7 is most likely to send up suckers, but so does 111 sometimes, however the 111 will have burr knots.
That is the most helpful, awesome information I’ve seen here in some time! Since many of my early trees were big-box trees {insert condemnation here} I have always assumed I’d never have a clue about rootstock. Maybe I can at least narrow it down now, if not determine it outright. Thanks, Alan.
CityMan. Sometimes I don’t think Alan gets the credit he deserves. A while back I posted a picture of some rootstock I had and that I wanted to identify. The information he posted enabled me to determine it was Bud 9. This is not the first time that he has given me his expert advice. His experience and williness to share is outstanding. Bill
No doubt about that. I could give you a list about a mile long of things he has helped me with and for which I’m grateful. What’s even more impressive to me is that he is about 1000 times more experienced and knowledgeable than me, but even though he must quietly roll his eyes at some of my questions, he always answers and does so on a level that a beginner like me can understand. Its good of you to point out how helpful he is…I just wanted to add a big “Amen!”.
Thanks for you info/link too, AJ. With all this info I may now solve some 3 year old mysteries!
Damn, you guys are making me all teary eyed and sht. I spend about 50 hours of every week looking at fruit trees, I’d have to be complete idiot not to have learned a few things, but take my observations with a grain of salt- I jump to wrong conclusions on a regular basis.
I spend about 50 hours of every week looking at fruit trees, I’d have to be complete idiot not to have learned a few things, but take my observations with a grain of salt- I jump to wrong conclusions on a regular basis.