Sour Cherry Scion

Sour cherry is characterized by translocation incompatibility, where a tree may develop normally in the nursery but die or break at the graft union years later. The crop is poorly compatible with rootstocks used for other stone fruits, including cherry plum, making the selection of a scion-rootstock combination an individual process.

The use of clonal rootstocks allows for the regulation of tree vigor and the timing of fruit bearing; however, their effectiveness depends on the soil and climatic zone. Excessively dwarfing forms can reduce yield, and certain rootstocks are capable of altering the scion's susceptibility to cherry leaf spot (Blumeriella jaapii).

When performing grafting, it is critical to observe proper cutting techniques, as sour cherry is prone to gummosis. Excessive gum exudation at tissue injury sites blocks the fusion of cambial layers, which often becomes the cause of scion rejection and plant death.