Aijie: new dwarfing and resilient rootstock made in China

10 Nov 2023
1075

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

Development of new sweet cherry varieties at the Julius Kühn-Institut in Dresden-Pillnitz

Breeding Varieties

30 Nov 2023

Seven new cultivars have already been released: Narana, Swing® PiSue 192, Habunt, Areko, Polka, Aria® PiSue 161, and PiSue 177. Nineteen new promising breeding clones are currently under multi-site testing and approximately 100 clones are in stage II evaluation.

Cherry Times wishes you happy holidays and a happy New Year!

Events

25 Dec 2023

In this year's finale, the Cherry Times team would like to express its gratitude to all readers who have chosen us as their preferred source of information to understand and delve into the wonderful world revolving around the fruit of paradise: the cherry.

In evidenza

South African cherries on the rise: new varieties and innovative systems

Production

30 May 2025

In South Africa, sweet cherries are expanding thanks to low-chill varieties and innovative growing systems. Dutoit leads development with high-efficiency orchards, varietal research, and farming techniques tailored to the country's diverse microclimates.

Cherry exports to China: a promising but complex challenge for Jerte

Markets

30 May 2025

The opening of the Chinese market to Jerte cherries marks a new chapter for Spain's cherry sector, but brings complex export protocols. José Antonio Tierno stresses the need for caution, as past experiences with other fruits haven’t always delivered sustainable outcomes.

Tag Popolari