I can only surmise it's because M-111 tends to sucker badly especially if some of the roots are jaded (pointed upwards). No big deal if planted by hand to correct the root position but if using a three point tree planter at high speed it would be preferable to trim the roots to avoid jading.
Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Ln Corvallis, MT 59828 (406)961-3025 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Kevin Hauser Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 7:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Apple-Crop: Trimming Roots on Benchgrafts At several places I've seen the roots on vigorous benchgraft rootstocks like M111 trimmed back to short (1/2") knubs before planting in commercial orchards. Can someone tell me what is the purpose of this, and does it take longer to establish growth on these trees? Thanks -- Kevin Hauser Kuffel Creek Apple Nursery Riverside, Southern California -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[email protected]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[email protected]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
