THE IMPORTANCE OF ROOTSTOCK SELECTION 
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 disease. 
Same rootstocks thrive more in heavy soils, others in light sandy soils. Some rootstocks 
will tolerate lots of water, thers 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 rootstocks 
to meet any of these varying conditions encountered in growing fruit trees. 
RESTANT ROOTSTOCKS 
Resistant Rootstocks—Are rootstocks selected and planted for their resistance to insects 
and disease prevelent in certain areas of California. In general, the risstant 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 nematode, 
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 for story on 8-37). 
Mariana 26-23—Mariana 26-23 is the best adapted all around rootstock for plums, 
prunes and apricots as it is a natural plum roostock; resistant to nematode, oak root fungus 
and crown gall. In our research and field tests, we have found Mariana 26-23 to be the out- 
standing root for plum, prune and apricot and have discontinued growing the other plum 
and apricot rootstocks except on special orders or for specific conditions. Mariana 26-23 is 
also used as rootstock for sme varieties of almonds in wet areas; however, Nonpariel 
almond does not make a good union on this rootstock. 
1613 and St. George Grape Understock—Are used in vineyard planting where Phyllox- 
era 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 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 thirty, healthy 
tree when the desired variety is budded or grafted on them. Where no pest or amaging 
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 understock where nematode or other pests are not a problem. 
We have selected Lotis as our Persimmon understock, Mazzard rootstock for cherries, 
Norther 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. 
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REFERENCE FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY 
“GRAPE FOR DIFFERENT REGIONS” “FIG CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA” 
U. S. D. A. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 1935 California Extension Service Circular No. 77 
“GRAPE GROWING IN CALIFORNIA” “WALNUT PRODUCTION IN CALIFORNIA” 
California Extension Service Circular No. 16 California Extension Service Circular No. 364 
“ALMONDS CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA” “CHERRY CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA” 
California Extension Service Circular No. 103 California Extension Service Circular No. 46 
“PLUM AND PRUNE GROWING IN THE PACIFIC STATE” 
U. S. D. A. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 1372 
“PEACH GROWING IN CALIFORNIA” 
California Extension Service Circular No. 122 
“PEACH AND NECTARINE GROWING IN CALIFORNIA” 
California Extension Service Circular No. 98 
“Fruit and Grape Varieties of Growing Quality,” is Published Yearly by the Horti- 
culture Department of Stribling’s Nurseries for the Orchardist and Nurserymen of California. 
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