varieties on EM 26 will be free standing and will perhaps not need 

 any support during the life-time of the tree. However, under cer- 

 tain conditions, some trees will lean or even topple over, depend- 

 ing on the variety, the orchard site and the soil type. The root- 

 stock portion of EM 26 trees overgrow the scion similar to that of 

 EM IX. 



Combi nations - As previously mentioned, all varieties have not been 

 tested on this rootstock. Under certain conditions, 'Golden Deli- 

 cious'/EM 26, for example, will make very small trees with this 

 rootstock but this could be an advantage especially in high density 

 plantings. In our test plantings, 'Red Delicious', 'Mcintosh' and 

 'Jonathan' are doing well. However, as with other rootstocks there 

 are certain varietal responses that show up in the rootstock and 

 vice versa. 



Site, Soil - The orchard site and the soil, being variable, will 

 influence rootstock performance. To date, no detrimental effects 

 from soil responses have been observed with EM 26. A heavy soil 

 will cause more trees to lean. Recommendations are, of course, to 

 plant only on well drained soils. 



Important place - EM 26 will fill an important vaccum in the apple 

 rootstock series, especially in high density plantings. Most trees 

 of most varieties on this rootstock can be spaced \/ery close to- 

 gether. An average of 450 trees per acre could be established with- 

 out any serious crowding of trees at maturity with such varieties 

 as 'Red Delicious', 'Golden Delicious' and 'Jonathan'. This would 

 mean a tree spacing in the vicinity of 6 x 16, or 8 x 12 feet de- 

 pending on many factors--management being prime. 



Suggestion - Since all possibilities are not known about this root- 

 stock, it is suggested that plantings be limited and that other 

 rootstocks such as MM 106 or EM VII also be used. Tree size is 

 manipulated by rootstock from small to large trees as follows: EM 

 IX, EM 26, EM VII, MM 106 and MM 111. The first two require a good 

 uniform moisture retaining soil and the latter four are adaptable 

 to a wider variation of soil types. None will withstand a poorly 

 drained soil. As the vigor of the variety and the rootstock in- 

 creases, the spacing between trees should increase. 



Selective - In selecting scion/root combinations, choose the com- 



that will suit the particular situation of the anticipated 

 and production scheme. All trees should be budded on 

 above ground. This will provide better 

 orchard. Know the vigor potential of the 

 that you select for your particular spac- 

 plantings require more rootstock size 



b i n a t i n 



management 



the stock 12 to 16 inches 



anchorage of trees in the 



variety and the rootstock 



ing system. High density 



control than do low density orchards 



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