Clonal apple rootstocks listed in the Russian State Register of Agricultural Plant Varieties and Hybrids Approved for Use as a basis for establishing intensive orchards

Ensuring optimized plant growth and productivity, clonal apple rootstocks are a key component in establishing modern intensive orchards. Their use significantly increases fruit yield and quality, while also improving the plant resistance to adverse conditions. Clonal rootstocks are characterized by high homogeneity and predictability, rendering them indispensable for intensive orchards. Unlike seedling rootstocks, which can exhibit significant variability in characteristics, clonal rootstocks ensure stability in growth and fruiting, as confirmed by studies conducted under various cultivation conditions. The selection of optimal rootstocks, taking into account soil and climate conditions, cultivation technology, and the economic capacity of the farm, is a key factor in successful orchard management. The suitability of rootstock varieties for a specific cultivation area depends largely on the geographical origin of the source breeding material. Clonal apple rootstocks registered in the Russian State Register of Agricultural Plant Varieties and Hybrids Approved for Use form the basis for designing highly productive intensive orchards. To date, 57 forms of clonal apple rootstocks adapted to specific growing climate zones have been officially registered. In terms of the number of registered apple clonal rootstocks, the leading organizations are the Michurinsk State Agricultural University (50 %) and the Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology, and Nursery (20 %). In terms of growth vigor, clonal rootstocks are distinguished into dwarf (40 %), semi-dwarf (20 %), medium-vigor (35 %), and vigorous (9 %) varieties. In the majority of Russian regions, intensive orchard cultivation is carried out using rootstocks 54118 and 62396 (Michurinsk State Agricultural University), Ural 5 (Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery), and SK 5 (North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, and Wine-making). These rootstocks are recommended for establishing modern, highly effective intensive orchards with a rapid return on investment and a high profitability of apple fruit production.