Effect of rootstocks on growth and productivity of sweet cherry in Himachal Pradesh

Performance of three cherry clonal rootstocks namely Cob, Colt and F12/1 introduced in Himachal Pradesh during mid 80's were studied in comparison to two seedling rootstocks (Mahaleb and Mazzard) for their effect on growth and productivity of sweet cherry cultivars, viz. Stella, Van, Lambert and Early River at two locations. Maximum tree height, tree volume and tree spread was observed on Cob rootstock in high hill area of Narkanda in Shimla district (2,600 m amsl), whereas these growth parameters were maximum on F12/1 in mid hill location of Kullu area (1,500 m amsl). Shoot growth was also maximum on Mazzard seedling and F12/1 rootstock and minimum on Colt rootstock. Union of varieties namely Van, Stella. Early River on Cob, Colt and Mazzard seedling rootstocks were smooth, whereas on Mahaleb these resulted into poor compatibility. Though the yield of individual trees was highest on Mazzard and F12/1 rootstock, however the yield efficiency was generally higher on Colt, intermediate on Mahaleb and lowest on Mazzard and Cob rootstocks.