There is ongoing research through the University Of Kentucky College of Agriculture on dwarfing rootstocks for fruit trees. The following three rootstocks are commonly recommended for apple varieties grown in Kentucky: Budagovsky 9 (Bud.9 or B.9) — Excellent dwarf rootstock that produces a tree that is about 30 percent the size of a standard tree. Compared with M.9 it is more winter hardy and resistant to fire blight and collar rot. Trees on Bud.9 should be supported by a permanent wire trellis or a stake. Malling 7 (M.7) — Widely planted semidwarfing rootstock; about 55 percent of standard size. Performs best on deep, well-drained soil and is somewhat drought tolerant. While most trees on M.7 will be self-supporting, staking for the first four to five years is suggested. M.7 should be used as a rootstock for Delicious and Idared on only the most favorable sites because it produces larger than desired trees. This is the most commonly planted apple rootstock in Kentucky in the past. Malling-Merton 111 (MM.111) — Semivigorous but more drought tolerant, better anchored than other rootstocks. Resistant to woolly aphid. MM.111 has been an outstanding rootstock for Idared, spur-type Red Delicious, spur-type McIntosh, Jonathan, and Rome Beauty. Best adapted clonal stock for survival in Kentucky, particularly on heavy soil. However, its large tree size (about 80 percent of standard size) is too large for most plantings. Contact your local Extension office for more information.

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