Apple Rootstocks and their Role in Orchard Performance: A Review

Abstract

Apple rootstocks play a crucial role in determining tree vigor, productivity, fruit quality, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions in modern orchard systems. The development and selection of appropriate rootstocks have become increasingly important for improving orchard efficiency, particularly in high-density planting systems. This review synthesizes available literature on major apple rootstock groups, including Malling (M), Malling-Merton (MM), Geneva (G), and Budagovsky (B) rootstocks. The review highlights their classification, physiological characteristics, effects on tree growth and yield efficiency, and their role in improving resistance to diseases and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, and salinity. In addition, rootstock–scion interactions and their implications for orchard management and productivity are discussed. Recent advances in rootstock breeding, particularly the development of Geneva rootstocks for improved disease resistance and stress tolerance, are also summarized. The review provides insights into selecting suitable rootstocks for sustainable apple production and identifies future research directions for improving orchard performance under changing climatic conditions.