Budagovski 491                                                   

Some forty years ago Soviet breeders started their breeding work to produce rootstocks better adapted to their soil and climatic conditions.  Dr. Budagovski, who died in 1975, was the most successful apple rootstock breeder in the Soviet Union.  He was working in the College of Horticulture in Michurinsk, in a very severe climate where the temperature drops to -40° C almost every winter.  The Russian breeding has centered on midwinter hardiness, dwarfing characteristics, nursery behavior and crop productivity.  From this program there are a number of promising selections.

Origin
Bud 491 was developed by Dr. Budagovski in Michurinsk, U.S.S.R.

Influence on Scion Habit
Bud 491 produces trees that are EMLA 27 to M-9 size.  Bud 491 is very precocious and induces heavy production.  Scion varieties on  Bud 491 are well anchored but require crop support.  Bud 491 is compatible with McIntosh, Delicious and Mutsu.

Disease Resistance
Bud 491 is susceptible to collar rot and is as susceptible to fire blight as M-9 rootstock.

Nursery Habit
Bud 491 stoolbeds produce well rooted, straight shanked liners with a high degree of bud survival in the nursery.

Horticultural Value
Bud 491 is very winter hardy and can be used as an interstem as well as dwarfing rootstock for home gardening.