The PiKU® rootstocks for sweet cherries originate from a breeding program in Dresden-Pillnitz/Germany. The three protected varieties PiKU®1(S), 3(S) and 4(S) are the result of crosses between different Prunus species.

The PiKU® rootstocks are characterized by a reduction in growth to varying degrees, from almost the same vigor as Pr. avium to a reduction of 40 %.

 

The PiKU® rootstocks cause an earlier yield than Pr. avium rootstocks, but this is not as pronounced as with the GiSelA® rootstocks.

 

All three PiKU® rootstocks are well compatible with sweet cherry varieties, have smooth grafting units and do not tend to form suckers. The PiKU® rootstocks have proven particularly well on dry and sandy sites in terms of yield and fruit size. Pruning, fertilization and irrigation should be carried out depending on the location and the grafted variety.

 

PiKU®1(S) - mediumstrong-growing rootstock with high yield potential.

The reduction in growth, which often only occurs in later years, is around 30-45 % compared to Pr. avium seedling. On light soils, PiKU®1(S) can be assessed positively in terms of fruit size without additional irrigation. Pruning, fertilization and irrigation should be carried out depending on the location and variety in order to certain high yield and good fruit size.

 

PiKU®3(S) - strong-growing rootstock for extensive cultivation.

The growth reduction of PiKU®3(S) compared to Pr. avium seedling is low. Additional irrigation is not necessary. The advantages include the high average yield over several years. The pruning effort of the varieties is lower than that on weaker growing rootstocks.

 

PiKU®4(S) - rootstock for hot sites.

PiKU®4(S) is weak to medium-growing (35-40 % growth reduction compared to Pr. avium seedling) and induces high yields. This rootstock has proven particularly successful on hot sites in terms of yield and fruit size.

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(S) = plant variety protection