Features of rootstock 54-118

Before planting apple trees on his plot, the gardener chooses a variety. I want to get a rich harvest, but at the same time provide the tree with a minimum of care. Low varieties are popular, since it is convenient to harvest from them and carry out further pruning.

Many modern nurseries plant apple trees on 54-118 rootstock. According to the description, it is a red-leaved, medium-height stock, which appeared due to domestic selection. Medium height - means "semi-dwarf".

The breeding was carried out by the Fruit and Vegetable Institute, under the leadership of the Department of Michurinsk. The work was carried out by Budagovsky.

Today this rootstock is widespread in the middle zone of our country. We managed to get it through crossing:

• Paradise of Budagovsky (PB9);
• hybrid 13-14.

If we compare the considered seed stock Ranetka purple, then it has the following advantages:

• enters the fruiting phase early;
• yield is at a high level, fruits are formed stably every year;
• there is immunity to root soaking;
• growth can be described as restrained.

Fruit trees that grow in clay soil die quickly because their root system cannot withstand stagnant water in the soil. The problem is easily solved by planting this rootstock. Its stability is due to the horizontally located roots with great fibrousness.

The clone 54-118 also has advantages when compared to Ranetka purple:

• withstands long droughts;
• gives high growth;
• takes root perfectly;
• excellent frost resistance.

The stock 54-118 can be described as a medium-vigorous shrub that is compact. The shape of the crown is cylindrical, there are many shoots that stand upright and do not branch.

The branches are usually 1 to 1.20 m long. They have a rounded cross section, not thick, rather medium. The color is dark brown, very close to black. A weak fluff forms on the branches. Where the base is located, a slight bend can be observed in the shoots.

If we talk about lenticels, then there are a lot of them and they are medium in size. The buds are pubescent, they are also medium-sized, pressed against the branches. The wood of this rootstock has a red-pink color. It is strong enough.

The foliage is sparse. The greens are medium-sized, its shape is something between ovoid and oval. The leaves have a lobe in the root part, they are short-pointed and slightly corrugated. Shade red with green.

The roots of the stock are strong, develop well and have many branches. The lobe is thick, so underground shoots can penetrate deeply into the soil, so that the tree gets used to the existing environmental conditions.

One of the positive qualities of apple trees on this rootstock is that they sit tightly in the ground, so they are not afraid of strong winds and an abundance of harvest. In a layer from 50 to 60 cm, the main part of the roots is located, but full penetration of the rhizome is up to a meter.

When growing in a garden, trees on the described rootstock do not have a lot of overgrowth, which usually forms around the trunk. It also makes no sense to use drip irrigation.

The stem is resistant not only to frost, but also to damage caused by the sun's rays.The stock has excellent compatibility with any kind of apple tree. It is better to use it with medium- and low-growing species belonging to the annelid type. Among them is Champion or Welsey.

Demonstrates rootstock and good resistance to:

• aphids;
• ticks;
• viruses;
• scab;
• powdery mildew;
• microplasma.

Apple trees, grown on 54-118, take root regardless of the chosen plot, they show rapid growth and by the third year after the seedling has been planted, they can please with a good harvest.

Given the high growth of plants on the described rootstock, it is worth using a specific planting scheme so that the apple trees can feel good and bear fruit regularly. You need to understand that the annual formation in this case plays a significant role.

There are several schemes used by gardeners:

• 3x4 m;
• 5x3 m;
• 4x4 m.

The life span of such plants is from 28 to 35 years. But the period can be extended if you do anti-aging pruning.

To maintain a tree in poor soil, where there is a lot of clay, it is worth using complex fertilizers several times a year. This is not only nitrogen, but also potassium-phosphorus mixtures. Manure, chicken droppings are perfect.

As for processing, in most cases this is a preventive measure, since the stock is resistant to many insects and diseases that most often affect apple trees.

If the grower is looking for an option that is economically viable, then this is it. Labor costs are less, planting requires much less space, but at the same time the yield is high, and the fruits have a high degree of marketability.

Due to its small size, harvesting from the rootstock is convenient and takes less time to completely cultivate the garden. If necessary, an increase in planting density is allowed, without harm to trees and apples. Even the seedlings grown on this rootstock have an attractive presentation.