Apple Rootstocks
Rootstock size comparison by percentage.
Note: Rootstocks below are listed in order of increasing vigor.

M9 (NAKB 337) This dwarfing rootstock, ideal for high density plantings, produces a tree approximately 30-35% the size of a seedling. M9-337 performs similar to EMLA 9 cropping early with large fruit size. Best production occurs on fertile well drained soils with consistent moisture. Brittle roots and poor anchorage necessitate tree support.

M9 (NIC® 29) USPP# 10714–This dwarfing rootstock, of Belgium origin, produces a tree similar in size and charactertistics to M9-337 with slightly more vigor. A difference, however, can be seen in the root zone. The generally brittle roots of M9-337 are replaced with a vibrant and expansive root system. This allows for an increased survival rate in orchard plantings. Tree support is required.

M9 (PAJAM #2; Cepiland) USPP#7715–This dwarfing rootstock, of French Origin produces a tree similar in size and characteristics to M9 (NAKB 337) with approximately 10-15% more vigor and an increase in productivity of 10-20%. It appears to have better compatibility with grafted varieties. Growing trials indicate Pajam 2 gives slightly better fruit size, improved color and earlier maturity. Winter hardiness appears to be similar to other M9 Rootstocks.

BUDAGOVSKI 9 (BUD 9) A dwarfing rootstock that produces a tree approximately 30-40% the size of a seedling depending on cultivar vigor. Bud 9 is very resistant to Collar Rot and moderately resistant to Powdery Mildew and Scab. Superior Winter hardiness has increased grower awareness of this M9-M26 size rootstock. Tree support is required.

GENEVA 16™–This exciting new rootstock is one of several in a series of Fireblight resistant rootstocks out of Cornell University. Size of the tree is in-between M9 and M26. It is tolerant to Collar Rot and immune to Scab. It is susceptible to Woolly Apple Aphid and Powdery Mildew. Geneva 16 is non-brittle, well anchored, and sucker-free. Trees are precocious and productive. Tree support is recommended.

EMLA 26 A dwarfing rootstock that produces a tree approximately 40-50% the size of a seedling. Provides better anchorage than M9, however it is still shallow rooted and subject to drought stress. EMLA 26 is more precocious than EMLA 7 but tends to be less vigorous. Moderately susceptible to Crown Rot and susceptible to Fireblight. Support is recommended.

EMLA 7 Produces a tree 55-65% the size of a seedling. It is Winter hardy and fairly well anchored, needing little if any support in early years only. Performs well on deep fertile soils vs. light, sandy soils. EMLA 7 is moderately resistant to Crown Rot and very resistant to Fireblight.

EMLA 106 This semi-dwarfing rootstock produces a tree approximately 65-75% the size of a seedling. EMLA 106 is an excellent choice for spur-type Red Delicious varieties. It has heavy cropping potential with moderate vigor. Does well in a wide range of temperatures and has good anchorage. It is resistant to Woolly Apple Aphid but very susceptible to Collar Rot. Dry sandy soils may reduce vigor to a size less than EMLA 7 and fertile soils may produce trees of EMLA 111 size.

EMLA 111 This semi-dwarf rootstock produces a tree that is 75-85% the size of a seedling. It is an outstanding choice for spur-type red delicious varieties. It has excellent anchorage with no staking required. It does well in light, dry soils. EMLA 111 is drought tolerant and resistant to Woolly Apply Aphid. Few losses have been seen to Crown Rot and it is average in resisting Fireblight.

BUDAGOVSKI 118 This semi-dwarf rootstock produces a tree that is 90% the size of a seedling. It is a precocious rootstock with good yield efficiency that requires support. It is popular as a winter hardy rootstock for colder growing regions. It is reported to have withstood temperatures of -16 degrees C with no root damage. It is recommended for spur-type varieties on poor, dry, or sandy regions.