Trying to select a rootstock for a big replanting. Nematodes are an issue, and this is California, so water will always be an issue. One of the rootstocks under consideration is 1616C. If you have worked with that roostock, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you like about it, dislike about it, etc. Thanks!
It has definitely gained in popularity the past few years but I have not seen anybody that has planted it come back raving for more as of yet. It needs a decent amount of water and it can have vigor issues to on poor soils. I have also seen it have issues with virus tolerance if you were planning on using a non-cert/field selection scion.
You might want to consider one of the new rootstocks bred for nematodes like RS-9. Vigor wise it is similar to 101-14 but has a broader nematode resistance. It also has Salt Creek as a parent so it should end up being a little more drought tolerant. It is new and experimental but I feel 1616 hasn’t been out long enough either to not be an experiment.
I don’t mean to dog on 1616 but it just hasn’t shown us yet that it will be the next big thing.
Andrew
Sunridge Nursery
Thanks, Andrew. That’s very helpful. We’re leery of the new rootstocks because so few people have experience with them. I guess we want to see how the others are doing in the pool before we jump in.
So, anyone out there using RS-9? I’d love to hear about it!
Didn’t want to come across as hyping up the RS-9 a whole bunch, but really wanted to use it as a comparison to the 1616c.
I have a couple of people in your neighborhood putting in trials currently as well as a little bit of stuff down in Santa Barbara.
Give me a ring or I can call you and we can chat about specifics.
805-234-4920
Curious where you are planting, Matt.
Andrew:
Love your signature. Reminds me of a good story from up here of a nameless individual getting his crew mixed up on which way to plant benchgrafts many years ago.
Still known in some circles as “Plant 'em this way” John Doe (name changed to protect the innocent).
Probably a few of those running around you know of.
Unfortunatly too many… Keeps things exciting though.
Quixote. Time to replant! It’s been a fun project, with Bob Steinhauer and now Andy Walker involved. Good to walk the vines with Professor Walker again.
We are about to replant several acres in Calisotoga and know that we have a bit of a daggar nematodes problem. We’ve been told that 1616c is a good root stock in terms of its resistance but have yet to hear anyone say that it makes good wine.
Has anyone used this rootstock long enough to determine its qualitative characteristics?