Description
Malus domestica Budagovsky 9 (B9) is a robust, dwarfing apple rootstock, originally developed in Russia. B9 is known for its striking characteristics, such as red leaves and wood with a red tint, and is an excellent choice for orchards in colder climates or areas with lower growth vigor.
Key features:
Winter hardiness: Suitable for extreme cold, more resistant to frost than M9 rootstocks.
Drought Tolerance: Slightly less sensitive to drought than M9, ideal for drier conditions.
Vigor: About 45% from a seedling, slightly stronger than M9 T337.
Fruit set: Very productive and early bearing, comparable to or better than M9.
Characteristic appearance: Recognizable by the red leaf and the red wood color.
Applications and benefits:
Colder regions: Ideal for orchards in areas with severe winters.
Efficient production: High yield and early fruit set make this rootstock suitable for commercial applications.
Fireblight: Although susceptible, trees grown on B9 generally survive better from outbreaks than other dwarf rootstocks.
Cultivation instructions:
Planting distance: Suitable for planting densities with lower to medium intensity.
Support: Permanent staking is recommended, especially for young trees.
Soil Requirements: Grows well in moderate to fertile soil, with attention to adequate moisture and nutrients.
Additional information:
The B9 has been tested worldwide and commercially applied in various climates. Due to its compact size and adaptability, this rootstock is suitable for both professional orchards and small-scale fruit cultivation.
Conclusion:
Malus domestica B9 combines winter hardiness, earliness and productivity in a compact rootstock. These characteristics make it a reliable choice for fruit growing in challenging conditions.