The influence of new clonal rootstocks on tree growth, productivity, fruit quality and antioxidant capacity of European plum

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of new clonal rootstocks (‘Wavit’, ‘Weiwa’, ‘Docera 6’, and ‘Dospina 235’) and Myrobalan seedling on the tree growth, productivity, fruit quality attributes and antioxidant capacity of two European plum cultivars (‘ˇCaˇcanska Lepotica’ and ‘Jojo’) during a three-year period. The results indicated that choice of both rootstock and cultivar significantly influenced evaluated characteristics. ‘Myrobalan’ enhanced tree vigour and fruit size, whereas ‘Wavit’ resulted in the highest yield efficiency. Fruit quality varied, with ‘Jojo’ showing larger fruits and superior secondary metabolites content, TPC and antioxidant capacity, whereas ‘ˇCaˇcanska Lepotica’ had higher vitamin C content and TA. Rootstock effects on primary and secondary metabolites were also significant. ‘Myrobalan’ influenced higher soluble solids content SSC, ‘Dospina 235’ promoted higher content of sugars and ‘Wavit’ impacted induced higher vitamin C levels. The greatest influence on TPC and TAC was promoted by ‘Docera 6’, the highest TFC by ‘Dospina 235’, and the highest TAc by ‘Wavit’. ‘Jojo’ exhibited greater tree size, but lower yield compared to ‘ˇCaˇcanska Lepotica’. The study highlighted the complex interactions between cultivar, rootstock, and growing conditions. Analysis of these interactions revealed that certain rootstocks were associated with better fruit quality attributes and antioxidant levels. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate rootstocks, as well as suitable cultivar/ rootstock combination and managing growing conditions to optimize plum production and fruit quality.