Social Links Search
Tools
Close

  

Close

NEW YORK STATE WEATHER

Cornell rootstocks boost apple yields and fight blight

Cornell rootstocks boost apple yields and fight blight


By Blake Jackson

Imagine apple trees, resilient against harmful bacteria, producing bountiful harvests year after year. This isn't just a dream; it's becoming a reality thanks to revolutionary rootstocks developed by Cornell University. 

Most people, unaware of the hidden gem beneath the ground, assume an apple tree is just one variety. But Professor Terence Robinson, Cornell horticulture expert, reveals the secret: "An apple tree is actually two varieties – the one aboveground bearing fruit and the rootstock, its unsung hero anchoring it below." 

This hero, the Geneva rootstock, developed and patented by Cornell, isn't just any rootstock. It's been meticulously crafted into 15 distinct versions, each tackling specific challenges faced by apple growers. 

One major threat is fire blight, a bacterial disease that can devastate orchards. Thankfully, fire blight-resistant Geneva rootstocks offer a lifeline. Robinson explains, "Instead of the entire tree succumbing, growers can simply prune infected areas, saving their precious orchards." 

But that's not all. These ingenious rootstocks have paved the way for dwarf apple trees. Smaller in stature, these trees deliver the same bounty of fruit, allowing growers to pack more trees per acre and skyrocket their yields. 

Three new heroes emerged in 2023: 

  • Geneva 257: Tailored for Snapdragon, a uniquely New York apple, this rootstock promises larger fruit on smaller trees. 
  • Geneva 44: A champion for organic growers, it boasts multiple disease resistances and exceptional nitrogen absorption, a crucial element in organic farming. 
  • Geneva 66: This sturdy powerhouse strengthens graft unions, (strong connection between the apple tree and the rootstock). 

While no rootstock is perfect, each new variety represents a step forward in the ongoing quest for a perfect match. Gennaro Fazio, the project's geneticist, emphasizes, "We continue to search for improved ones, releasing new editions every few years as we discover them." 

This dedication is reflected in the global impact of Geneva rootstocks. With no other apple rootstock program in the U.S., Cornell's innovations reach orchards worldwide. Fazio estimates that 12 to 35 million apple trees planted annually wear the invisible crown of a Geneva rootstock. 

The next time you bite into a crisp apple, take a moment to appreciate the unseen force beneath your hand. It might just be a Cornell-bred hero, quietly working its magic, ensuring years of delicious harvests for generations to come. 

 

Photo Credit: istock-rixipix

NYCO farmers unite - dairy and crop insights NYCO farmers unite - dairy and crop insights
Executive Seed Industry Program Bolsters Research, Collaboration Executive Seed Industry Program Bolsters Research, Collaboration

Categories: New York, Crops

Subscribe to Farms.com newsletters

Crop News

Rural Lifestyle News

Livestock News

General News

Government & Policy News

National News

Back To Top