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 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)
28 Oct 2025
A new micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 rootstock was developed in Aurangabad, India. The study achieved excellent results in asepsis, rooting and shoot proliferation, paving the way for healthy cherry stock production and modern nursery propagation techniques.
08 Aug 2024
Tests conducted with needles of 3 different sizes showed that the best product diffusion occurred with the longest needle. Subsequently, the researchers started trials directly in the field. The first study focused on the healing time of the injection sites.
29 Jun 2026
I bioreattori SETISTM migliorano crescita, vigore e radicazione dei portinnesti di ciliegio dolce Prunus avium e Gisela 6. Lo studio evidenzia vantaggi produttivi e sfide legate a iperidricità, genotipo e protocolli di micropropagazione per vivai più efficienti.
29 Jun 2026
In Germany, per capita consumption of cherries and sour cherries fell to 1.7 kg in 2025, while national production rose 33% thanks to favorable weather. Spain, Greece and Italy remain key suppliers, supporting both fresh fruit sales and industrial processing.
