Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences, cilt.9, sa.3, ss.682-689, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Propagation of fruit trees is typically achieved through vegetative methods due to their
long juvenile period. Common vegetative propagation techniques include cuttings,
grafting, and in vitro micropropagation. Grafting involves the union of two distinct plant
parts to form a symbiotic organism. The root system, or rootstock, significantly influences
the growth and yield characteristics of the grafted scion cultivar. Therefore, selecting
appropriate rootstocks is critical in fruit production. Among stone fruits, wild plums
(Prunus spp.) and their hybrids are the most widely used rootstocks, primarily due to their
tolerance to extreme soil conditions and ease of vegetative propagation. Kahramanmaraş
region, located within the natural distribution range of many stone fruit species, has been
the focus of a comprehensive rootstock selection program initiated in 2009. This effort
identified approximately 50 promising wild plum genotypes, which were incorporated
into breeding studies. Among these, SP-2 (P. spinosa), known for its dwarfing effects,
and DO-1, DO-2, and DO-3 (P. domestica), recognized for their high compatibility with
apricots, were examined in detail. This study evaluated the effects of these rootstocks on
tree growth, yield, and fruit quality parameters in table apricot cultivars. The research,
conducted between 2015 and 2021 at the Eastern Mediterranean Transitional Zone
Agricultural Research Institute, revealed that SP-2 exhibited the smallest trunk crosssectional
area (TCSA) at 6.55 cm², indicating a pronounced dwarfing effect. Most
vigorous development was observed in the Myrobolan 29C (7.34 cm) in the study. Fruit
weight ranged from 35.81 g to 40.09 g, with the highest observed in apricots grafted onto
DO-1, comparable to Myrobolan 29C. Other fruit quality parameters showed no
statistically significant differences between the candidate and control rootstocks. In
conclusion, the tested rootstocks exhibited a significant dwarfing effect while maintaining
yield and quality parameters consistent with the literature. These findings will inform
future rootstock breeding programs.