# Effect of Growth Regulators on the Quality of Apple Tree Whorls
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Characteristics of the Test Material  
The M.9 rootstock is the most popular used for apple trees in Europe. It is a dwarfing rootstock fulfilling in modern intensive orchards and as a scarification insert. M.9 shoots are medium-long, straight, stout and reddish-yellow with gray or silver overgrowth. The leaves are large and lanceolate, shiny [16]. In the mother plant, up to 9 well-rooted rootstocks can be obtained from one plant. It is not resistant to low temperatures. The roots of M.9 are tender, and they are prone to detachment from the plant which attracts rodents. It is a rootstock with low susceptibility to stem base ring rot, while it is sensitive to powdery mildew and fire blight [7]. Varieties improved on this rootstock and enter fruiting early. Apples tend to ripen earlier compared to other rootstocks. It works well in the production of summer varieties. It is used by professional and amateur users and requires support due to its shallow root system. M.9 requires fertile, humus-rich and moist soils [4]. Many clones of this rootstock were created. The M.9 EMLA subclone had the ability to immunize against all viruses attacking M series rootstocks. T 337, T 339 and T 340 are subclones bred by the Dutch. French sub-clones are Pajam(r) Lancep and Pajam(r) Capiland, called Pajam 1 and Pajam 2. Due to the rapid development of nurseries and the emergence of large, modern nursery farms, research was conducted on more productive clones. Thus, these varieties were created: RN 29, F1 56, B1, B2 and B3 [7].  
Apple variety 'Alwa'--a Polish variety bred at the Prussia Experimental Department in the 1950s. It was formed from free pollination of the 'Macoun' variety. The growth of the tree in the first four years after planting is very strong. The crown is loose and spreads. Lateral shoots are stiff, easily formed, with a poor number of short shoots [17]. Flower buds occur on short and long shoots. It blooms as one of the last cultivars. It is a very good pollinator for varieties flowering at a similar time. It fruits regularly and prolifically on dwarfing rootstocks [16]. Trees are tolerant to low temperatures, not very susceptible to powdery mildew and bark diseases, and moderately susceptible to scalp. The harvest date is moderately early (mid-October). The storage term is movable depending on your storage facility after 3-9 months. 'Alwa' is a winter variety. The climate allows the variety to be grown throughout the country [17]. The variety has no tendency to form lateral shoots [6].  
'Najdared' is a Polish apple variety bred as a mutant of the Idared variety in Zdzary. In the first years after planting, the tree grows strongly and has the ability to establish numerous short shoots on lateral branches [18]. The crown is thickened and spreads [19]. It fruits abundantly and annually. Fruits of medium size, under favorable conditions, are large, spherical, glossy skin with a distinct blush; the flesh is tastier than 'Idared' variety [20]. It is a winter variety. Depending on the season, fruits reach harvest maturity on October 10-20. The storage time is 3-9 months [21]. The trees are resistant to frost and less resistant to powdery mildew and fire blight [22]. Pollinators of 'Najdared': 'Golden Delicious', 'Pinova', 'Ligol', 'Elstar', 'Shampion Reno 2' [6].