NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial

Project goal: To evaluate the performance of multiple rootstocks for Honeycrisp fruit quality, yield, and tree health in northwest Michigan sandy soils.

Project description: This project is a collaboration of multiple Universities across sixteen states in the U.S., two locations in Ontario, Canada, and one location in Mexico.  Participants received either Aztec Fuji or Honeycrisp scion on multiple rootstocks depending on specific location.  The NWMHRC received ten replications of Honeycrisp on B.10, G.11, G.202, G.214, G.30, G.41, G.5890, G.935, G.969, M.26 EMLA, M.9 T337, V.1, V.5, V.6, and V.7, and were planted into a randomized design at 4’ x 12’ spacing.  Every year the trees are evaluated for the number of flower clusters per tree, trunk circumference, total yield (kg/tree), total number of fruit per tree, number of fruit with bitterpit, and observed for root suckers and tree decline or death.

Project lead/collaborators: John Cline, University of Guelph; Nikki Rothwell, and Todd Einhorn

Funding sources: NC-140 project funds

Start year: 2014

End year: 2024

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).