The continuous innovation in the aspect of apricot cultivars and rootstocks requires comparative trials, which can be evaluated by precise and repeated measurements. An experiment is established, initiated from the recent trends for the Central-European region. Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics of the observed rootstock-scion combinations during their non-bearing period under irrigated conditions. ‘Montclar’, ‘Myrobalan 29C’, ‘Wavit’, ‘Rootpac R’ and ‘Fehér besztercei’ were used as rootstock, in addition to the apricot selected seedling. Evaluation of rootstocks was carried out in combination with ‘Bergarouge’, ‘LilyCot’, and the traditional Hungarian cultivar called ‘Gönci Magyar kajszi’. The control combination was ‘Gönci Magyar kajszi’ grafted on apricot selected seedling. The experiment was established in spring of 2018 with 3 × 5 m spacing. The results showed strong influence of rootstock on the vigor of grafted scions. The regression relationships between the total height of trees and the canopy diameter, and the shoot length were linear. Furthermore, relationships between the trunk cross-section area and the total height of trees, the canopy diameters, the shoot lengths, as well as the canopy volume were positive and non-linear.

In the last five decades, the use of rootstocks and scions has changed, along with their systems of cultivation. Associated with climate change, fruit trees face new ecological and phytopathological challenges. Rootstocks affect the generative and vegetative performance of a scion, such as productivity, span of nonbearing period, growth vigor, shelf-life and quality of fruits. According to a recent study, they also affect the frost tolerance of floral buds. Several traits of rootstocks facilitate the growth of a grafted tree under different climatic and soil conditions. Due to the high risks of cultivation, it is extremely important to determine which rootstocks are suitable for successful apricot production. Origin, effects on vegetative and generative traits, tolerance, resistance and adaptability of rootstocks are summarized in this review to select suitable rootstock for apricot cultivars under Hungarian conditions.