Apple and pear root systems: induction, development, structure and function - Biology of Apples and Pears - page 82

(2.4 m) 2 (0.6 m) 2

Wt
2174 g

Wt
876 g

%

%

54
31

48
32

12

16

116 g

298 g

3

4

(1.2 m) 2 (0.3 m) 2

Wt
1093 g

Wt
547 g

%
51
33

%
49
27

13 22

84 g

160 g

3

3

Figure 3.1 The form of an apple tree root system ('Golden Delicious'
on 'M.9' rootstock) as affected by tree spacing showing the weight of
roots and shoots and the distribution of roots with depth. The vertical
brackets represent 0.5 m. From Atkinson (1978). Reproduced
with permission.

Root initiation

With the exception of the roots of seedling rootstocks, all the roots of apple
and pear trees are adventitious in origin, i.e. arise from plant parts other
than by the normal development of the seedling root and its branches. The