THE IMPORTANCE 
OF 
ROOTSTOCK SELECTION 

Your Rootstock Is the Foundation of Your Orchard or 
Vineyard 
Today’s improved breeds of fruit trees are all budded or grafted on seedling or 
cutting grown understock (called rootstock) which produce healthier, more vigorous 
trees. 
These rootstocks are scientifically bred and developed to produce trees that will 
thrive under these varying local problems of soil conditions, climate, insects and dis- 
ease. Some rootstocks thrive more in heavy soils, others in light sandy soils. Some 
rootstocks will tolerate lots of water, others must be well drained. There are still 
others that are used because they have a marked resistance to certain diseases and 
insects in some soils, such as nematode, crown gall and oak root fungus. 
After years of experience and research we have selected and developed root- 
stocks to meet any of these varying conditions encountered in growing fruit trees. 
RESISTANT ROOTSTOCKS 
Resistant Rootstocks—Are rootstocks selected and planted for their resistance to 
insects and disease prevalent in certain areas of California. In general, the resistant 
rootstocks are adapted to a wider range of soil conditions and can be successfully 
planted in all areas where fruits can be grown. 
S-37 Rootstock (Plant Patent No. 904)—S-37 rootstock is the best all around peach 
understock for peach, nectarine and almond varieties because of its resistance to nema- 
tode, and its adaptability to sandy and heavy soils. S-37, because of its high resistant 
qualities and adaptability to all soil types, is rapidly replacing Shalil, Yunnan and 
Bokhara, which are other resistant peach rootstocks. (See page three of our “Fruit 
and Grape Varieties” for story on S-37.) 
Mariana 26-23—Mariana 26-23 is the best adapted all around rootstock for plums, 
prunes and apricots as it is a natural plum rootstock; resistant to nematode, oak root 
fungus and crown gall. In our research and field tests, we have found Mariana 26-23 
to be the outstanding root for plum, prune and apricot and have discontinued growing 
the other plum and apricot rootstocks except on special orders or for specific condi- 
tions. Mariana 26-23 is also used as rootstock for some varieties of almonds in wet 
areas; however, Nonpareil almond does not make a good union on this rootstock. 
1613 and St. George Grape Understock—Are used in vineyard planting where 
Phylloxera and/or Nematode exist. These are available in rooted vines and must be 
grafted or budded to the desired variety after planting in vineyard. See top of page 
Fourteen of our “Fruit and Grapes Varieties” for more complete description. 
STANDARD ROOTSTOCKS 
The Standard Rootstocks—Are used and selected for their ease in obtaining a seed 
and cutting source and their ability under normal conditions to produce a thrifty, 
healthy tree when the desired variety is budded or grafted on them. Where no pest or 
damaging insect or fungus exists, the standard rootstock is very desirable. 
Lovell Peach rootstock is an example of such rootstock and it is ideal as a peach, 
nectarine and almond rootstock where nematode or other pests are not a problem. 
We have selected Lotis as our persimmon understock, Mazzard rootstock for 
cherries, Northern California Black rootstock for our walnuts, and special pear, pecan, 
apple and other seedling rootstock for ability to produce the finest Growing Quality 
trees available. “Know your rootstock requirements before you plant.” 
FOR QUANTITY PRICES AND GROWING CONTRACTS WRITE FOR ADDI- 
TIONAL INFORMATION. SEE OUR CURRENT CATALOGUE AND PRICE 
LIST FOR OUR COMPLETE VARIETY LISTINGS. 
