Commercial orchards in Minnesota may have
trees on standard, semi-dwarf, and/or dwarf rootstocks. While
dwarf trees have many advantages over larger trees, there
are a number of reasons for orchardists continuing to grow
apples on standard rootstocks. If the trees were planted many
years ago, they are likely to be on standard rootstocks. If
they have been maintained and are producing well, orchardists
are likely to continue cropping these large trees, in spite
of the difficulties in pruning, training, controlling pests,
and harvesting these blocks.
Many trees in Minnesota orchards are on the
semi-dwarf rootstock M7, because locally grown trees on this
rootstock have been available for years. As growers plant
new orchards or replace blocks, however, they are planting
primarily dwarf trees on rootstocks such as M9, Bud9, and
M26. Research by growers and the University of Minnesota has
shown these to be best suited to profitable production in
the state.
Selecting Rootstocks
For a comprehensive discussion of dwarfing
rootstocks, see this excellent Cornell
University site.
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