INVESTIGATIONS ON ROOT SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OF 4 APRICOT ROOTSTOCKS

Many authors (Bargioni, 1960; Bini, 1963; Manzo, 1963; Monastra & Fideghelli, 1979; Pisani 1960; Rosati et al., 1976) have emphasized the fact that the horizontal and depth-development of the roots of fruit tree are influenced, independently of species and age, by the physical and chemical characteristic, the availability, the various layers and depth of the soil, and by cultivation practices.

It follows, from extisting literature that the major of the roots explores in vertical sense a soil laver at a depth from 15 to 80 cm. (Baldini & Bargioni, 1949; Bargioni, 1959; Bini, 1963; Manzo, 1963; Rosati et al., 1976; Strabbioli & Manzo, 1979) even if the bulk of roots remains in the upper 40 cm, (Manzo, 1963; Monastra & Fideghelli, 1979).

When surface tillage is intensive and deep, the depth of the upper-most roots becomes 20/25 cm. Bini (1963).

Though much research was done on the selection of the most suitable rootstock for apricot (Bernard & Duquesne, 1961; Duquesne, 1969—1970; Duquesne & Gall, 1970; Sansavini et al., 1970; Costa et al., 1974; Manbo & De Salvator, 1978; Monastra & Fideghelli, 1979), there seem to exist no studies on the root system of the rootstocks concerned.

The present study, on the development of hypogeal system of apricot, concludes a comparison between four rootstocks for apricot of which the results were published formely (Manzo & De Salvator 1978), and has the aim to verify:

1. similarities and differences in the behaviour of the roots in the horizontal and vertical plane;
2. existance of phenomena of incompatibility and antagonism;
3. influence of the rootstock on tree growth.

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