05/04/2013
Moerheim and Van de Pol breeders announce revolutionary rootstock for roses
LEIMUIDERBRUG, the Netherlands, March 26, 2013: Moerheim and Van de Pol are predicting a veritable revolution since the discovery of new rootstocks for roses. Higher production rates and roses of improved quality offer enormous economic prospects’, says Ton Witmer, Product Specialist, Roses at Moerheim.
After 20 years of plant breeding efforts, 7 of which were dedicated to trials, the new rootstocks are ready for the market. The result: 3 different rootstocks for which plant breeders’ rights have been applied: the ‘Pro 3’, ‘Pro 4’ and ‘Pro 5’. The ‘Pro 3’ rootstock provides an increase in production, in terms of numbers, of not less than 10 – 20% over the use of cuttings or ‘Natal Briar’ rootstocks. The degree of increase depends on the variety in question and the cultivation conditions. The ‘Pro 4’ rootstock provides both an increase in production and heavier stems. The ‘Pro 5’ is particularly useful for improving quality, but stem weight can also increase by up to 20%.
Ton Witmer sees many opportunities for the rose production sector. He said, “This opens up possibilities for all kinds of combinations. What about rose varieties that used to be economically unfeasible due to their low production rates? They could now be grafted onto a ‘Pro3’ or a ‘Pro4’ rootstock. Sustainability is relevant as well: these rootstocks will make it possible to achieve the same yields at lower temperatures and using less artificial lighting. The use of ‘Pro 4’ or ‘Pro 5’ rootstocks produces a product of much heavier quality than was impossible to achieve before.”
Plant breeders Peter Van de Pol (Sr. and Jr.) discovered the rootstocks. Van de Pol and Moerheim have teamed up to market these products. Moerheim will assume responsibility for production and the introduction to the North and South American market. For more information about availability for the North and South American market, contact Ton Witmer: [email protected] For the availability of rootstocks in other countries, contact Peter van de Pol: [email protected] Kordes Roses will be responsible for introducing the rootstocks in Europe; Stokman Roses is taking this on in Africa.
