Study of Morphological and Pomological Characteristics and some Nutrient Concentration in Six Stone Fruit Rootstocks

The use of stone fruit rootstocks can enhance water use efficiency and soil managemnet while increasing fruit production per area and reducing associated costs. Recognition of morphological and nutrient uptake characteristics would be helpful to select appropriate rootstocks in different climatic conditions. The objective of the present research was to evaluate growth characteristics of six stone fruit rootstocks (Penta, Cadaman, Saint Julien, Mr.S2/5, GF677 and Nemguard) at Kamalshahr Research Station (Karaj, Iran). The studied characteristics were morphological and pomological properties including chlorophyll index and concentrations of some of nutrient elements (phosphor, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen) in leaves. Nemaguard and Penta exhibited the highest nutrient concentration interms of phosphor, calcium, and magnesium uptake, while the GF677 rootstock showed the lowest uptake phosphor, potassium and magnesium absorption. No significant difference was observed in nitrogen uptake between different rootstock. Penta rootstock was superior over other rootstocks in terms of growth characteristics and the ability to uptake nutrients. According of the result of this study, there were wide varieties in growth characteristics of an rootstocks that would be important keys to their selection.