Effects of different rootstocks on fruit quality and non-volatile flavor-related compounds of sweet cherry ‘summit’

In practical sweet cherry production, grafting onto rootstocks is a common practice to enhance environmental adaptability. Rootstocks play a crucial role in influencing scion growth and fruit quality by regulating the absorption and utilization of mineral elements. In this study, the influence of five rootstocks with or without root fertilization during the fruit color conversion period on the fruit quality of sweet cherry 'Summit' was observed. The physicochemical characteristics, external color characteristics, and total anthocyanin content of 'Summit' were significantly affected by both rootstock and fertilization, with an interaction between the two factors. The content of certain sugar components, organic acid components and phenolic acid components in 'Summit' were significantly affected by rootstocks and fertilization. 'Summit' grafted on Gisela 5 and H22 exhibited higher sugar content, while 'Summit' grafted on H11 and H17 exhibited higher organic and phenolic acid content.