Rootstock and Interstock Effects on Plum cv. ‘Čačanska Lepotica’ Young Tree Performance and Fruit Quality Traits

Extensive plum production in Serbia has led to a reduction in yield, quality and economic profitability, a transition to intensive production is necessary. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different generative ( Prunus cerasifera, Prunus cerasifera + Prunus spinosa ) and vegetative (WaVit, WeiWa) rootstocks in a dense planting system (4 m × 2 m). The experiment was conducted on early high-quality domestic cultivar ‘Čačanska Lepotica’ characterised by high adaptive ability in different agro-climatic conditions. The orchard was established in 2012 at the Experimental Field for Fruit Growing of the Faculty of Agriculture Novi Sad at Rimski Šančevi, and the experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2017. Based on the research findings, Prunus cerasifera rootstock induced higher tree trunk cross-section area, while also enhancing the total soluble solids content in the fruit. Trees grafted on Prunus spinosa interstock with Prunus cerasifera as the rootstock exhibited the smallest vigour, cumulative yield and titratable acidity. On the other hand, vegetative rootstocks increased the fruit yield, weight and size.