PLANNING YOUR VINEYARD - The Organic Backyard Vineyard - page 46

ten worries about dormant vines because they look dead when they arrive. But that is only
because dormant vines are not in active growth and they have been kept in cold storage be-
fore shipping. You can still see a developed root system on the plant, and they will quickly
send out new roots and green growth.
Recommended Rootstocks
To make things simple, I am going to limit the number of rootstocks to some tried-
and-true selections. However, you may want to consult on your own with a qualified local
grower, your extension service, or a nursery. When you first start to look at possible variet-
ies and rootstocks, the lists can seem very long. I have found nursery staff to be generally
very helpful in advising you about what will work for your conditions.
→ 110 R : Vines grafted on this rootstock are vigorous in fertile soil, ripen their grapes
well, and have high sugar content. This rootstock accommodates well to all kinds
of soils, and it is excellent in warm grape-growing areas with an arid climate. It is
phylloxera-resistant and moderately resistant to nematodes, and it tolerates up to 17
percent active lime in the soil, commonly referred to as acidic soil.
→ 1103 P : This rootstock grafts and roots readily, and is compatible with most
clonal varieties. It is adaptable to calcareous clay soils with fertile subsoils, and
accommodates better to very dry conditions (warmer climates) than 110 R. It is
phylloxera-resistant and moderately resistant to nematodes.
→ 5 BB : This is a very important rootstock in areas with shorter growing seasons, as
it has a shorter growing cycle. This is classified as a nematode-resistant rootstock.
It is also phylloxera-resistant. This rootstock is not recommended for dry-land con-
ditions, but is well suited to humid, compact, calcareous clay soils and to climates
in the lower temperature range.
→ 775 P, 779 P : These are very valuable rootstocks, and their performance should be
used on extremely difficult soil (such as compacted clays, water-logged, or shallow
soils) and in arid conditions. 775 is too vigorous for fertile soils and is accompanied
by poor fruit set, but it is phylloxera-resistant. Can be planted at close spacing.
→ Freedom : This rootstock is a good choice if you have sandy soil, and it is very
vigorous in loam soils. It is phylloxera- and nematode-resistant.
→ SQR : Good cold-climate rootstock; early ripening. Resistant to phylloxera.
→ SO4 : Vigorous rootstock with good phylloxera resistance and some nematode res-
istance. Good for moist conditions and clay soils; not drought-tolerant.
→ 3309 C : Good vigor and phylloxera resistance. Early bud break and ripening. Deep,
well-branched root system. Prefers cool sites and close spacing.