Apple rootstock vigor and production: effects of rootstock on Honeycrisp

Semi-dwarfing and dwarfing rootstocks are used in apple horticulture to control scion vigor and
increase yield efficiency (Warschefsky et al. 2016). Some rootstocks can also confer apple trees with
hardiness and resilience against biotic pressures. A suitable rootstock should be compatible with the
scion cultivar of interest, the local microclimatic and soil conditions, as well as the planting spacing.
Selecting the right rootstock to start with can save growers time and cost on orchard management,
particularly for horticulturally challenging cultivars such as Honeycrisp apple (Malus domestica var.
Honeycrisp).