Thorny plant growing out of fruit trees (forum)

Glasshouse starts with ...
I have a pear tree and mandarin tree which seem to have the same problem. They both seem to have thorny stem/s growing from the base of the trees which have a slightly different leaf to the real fruit tree. Some of these thorny stems are as thick as the main tree. What are they and can I cut them down without affecting the fruit tree? Also I have an apple tree which has multiple stems at the base but the leaves seem to be the same as the main apple tree and they don't have thorns.

Thanks :-)

Time: 9th April 2012 3:45pm

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About the Author Glasshouse1
Elimbah
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John Mc says...
They are the (vigorous)rootstock limbs growing up from below the graft union. If you don't want the rootstock limbs, and most people don't, cut it off at the base so the superior grafted scion (Branches) can grow. If you let the rootstock go unchecked, it will probably eventually take over the tree and you will loose your specific grafted fruiting branches.

Time: 9th April 2012 4:02pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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Glasshouse says...
Thanks so much John - I have hacked them off!

Time: 9th April 2012 6:00pm

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Elimbah
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