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)
12 Dec 2025
In the last decade, Chile turned cherries into a premium export worth over US$ 1.8 billion, driven by ideal climate, advanced technical management and booming Chinese demand. Andean areas of Peru show potential, but would require infrastructure and adapted strategies.
09 Jun 2026
In Chile’s cherry orchards, the University of O’Higgins combines AI, LoRaWAN sensors, computer vision, hyperspectral imaging and 3D models to estimate yield, fruit size, ripening and microclimates, improving quality, harvest planning and agronomic decisions.
07 Jul 2026
Dormancy, winter chill, cultivar and rootstock choice, pollination and climate-risk management shape sweet cherry yield and quality in Spain, from the Jerte Valley to Zaragoza, across high-value fresh-market orchards facing frost, heat, rain, cracking and yield risk.
07 Jul 2026
A Moldova study shows that pruning Kordia sweet cherry on MaxMa 14 after harvest or in early autumn improves canopy balance, flower bud density, fruiting spurs and yield, reaching average production of 19.8 kg per tree and giving growers guidance for modern orchards
