Abstract
Nine apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars grafted on two rootstocks were assessed on morphological and biochemical
basis under sub-humid temperate region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Starking Delicious, Kala Kulu, Fuji, Red Chief, Royal
Gala, Red Labnani, Red Delicious, Star Crimson and Sky Spur grafted on local Crab apple and MM.111 were studied for
various growth characteristics. Red Chief exhibited maximum (415.8 cm) plant height on crab apple whereas, more flower
(1866) tree-1
, higher number (967.0) of fruit set tree-1
, fruits matured (490.0) tree-1
and maximum (46.33 kg) weight of fruits
tree-1 were recorded on MM.111. Minimum duration (5 days) of flowering was presented by Sky Spur on local crab apple
while minimum (92.0) days for fruit maturation were required by Royal Gala on MM.111. Maximum (112.5 g) fruit weight,
total soluble solids (13.95%), total sugars (10.9 %) and reducing sugars (7.94%) were recorded for Starking Delicious on
MM.111. On the other hand more pH (3.51) and ascorbic acid (9.2 %) content were recorded for Kala Kulu on crab apple.
Red Chief found to be high yielding cultivar on MM.111 than crab apple while total sugars, TSS and average fruit weight
were better for Starking Delicious. It was concluded that performance of apple cultivars were variable on both rootstocks.
However, MM.111 proved better than local crab apple under prevailing conditions.
