Evaluación del crecimiento radicular de portainjertos de la serie Geneva en manzano (Malus Domestica Borkh.) bajo condiciones del sur de Uruguay

In modern fruit growing, production systems tend to be increasingly intensive, with higher planting densities that require the support of an appropriate technological package. This includes irrigation, fertilization, and specific training systems, with the aim of increasing production efficiency and optimizing labor use. For these systems, which involve a high initial investment, to be successful, it is essential to correctly select both the rootstock and the variety, as both directly influence the tree’s vigor, productivity, disease tolerance, and adaptation to environmental conditions.

The Geneva® rootstock series has gained international recognition for its agronomic and plant health performance, and its adoption is growing in Uruguay. In this context, the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has initiated trials to evaluate its local performance. This study evaluated the root growth of six clonal rootstocks from the Geneva® series (G.202, G.210, G.214, G.213, G.814, and G.41) under the soil and climate conditions of southern Uruguay. In a randomized complete block experimental design with 18 replicates, three quantitative variables associated with root development were measured: root length, volume, and area, using a root scanner (CI-600) and RootSnap software.

The results showed significant differences between rootstocks in all three variables evaluated. Rootstocks G.202 and G.210 stood out for presenting the highest root growth values and low variability between replicates, while G.213 showed the lowest growth and the greatest variability. In all cases, the highest proportion of roots was concentrated in the first 20 cm of the soil profile. These results provide key information for decision-making in the selection of rootstocks, considering their impact on tree vigor and the most appropriate training system, and contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable fruit growing.