Ecological and biological characteristics of introduced clonal rootstocks of stone fruit crops in the conditions of south-eastern Kazakhstan

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 LLP “International Engineering and Technology University”, LLP “Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing”, Serkebayev, 62, 050060, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

2 Agricultural Sciences Department, Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing LLP, Serkebayev, 62, 050060, Almaty, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2026.9613

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comprehensive ecological and biological assessment of introduced clonal rootstocks of stone fruit crops (Prunus spp.) in Southeastern Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to identify promising rootstock genotypes with high adaptability, productivity, and the ability to vegetatively propagate in a harsh continental climate. The study involved 14 clonal rootstocks of varying ecological and geographical origins, studied in a nursery from 2023 to 2025. A comprehensive set of morphobiological, production, and reproductive traits was assessed using variation statistics. It was found that the rootstocks studied varied significantly in growth vigor, nursery productivity, yield of standard planting material, and rooting ability of green cuttings. The VSV-1 and Druzhba rootstocks were found to have the highest mother plant productivity (up to 224,000 units ha-1), while the Colt and Eureka 99 demonstrated the highest yield of standard shoots (up to 95%). The coefficient of variation for the main traits was found to range from 4.14 to 22.54%, indicating varying degrees of genotypic stability among the rootstocks. VSV-1, Druzhba, VSL-2, and Eureka 99 were found to be the most stable (CV < 10%). It has been shown that the rooting efficiency of green cuttings depends significantly on the substrate composition. The highest rooting rates (up to 78–93%) were obtained using a substrate based on peat, sand, and perlite. Rootstocks were differentiated by rooting ability: easy-, moderately, and difficult-to-root varieties. The scientific novelty of this work lies in establishing patterns of productivity and rooting of clonal rootstocks in the conditions of Southeastern Kazakhstan, taking into account their genotypic specificity and trait variability. Its practical significance lies in substantiating the selection of promising rootstocks (Colt, Eureka 99, Druzhba, VSV-1, and Pumiselect) for commercial nurseries and intensive horticulture. The obtained results can be used in the development of adaptive technologies for growing planting material and increasing the efficiency of fruit plantings in a changing climate.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences

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Available Online from 18 May 2026

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