SC 2U Rootstock

The SC 2U rootstock is a medium-sized, sprawling bush with round, dark brown shoots and broadly egg-shaped leaves of medium size. The root system is characterized by fibrousness and abundance, which ensures drought and heat resistance. The bush is easily reproduced both by horizontal layering and green cuttings in artificial fog; with good hilling, it forms 3-4 tiers.

Among the advantages of SC 2U rootstocks is high winter hardiness: roots withstand temperatures down to -14 °C, and in the winter of 2005/2006, grafted apples on this rootstock showed less damage to trunks and wood compared to M 9 and other rootstock systems. The vegetative period ends earlier, which contributes to better preparation of plants for wintering. In addition, the rootstock demonstrated record-high resistance to summer overheating: at a maximum air temperature of 42 °C in August 2010, almost half of the plants on MM 106 died, whereas damage on SC 2U was only 7.7%.

In the orchard, the SC 2U rootstock ensures stable productivity and early bearing of grafted trees. Even varieties that are usually not prone to early fruiting begin to bear fruit earlier than on other rootstocks. Recommended for dense planting of 800-1333 trees/ha, compatible with all regioned varieties and promising types of apple. In the first year of life, it is advisable to limit the volume of the crown and set a planting stake to prevent branch breakage during strong winds.