Aijie: new dwarfing and resilient rootstock made in China

10 Nov 2023
1632

Currently, in China, the predominant rootstocks utilised for cultivation are mainly characterised by their strong growth, namely Colt, Mahaleb, Daqingye, and ZY-1. However, during the past twenty years, there has been a notable increase of approximately 30% in the utilisation of dwarfing rootstocks and, consequently, the demand for additional dwarfing rootstocks is increasing.

It is important to acknowledge that the cultivation of sweet cherries in China predominantly occurs in regions characterised by mountainous topography and susceptible to drought conditions.

Within this context, the requirements for novel rootstocks are:

  • a high level of compatibility with grafting techniques
  • the ability to induce dwarfism in the plant
  • adaptability to the climatic conditions prevalent in China
  • the capacity to induce fruit production at an early stage

A new rootstock has been selected by the researchers affiliated to the Shandong Institute of Pomology. This rootstock was created from a hexaploid rootstock, originating from a Gisela 6 rootstock after treatment with colchicine.

Dongzi Zhu.

The tetraploid plant known as "Aijie" exhibits a phenological pattern characterised by its breakage in mid-March, blossoming in early April, and leaf shedding in early November. The results of the graft compatibility test indicated that “Aijie” induced higher growth rates compared to Gisela 6, three years post-planting.

In summary, the “Aijie” rootstock has robust vitality and demonstrates a broad range of adaptation to various soil conditions. Additionally, it displays favourable compatibility with grafting techniques and it bestows the ability to yield fruit at an early stage after planting.

Source: Dongzi Zhu, A new sweet cherry dwarf rootstock variety - 'Aijie' , http://2021.cherries.org.cn/replayEn.html

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sweet cherry and water stress: ecophysiological responses of three cultivars in North- Eastern Romania

Tech management

15 Apr 2025

A study in north-eastern Romania analyses the response of three sweet cherry cultivars to water stress under non-irrigated conditions. Evaluated stomatal conductance, leaf hydration and physiological adaptations for a more resilient cultivation to climate change.

Wintering of Drosophila suzukii in New York vineyards: strategies and management

Tech management

05 Aug 2025

In New York vineyards, a study examines the winter survival of Drosophila suzukii. Habitat choice, natural shelters, and adaptive behaviors influence survival, offering valuable guidance for sustainable and effective integrated pest management strategies.

In evidenza

Cherry training systems: complete guide to the most efficient orchard architectures

Planting systems

15 Oct 2025

Detailed overview of cherry training systems in Chile, including characteristics, pros, cons, and variety/rootstock combos for central leader, KGB, UFO, TSA, SSA, and V/Y trellises. Focus on precocity, labor efficiency, planting density, pruning and growth control.

Enzymatic method for starch quantification in sweet cherry floral buds

Retail

15 Oct 2025

A new enzymatic protocol enables accurate starch quantification in sweet cherry floral buds, even from preserved samples. The method is fast, sensitive and suitable for large-scale studies in plant physiology and reproductive biology of stone fruit trees.

Tag Popolari