Growth, yielding and susceptibility to fire blight of cider apples in the climatic conditions of Central Poland

The possibility of growing 8 cider apple cultivars on M.26, P 14 and Antonovka seedlings in the climatic conditions of Central Poland was studied over a period of 7 years (1996 - 2003). The results obtained showed that cultivars of cider apples are more susceptible to fire blight than standard cultivars ‘James Grieve’, ‘Wealthy’ and ‘Common Antonovka’. After seven years of growth, the most vigorously growing cultivars on the three rootstocks were ‘Ellis Bitter’ and ‘Major’, and on Antonovka seedlings also ‘Yarlington Mill’ and ‘Harry Masters’ Jersey’. The weakest growth was shown by ‘Ashton Bitter’ and ‘Michelin’ on all three rootstocks. Trees of cider cultivars ‘Dabinett’, ‘Michelin’, ‘Ashton Bitter’ and ‘Chisel Jersey’ were similar in size to standard cultivar ‘James Grieve’. After the seven-year period, the highest cumulative yields were obtained from ‘Dabinett’, ‘Chisel Jersey’ and ‘Yarlington Mill’ grown on all three rootstocks. A high cumulative yield was also obtained from ‘Major’ grafted on M.26 and P 14 and ‘Michelin on P 14 and Antonovka seedlings. ‘Dabinett’, ‘Major’ and ‘Chisel Jersey’ were high productive cultivars and can be recommended for growing on P 14 and Antonovka seedlings in commercial orchards in Poland.