Gisela® 5 (148-2 cv.) U.S.P.P. #9622 A popular introduction in Germany, this rootstock produces a very precocious tree approximately half the size of trees grown on Mazzard rootstock. It produces an open, spreading tree with wide angles. It is quite virus tolerant and does well in heavy soil. Trees grown on Gisela® 5 may need to be supported. Some suckering may occur depending on growing conditions. It is very hardy and produces well. It is compatible with most varieties. It has shown good results in Washington State.
Gisela® 6 (148-1 cv.) U.S.P.P. #8954 A semi-dwarf rootstock that produces a tree slightly smaller than Mazzard, roughly 80 to 90 percent. A good substitute for Mazzard, Gisela® 6 is well suited for heavy soil types. Stimulates very early blooming and heavy bearing and has a wide range of soil adaptability and actually like heavy soils. The tree structure is very open and round. Very precocious despite its vigor. It appears tolerant to many cherry viruses (bacterial canker) and is not prone to suckering. Anchors well, but may need support, especially in the first fruiting years because of its precocious nature.
Gisela® 12(195-2 cv.) U.S.P.P. #9631 A precocious, semi-dwarf cherry rootstock, yielding a tree about 60% of one grown on Mazzard. Produces a tree that is stocky, spreading and open. Wide soil adaptability and does well on heavy soils. This stock is very precocious and productive. Resists suckering has good virus resistant, is well anchored but may require support.
Krymsk 6 is winter hardy and adapted to a wide range of soil types. Like Krymsk 5, it is sensitive to prune dwarf virus and necrotic ring spot virus.
Mahaleb This seedling rootstock comes in more of a bush form than Mazzard. It produces a standard size cherry tree. It is cold hardy, drought tolerant, and highly productive. It's anchorage is excellent. It is susceptible to Oak Root Fungus, Root Knot and especially Phytophthora. It is somewhat resistant to Crown Gall and resistant to Bacterial Canker and Root Lesion. It grows best in light sandy loam soils. It does poorly in heavy soils.
Mazzard (P. avium) This seedling rootstock produces a vigorous tree with very good anchorage. It is best compatible with sweet cherries. It tends to resist common cherry diseases better than Mahaleb. It has some tolerance to Phytophthora and is moderately resistant to Oak Root Fungus. It grows best on sandy loam soil, but is also tolerant of heavy soils. It is susceptible to Crown Gall and Bacterial Canker . But it is resistant to water stress, and root knot nematodes. Overall, Mazzard seedling makes a very large and hardy tree, with a few root suckers.
Maxma® 14 This hybrid rootstock is a result of a cross between Mazzard and Mahaleb. It is rated in vigor as 20-25% more dwarfing than Mahaleb. This lends itself to higher density plantings. Maxma® 14 is compatible with most cherry varieties and is quite precocious and productive. It is considered to be one of the leading rootstocks in use in Europe. Maxma® 14 rootstock is tolerant to wet soils and is resistant to iron chlorosis.
