Progress 06/01/06 to 05/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Apples are an important component of New England's diversified agriculture. Although there is significant interest in organic production, there are very few organic apple orchards in New England, in part, because of the challenges associated with the traditional apple cultivar grown (McIntosh). However, because of recent shifts in consumer preference for newer cultivars, growers are planting different apple cultivars. Growers want to know what the potential is for sustainable and profitable organic production with the newer apple cultivars that are being planted in the region. This project holistically examined the opportunities and challenges of organic production within the two major orchard systems growers are using to change to new cultivars and with five of the top apple cultivars that growers identified as important to the future of the industry. The project covered the establishment years of the two orchard systems; the project is being continued with another grant funded by the USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative to study the early bearing years of the two organic orchards. The long-term goal of this multi-state, multidisciplinary project is to enhance adoption of organic apple production in New England through research that advances the scientific knowledge base and provides practical information to stakeholders through a closely integrated extension/outreach program. Outputs over the duration of the project included development of a organic apple production website (http://www.uvm.edu/organica/ ); development and offering an undergraduate course on organic fruit production; Organica Workshops and Orchard Tours; presentations at national and regional apple grower and/or research/extension meetings, presentations at international scientific conferences; answering grower questions on organic apple production; publishing Orchard Observations which was a web log of orchard observations during the growing season. A report on the activities, accomplishments and research insights of the project was published at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/2009ProgressReport/progr ess.html PARTICIPANTS: The project is a collaborative partnership among three land-grant universities (two small and one large) and with stakeholders throughout in the region. The following are the Principal Investigators of the OrganicA Project. Lorraine P. Berkett, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Pathology & IPM Specialist University of Vermont Department of Plant & Soil Science 105 Carrigan Drive Burlington, VT 05405 lorraine.berkett@uvm.edu Renae Moran, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Pomology University of Maine Dept. of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences PO Box 179 Monmouth, Maine 04259 rmoran@umext.maine.edu M. Elena Garcia, Ph.D. Extension Horticulture Specialist-Fruits and Nuts University of Arkansas 310 Plant Sciences Bldg. Fayetteville, AR 72701 megarcia@uark.edu Heather Darby, Ph.D. Agronomist and Nutrient Management Specialist [and organic farmer] University of Vermont Extension 278 S. Main St, St. Albans, VT 05478 heather.darby@uvm.edu Robert Parsons, Ph.D. Extension Ag Economist - Professor University of Vermont Department of Community Development and Applied Economics 204 Morrill Hall Burlington, VT 05405 bob.parsons@uvm.edu TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include current apple growers who are interested in transitioning to organic production, prospective apple growers, extension personnel, researchers, and government and industry agricultural personnel. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
All aspects of the OrganicA Project have received high praise from growers and the public. The project has increased knowledge of organic apple production and has created a change in action among program participants. A project evaluation by stakeholders is at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/2009ProgressReport/stake holderevaluation.html The OrganicA Project has become a leading resource for organic information on the world wide web. Organic apple research results and insights have been presented at regional workshops involving growers, scientists, extension personnel, and agricultural consultants and at national and international scientific conferences. Although the orchards are young and are just beginning to produce a crop, the following are a few insights gained during the orchard establishment years: (i)Trees top-grafted onto established root systems showed varying degrees of success during the establishment years both in initial scion survival and extent of tree development. Growers who choose to top-graft an orchard rather than remove trees and plant a new orchard do so under the conventional wisdom that by-passing a two year fallow period followed by three establishment years for the new trees will give them a marketable crop sooner. The preliminary results indicate that poor survival of top-grafted trees on particular cultivars may negate the benefit of earlier production. (ii)Based on initial foliar disease assessments during the establishment years of the orchards, Honeycrisp appears more resistant to apple scab than the other scab-susceptible cultivars Zestar!, Ginger Gold, and Macoun, but appears more susceptible to rust, than Liberty and Zestar!. Honeycrisp and Liberty appear more attractive to Japanese beetles. Although beneficial insects are prevalent in the orchards, European red mite populations are increasing. The importance of a thorough assessment of the surrounding ecosystem for sources of inoculum and reservoirs of insect pests has been underscored in the two orchard systems being studied. (iii)Weed management in the newly-planted orchard has presented challenges. Various techniques have been implemented with limited success. Tree growth in one of the orchard systems has been sub-optimal with short terminal growth and trees not filling their allotted trellis space despite maintaining appropriate nutrient levels and consistent irrigation. We plan to use wood chip mulch during the next phase of this project and will monitor weeds and soil health plus test alternative nutrient sources. Also, an advanced study of weed management techniques will be conducted in a Maine orchard. (iv)To date we have compared the economics of the two orchard systems through calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) of cash inflows and outflows during the establishment period. To no surprise, neither system has produced a positive cash flow in any year since startup. This establishment period is a time when orchard plantings normally experience negative cash flows simply because it takes several years before any apples are available to generate revenue.
Publications
- Cromwell, M.L., L.P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont, 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports. No.2:PF048. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 48.pdf Cromwell, M.L., L.P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont. 2008 American Phytopathological Society Centennial Meeting, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN. July 2008. Phytopathology 98:S42.
- Garcia, M. E., L. P. Berkett, and T. Bradshaw. 2008. Horticultural options when starting an organic apple orchard. 16th IFOAM Organic World Congress Proceedings, Modena, Italy, 16-20 June.
- Berkett, L. P. and T. L. Bradshaw. 2009. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Prod. Guide. Coop. Extension Systems of New England.
- Berkett, L., Garcia, M., Moran, R., Darby, H., Parsons, R., Hayden, J., Bradshaw, T., Kingsley-Richards, S. and Cromwell, M. 2009. The OrganicA Project: Organic Disease Management in Orchards with Newer Cultivars. International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control Bulletin: 428-432.
- Berkett, L.P. 2009. Organic Orchard Observations, 14 issues. OrganicA website.
- Berkett, L., Moran, R., Garcia, E., Darby, H., Parsons, R., Hayden, J., Bradshaw, T., Kingsley-Richards, S. and M. Cromwell. 2009. USDA/National Organic Program: New England Tree Fruit Orchard Research and Demonstration Plot Update. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, Grand Rapids, MI, December 2008.
- Cromwell, M. and L. Berkett. 2009. Summary of an Evaluation of Alternative Organic Fungicides for Apple Scab Management in Vermont. The OrganicA Project website. http://www.uvm.edu/organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/OrganicIPM/Summ aryAlternativeFungicideScabResults2007_2008.pdf
- Cromwell, M. and L. Berkett. 2009. Summary of a Preliminary Evaluation of Raw Milk as a Fungicide for Apple Scab Management in Vermont. The OrganicA Project website. http://www.uvm.edu/organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/OrganicIPM/Summ aryMilkFungicideTrial_ScabResults2007.pdf
- Berkett, L.P., Moran, R., Garcia, M.E., Darby, H., Parsons, R., and J. Hayden. 2009 The OrganicA Project Progress Report: June 2006 - March 2009. The OrganicA Project Website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/2009ProgressReport/progr ess.html
- Garcia, M. E., L. P. Berkett, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards, R. E. Moran, and R. Parsons. 2009. Horticultural Options when Starting an Organic Apple Orchard. 16th SFOAM Organic World Congress. Modena, Italy. Submitted Dec. 2009. (Accepted.)
- Berkett, L.P. 2008. Organic Orchard Observations, 20 issues. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/ListservesBlogs/listservesblogs.html
- Berkett, L.P. and T.L. Bradshaw. 2008. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Production Guide. Coop. Extension of Systems of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and Vermont. pp. 3-5.
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T.L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. Apple cultivar disease evaluation under organic management in Vermont, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. 2:PF049. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 49.pdf Cromwell, M.L. 2008. Overview of Organic Fruit Production Course. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/PSS195F07OFP/PSS195F07OF P.html
- Moran, R. L., L.P. Berkett, M.E. Garcia, R.L. Parsons, H.M. Darby, J.P. Hayden, T.L. Bradshaw, S.L. Kingsley-Richards, and M.L. Cromwell. 2008. USDA/National Organic Program: New England Fruit Orchard Research and Demonstration Plot Update. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, & Farm Market EXPO. Grand Rapids, MI. 9-11 December 2008. http://www.glexpo.com/abstracts/2008abstracts/organic_tree_fruit.pdf
- Berkett, L.P., 2007. Organic Apple IPM. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, December 11-13, 2007, Manchester, NH. pp. 51-52.
- Berkett, L.P. and T.L. Bradshaw. 2007. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Production Guide. Coop. Extension of Systems of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and Vermont. pp. 3-5.
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. An Organic IPM Checklist for Vermont. OrganicA website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/OrganicIPM/che cklist.html
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia, H.M. Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P. Hayden, R.E. Moran, T.L. Bradshaw, S.L. Kingsley-Richards and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. The OrganicA Project: An Integrated Apple Research, Education, and Extension Project. Proceedings of 4th International Organic Tree Fruit Research Symposium, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, Michigan, March 3-6, 2007.
- Darby, H. 2007. Organic Matter: Fuel for Your Soil. OrganicA Website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/O Mfuelforsoil.html
- Garcia, M.E. 2007. Horticultural Options When Starting an Organic Apple Orchard. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, December 11-13, 2007, Manchester, NH. pp. 48-50.
- Garcia, M.E., R.E. Moran, L.P. Berkett, T.L. Bradshaw, S. Kingsley-Richards, H.M. Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P. Hayden and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. Pictorial Guide to Top-Grafting an Orchard. OrganicA website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/h owtotopgraft.html
- Garcia, M.E., R.E. Moran, T.L Bradshaw, L.P. Berkett, H.M. Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P.Hayden, S.L Kingsley-Richards, and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. The OrganicA Project: Preliminary "Top-Grafting" Results in a Transitional Organic Apple Orchard. Proceedings of 4th International Organic Tree Fruit Research Symposium, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, Michigan, March 3-6, 2007.
- Moran, R.E. 2007. Potential Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Apple Production. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference. December 11-13, 2007, Manchester, NH. pp. 43-44.
- Moran,R.E., M.E.Garcia, L.P. Berkett, T.L. Bradshaw, S. Kingsley-Richards, H.M. Darby, J.P. Hayden and R.L. Parsons. 2007. Pictorial Guide to Planting an Orchard. OrganicA Website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/h owtoplant.html
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T.L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2007. OrganicA Project Website. http://www.uvm.edu/organica/
|
Progress 06/01/08 to 05/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This multi-disciplinary, multi-state OrganicA Project is examining the two major production systems growers would use in changing to organic production with new apple cultivars. The project closely integrates a research component with an extension component to disseminate research findings, information, and insights plus, it integrates both undergraduate and graduate education to provide hands-on, experiential learning. A detailed Progress Report of Accomplishments and research results to date can be found at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/2009ProgressReport/progr ess.html PARTICIPANTS: The project investigators have a diverse background and represent the disciplines of horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, agronomy, and agricultural economics. They have expertise in integrated and organic research, in developing and implementing effective extension/outreach programs, in academic teaching and student advising, and in practical organic farming. Two of the project investigators are diversified organic farmers on their own and bring valuable practical knowledge and insights to the project. The project investigators include: Lorraine Berkett, Heather Darby, Robert Parsons and John Hayden from the University of Vermont; Elena Garcia from the University of Arkansas; and Renae Moran from the University of Maine. Morgan Cromwell and Ben Crockett participated in the project as student interns. Terry Bradshaw and Sarah Kingsley-Richards of the University of Vermont provided valuable technical assistance. Collaborations included apple growers and state organic associations who provided input and guidance to the project. Opportunities for training or professional development included an organic apple orchard tour and hosting and/or participating in grower meetings where organic apple information was exchanged and discussed; answering one-on-one grower questions on organic apple production; a student intern program; and further development and availability of a organic apple production website (http://www.uvm.edu/organica/ ); and publishing Orchard Observations (a weekly web log of orchard observations). Details on many of these activities are located at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/welcome.html TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience of this project is current, transitioning, and prospective organic apple growers. Additional target audiences include extension specialists, researchers, agricultural consultants, government agency representatives, and members of the general public interested in organic apple production. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project has been very successful in meeting its proposed project milestones, in increasing research-generated information and insights in organic apple production, and impacting grower practices. Research has progressed to the level where results are being presented at regional, national, and international scientific conferences besides being presented and made available to growers locally, regionally, and nationally. In summary, the project is proceeding as originally planned.
Impacts
All aspects of the OrganicA Project have received high praise from growers and the public. The project has increased knowledge of organic apple production and has created a change in action among program participants. A full Progress Report which includes stakeholder evaluations of all aspects of the project is at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/2009ProgressReport/progr ess.html The OrganicA Project has become a leading resource for organic apple information. The OrganicA Project website (http://www.uvm.edu/organica/ ) is the first resource listed when a search is conducted using the popular Google search engine on organic apple production or organic apple resources. There have been over 11,000 visits to the various pages on the website since it was launched in 2007. The OrganicA Project is the only organic apple resource developed by a land-grant university in the eastern United States listed on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Resource Center website (http://www.agmrc.org/commodities __products/fruits/apples/organic_apples.cfm). It is also listed as a farmer resource for organic information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) website (http://www.nofavt.org/resources/resources-useful-links/farmer-resour ces ), and the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service Tree Fruit Network (MOSES) website (http://www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/research.htm ). In addition to keeping regional growers informed of research results and insights at meetings and workshops, OrganicA Project personnel were recently invited to the 2008 Great Lakes Fruit and Vegetable EXPO, one of the largest grower meetings in North America for fruit growers, to update Midwest growers on the insights and information gained from the project to date. During the 2008 growing season, a weekly blog of observations from the organic orchards was started to share real time information. Also, OrganicA personnel are currently members of the eOrganic Community of Practice and are providing national leadership for the Tree Fruit Discipline Group and the Organic Apple Research and Outreach Group.
Publications
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T.L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. Apple cultivar disease evaluation under organic management in Vermont, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. 2:PF049. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 49.pdf
- romwell, M.L., L.P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont, 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports. No.2:PF048. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 48.pdf Cromwell, M.L., L.P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont. 2008 American Phytopathological Society Centennial Meeting, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN. July 2008. Phytopathology 98:S42.
- Cromwell, M.L., L. P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont, 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 48.pdf
- Cromwell, M.L. 2008. Overview of Organic Fruit Production Course. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/PSS195F07OFP/PSS195F07OF P.html
- Garcia, M. E., L. P. Berkett, and T. Bradshaw. 2008. Horticultural options when starting an organic apple orchard. 16th IFOAM Organic World Congress Proceedings, Modena, Italy, 16-20 June.
- Moran, R. L., L.P. Berkett, M.E. Garcia, R.L. Parsons, H.M. Darby, J.P. Hayden, T.L. Bradshaw, S.L. Kingsley-Richards, and M.L. Cromwell. 2008. USDA/National Organic Program: New England Fruit Orchard Research and Demonstration Plot Update. Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, & Farm Market EXPO. Grand Rapids, MI. 9-11 December 2008. http://www.glexpo.com/abstracts/2008abstracts/organic_tree_fruit.pdf
- Berkett, L. P. and T. L. Bradshaw. 2009. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Production Guide. Coop. Extension of Systems of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and Vermont
- Berkett, L.P. 2009. Organic Orchard Observations, 7 issues (to date). http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/ListservesBlogs/listservesblogs.htm
- Berkett, L.P. 2008. Organic Orchard Observations, 20 issues. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/ListservesBlogs/listservesblogs.htm
- Berkett, L.P., M. E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T. L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. OrganicA Project Website. http://www.uvm.edu/organica/
- Berkett, L.P., M. E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T. L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. Apple cultivar disease evaluation under organic management in Vermont. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. 2:PF049. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 49.pdf
- Berkett, L., M. Garcia, R. Moran, H. Darby, R. Parsons, J. Hayden, T. Bradshaw, S. Kingsley-Richards and M. Cromwell 2008. The OrganicA Project: Organic Disease Management in Orchards with Newer Cultivars. VII International Conference on integrated Fruit Production. Avignon, France. October 2008. https://colloque.inra.fr/ifp2008_eng/soumission/organic_disease_manag ement_in_orchards_with_newer_apple_cultivars
|
Progress 06/01/07 to 05/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This multi-disciplinary, multi-state OrganicA Project is examining the two major production systems growers would use in changing to organic production with new apple cultivars. The project closely integrates a research component with an extension component to disseminate research findings, information, and insights plus, it integrates both undergraduate and graduate education to provide hands-on, experiential learning. Outputs during the second year of the project included further development of a organic apple production website (http://www.uvm.edu/organica/ ); completion of three case studies of commercial organic apple orchards in Maine and Vermont; an Open House to tour research orchards and provide information about the project; a major workshop on organic apple production at the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference where insights gained from the project were presented to a "standing-room only" large audience; an organic apple production session at the annual NOFA-VT winter conference; hosting and/or participating in grower meetings where organic apple information was exchanged and discussed; answering grower questions on organic apple production; publishing nine issues of Orchard Observations which is a weekly web log of orchard observations; and developing and offering an undergraduate course in organic fruit production which was filled to capacity. Details on many of these activities are located at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/welcome.html PARTICIPANTS: The project investigators have a diverse background and represent the disciplines of horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, agronomy, and agricultural economics. They have expertise in integrated and organic research, in developing and implementing effective extension/outreach programs, in academic teaching and student advising, and in practical organic farming. Two of the project investigators are diversified organic farmers on their own and bring valuable practical knowledge and insights to the project. The project investigators include: Lorraine Berkett, Heather Darby, Robert Parsons and John Hayden from the University of Vermont; Elena Garcia from the University of Arkansas; and Renae Moran from the University of Maine. Morgan Cromwell and Ben Crockett participated in the project as student interns. Collaborations included commercial apple growers who participated in case studies, state organic associations in the development of educational/outreach opportunities, and numerous growers who provided input and guidance to the project. Opportunities for training or professional development included an Open House to tour research orchards and provide information about the project; a major workshop on organic apple production at the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference where insights gained from the project were presented to a "standing-room only" large audience; an organic apple production session at the annual NOFA-VT winter conference; hosting and/or participating in grower meetings where organic apple information was exchanged and discussed; answering one-on-one grower questions on organic apple production; developing and offering an undergraduate course in organic fruit production; a student intern program; and further development and availability of a organic apple production website (http://www.uvm.edu/organica/ ); and publishing nine issues of Orchard Observations (a weekly web log of orchard observations). Details on many of these activities are located at: http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/welcome.html TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target audience of this project is current, transitioning, and prospective organic apple growers. Additional target audiences include extension specialists, researchers, agricultural consultants, government agency representatives, and members of the general public interested in organic apple production. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project has been very successful in meeting its proposed project milestones, in increasing research-generated information and insights in organic apple production, and impacting grower practices. Research has progressed to the level where results are being presented at regional, national, and international scientific conferences besides being presented and made available to growers locally, regionally, and nationally. In summary, the project is proceeding as originally planned.
Impacts
All aspects of the OrganicA Project have received high praise from growers and the public. The project has increased knowledge of organic apple production and has created a change in action among program participants. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the participants in the Open House described the event as very to extremely educational and all survey respondents (100%) said the OrganicA Project was very to extremely important in increasing information and insights into organic apple production. Similarly, the regional workshop and the website have received high praise with growers stating that they have used the information in decision-making and that the information provided will increase adoption of organic apple production. An organic fruit production academic course was developed and offered in the fall of 2008 and was filled to capacity with undergraduate students. Hands-on organic apple production experience was provided to two student interns (an undergraduate and graduate student) during the growing season. Documentation of three years of practices in the two research apple orchards resulted in organic certification of the orchards. Organic apple research results and insights were presented at regional workshops involving growers, scientists, extension personnel, and agricultural consultants. Research abstracts were developed for presentations at international organic conferences.
Publications
- Moran, R.E. 2007. Potential Opportunities and Challenges of Organic Apple Production. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference. December 11-13, 2007,Manchester, NH. pp. 43-44.
- Garcia, M.E. 2007. Horticultural Options When Starting an Organic Apple Orchard. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, December 11-13, 2007, Manchester, NH. pp. 48-50.
- Berkett, L.P., 2007. Organic Apple IPM. Proceedings of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference, December 11-13, 2007, Manchester, NH. pp. 51-52.
- Berkett, L.P., Garcia, M.E., and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. An Organic IPM Checklist for Vermont. OrganicA website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/OrganicIPM/che cklist.html
- Berkett, L. P. and T. L. Bradshaw. 2008. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Production Guide. Coop. Extension of Systems of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and Vermont.
- Berkett, L.P. 2008. Organic Orchard Observations, 9 issues. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/ListservesBlogs/listservesblogs.html
- Berkett, L.P., M. E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T. L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. OrganicA Project Website. http://www.uvm.edu/organica/
- Cromwell, M.L. 2008. Overview of Organic Fruit Production Course. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicAProject/PSS195F07OFP/PSS195F07OF P.html
- Berkett, L.P., M. E. Garcia, R. E. Moran, R. L. Parsons, H. M. Darby, J. P. Hayden, T. L. Bradshaw, S. L. Kingsley-Richards, and M. L. Cromwell. 2008. Apple cultivar disease evaluation under organic management in Vermont, 2006. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. 2:PF049. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 49.pdf
- Cromwell, M.L., L. P. Berkett, T. Ashikaga, H. Darby, T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 2008. Evaluation of alternative fungicides for organic apple production in Vermont, 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports. No. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2008/PF0 48.pdf
|
Progress 06/01/06 to 05/31/07
Outputs
Apples are an important component of New Englands diversified agriculture. Although there is strong interest in organic apple production, there are very few certified organic orchards because of insect and horticultural challenges plus disease challenges associated with the predominant cultivar grown in the New England region. However, recent shifts in consumer preference for newer cultivars have led to the planting of different apple cultivars which have different disease susceptibility. Also, research has identified potential alternatives to insect and horticultural obstacles to organic apple production in the region. Research knowledge is at a point where it needs to be integrated into organic production systems and evaluated holistically, including an economic analysis of potential economic costs, returns, and risks associated with the systems. Thus, this multi-disciplinary, multi-state research project is examining the two major production systems growers would
use in changing to new cultivars and to organic production with a closely integrated organic apple extension program to disseminate research findings, information, and insights. During the first year of the project, one apple orchard was planted with nursery trees and another established orchard was top-grafted to five cultivars that were identified by growers as priority cultivars for this research project. Both orchards are being managed with organic production methods and are being closely monitored. Also, the extension/outreach component of the project was initiated and included orchard tours, presentations at workshops, an organic symposium, and grower meetings, and the development of a website. In addition, an undergraduate course was developed, advertised, and is fully enrolled with students for the Fall, 2007 semester.
Impacts
The long-term goal of this project is to enhance adoption of organic apple production in New England through: (i) establishing an integrated and collaborative certified organic farm at the University of Vermont for the development and implementation of research which addresses opportunities and constraints to organic apple production; (ii) implementing a comprehensive organic apple extension program for current and prospective apple growers within the region; and (iii) developing an educational program for both graduate and undergraduate students in organic fruit production.
Publications
- Berkett, L. P. and T. L. Bradshaw. 2007. Organic Tree Fruit Production in New England. New England Tree Fruit Production Guide. Coop. Extension of Systems of CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and Vermont.
- Garcia, M.E., R.E. Moran, T.L Bradshaw, L.P. Berkett, H.M.Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P.Hayden, S.L Kingsley-Richards, and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. The OrganicA Project: Preliminary "Top-Grafting" Results in a Transitional Organic Apple Orchard. Proceedings of 4th International Organic Tree Fruit Research Symposium, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, Michigan, March 3-6, 2007.
- Berkett, L.P., M.E. Garcia, H.M. Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P. Hayden, R.E. Moran, T.L. Bradshaw, S.L. Kingsley-Richards and M L. Cromwell. 2007. The OrganicA Project: An Integrated Apple Research, Education, and Extension Project. Proceedings of 4th International Organic Tree Fruit Research Symposium, Kellogg Center, East Lansing, Michigan, March 3-6, 2007.
- Darby, H. 2007 Organic Matter: Fuel for Your Soil. OrganicA Website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/O Mfuelforsoil.html
- Moran,R.E., M.E.Garcia, L.P. Berkett, T.L. Bradshaw, S. Kingsley-Richards, H.M. Darby, J.P. Hayden and R.L. Parsons. 2007. Pictorial Guide to Planting an Orchard. OrganicA Website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/h owtoplant.html
- M.E. Garcia, R.E. Moran, L.P. Berkett, T.L. Bradshaw, S. Kingsley-Richards, H.M. Darby, R.L. Parsons, J.P. Hayden and M.L. Cromwell. 2007. Pictorial Guide to Top-Grafting an Orchard. OrganicA website. http://www.uvm.edu/~organica/OrganicOrchardInformation/Horticulture/h owtotopgraft.html
|
|