Determination of Sapling Development Performance and Anatomical Analysis of Graft Compatibility in Self-Fertile Almond Variety "Independence" Grafted onto Different Clonal Rootstocks
Articles > Article · 2025
Authors: Deniz EROĞUL GÜVEN
SYLWAN, Journal Indexed in SCI Expanded, International, Scopus, 2025, vol 169, pp 58-75
DOI: 10.61586/0g1wQ
Summary
In Turkiye, not only new varieties but also new rootstocks are needed for almond production. In recent years, the availability of novel cultivars has helped with self-fertility and late blooming times, as well as high density and ease of adaptation for machine harvest. There are, however, few studies that examined how these novel cultivars interact with hybrid rootstocks. Before introducing certain new rootstocks to the market, it is necessary to understand the possible "translocated" and "localized" graft incompatibilities. We determined the sapling development performance and compatibility status of the "Independence" almond variety grafted onto different rootstocks ("GF 677", "Garnem", "Rootpac 20", "Rootpac 40", and "Rootpac R"). The graft success rates of the saplings were high, with the highest rate on Garnem rootstock. The development of the saplings was the highest in June and July. Shoot development and lengths of the saplings grafted onto Garnem rootstock were higher compared to other rootstocks in both years. Saplings grafted onto GF 677 rootstock produced lower values in both years. The thicknesses of the Garnem and Rootpac R rootstocks, with high shoot lengths, were also high. Considering the compatibility statuses, no significant findings were found in terms of incompatibility among the GF 677 and Independence, Rootpac 40 and Independence, and Garnem and Independence combinations at the examined grafting points. On the other hand, since the cambial continuity was not fully observed in the Rootpac R and Independence, and Rootpac 20 and Independence combinations, the connection of the vascular bundles was not strong, and the necrotic layers preserved their presence in a fragmented form. This circumstance suggested to us that there may be an incompatibility in these combinations.