Source: PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
IMPROVING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN TREE-FRUIT PRODUCTION THROUGH CHANGES IN ROOTSTOCK USE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0231535
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NC-_OLD140
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
208 MUELLER LABORATORY
UNIVERSITY PARK,PA 16802
Performing Department
Plant Science
Non Technical Summary
With the highly competitive market, demand for high quality fruit by consumers, pressure to reduce chemical use, and a need to enhance the economic efficiency of production, tree-fruit growers must look to economically and environmentally sustainable management schemes of production. Growers who want to stay profitable must establish high-density plantings with smaller trees using new cultivars. High-density plantings cost more to establish than low density plantings, thus increasing economic risk. Potential returns of high-density plantings, however, far exceed those of low-density plantings, particularly during the first 10 years. The central component of a high-density system is the rootstock, which provides control of final tree size allowing for closer tree spacing and greater number of trees per land area. The rootstock also influences productivity, fruit quality, pest resistance, stress tolerance, and profitability. Size-controlling rootstocks are lacking for many fruit crops, and those rootstocks that are available have inherent weaknesses. Past research has identified efficient rootstocks for apple and cherry, but inefficient rootstocks remain a problem for other tree fruits. Continued tree losses due to cold temperature injury, disease, scion incompatibility, and poor soil conditions are an economic cost for the industry that can be ameliorated by improving rootstock choices for growers. NC-140 recommendations and educational programs will guide the planting of 200,000 acres of fruit trees in the next 5 years, resulting in a more economically and environmentally sustainable fruit industry. By utilizing NC-140 recommended rootstocks, farmers will receive earlier returns on investments related to orchard establishment. With NC-140 recommended rootstocks, mature yields will increase by 20%, fruit size by 10%, and the percent meeting the highest grade category by 20%. The financial benefit to U.S. fruit growers from earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality will be $250,000,000 as a direct result of the use of NC-140 recommendations.The use of NC-140 recommended rootstocks will result in a 50% reduction in canopy volume and a concomitant 50% reduction in pesticide usage on 200,000 acres. The reduction in pesticide use will net environmental benefits and save $150,000,000 in pesticide cost and application. Because of the use of NC-140 recommended, disease-resistant rootstocks and better selection of susceptible rootstocks, tree losses will decline by 10%. Cumulative, measurable benefits to the U.S. temperate tree-fruit industries will be more than $400,000,000. Less easily measured benefits, such as averted losses and enhanced environmental quality, will increase the financial value of NC-140 to well beyond $500,000,000 in the next 5 years.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2021110106060%
2021114106020%
2051110102010%
6011199301010%
Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 205 - Plant Management Systems; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1114 - Peach; 1110 - Apple; 1199 - Deciduous and small fruits, general/other;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 3010 - Economics; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under varying environments using sustainable management systems. To enhance the sustainability of temperate fruit farming through development and distribution of research-based information utilizing eXtension.
Project Methods
Objective 1: To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, established replicated uniform trials will be maintained, and new trials will be established across North America as part of the NC-140 project. Promising new and existing rootstocks and multiple genetic systems possessing desirable characteristics have been or will be selected. Evaluation for survival, precocity, productivity, size control, anchorage, suckering, pest resistance, adaptability, and production efficiency will occur. Data will be collected according to specific guidelines established by the technical committee. For each trial, data collected will include root suckering, tree growth as measured by changes in trunk cross-sectional area, tree height, canopy spread, precocity, yield, fruit size, temperature and rainfall/irrigation. Trials will be formally concluded after 10 growing seasons. Designated cooperators will serve as coordinators who will collect and archive data for the life of each trial. Data will be processed and annual progress reports shared with trial cooperators and the full membership at annual meetings. Trials are established by cooperators and coordinated by representatives from cooperating states. Standard statistical analyses will be performed on all data, and trials will be summarized for joint publications after five and 8-10 years of testing. Objective 5: In 2010, an eXtension Community of Practice (CoP) was funded through USDA-SCRI, and initiated to assemble the vast quantity of apple-related information developed by NC-140 and other apple-related research. The Apple eXtension website launched in September 2011. This novel vehicle for information collection, organization and delivery will be developed further during the period of this project. Participants will assist in developing articles to increase access to information generated from this research project and serve as experts answering questions when they arise (AL, CO, IA, ID, IL, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NS, NY, OH, PA, VA). New eXtension projects will be pursued to encompass peaches (AL, CA, CHI, CO, GA, KY, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, ON, PA, SC, VA), cherries (AL, BC, CA, CHI, CO, MA, MI, NJ, NM, NY, ON, OR, UT, VA, WI), and pears (AL, CA, NY, OH, OR).

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Commercial tree fruit growers, members of the commercial tree fruit nursery industry, graduate students, county extension educators, Master Gardeners, general public interested in home fruit production. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Schupp, J. 2016. Pruning tall spindle apple trees. Hellers Orchard, Wapwallopen, PA 12/8/16 Schupp, J. 2016. Pruning principles for pome and stone fruit. USDA ARS Kearneysville, WV. 12/13/16 Schupp, J. 2017. Rules-based approach to pruning tall spindle apple trees. W2009 Integrated Systems Research and Development in Automation and Sensors for Sustainability of Specialty Crops. Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center, Biglerville, PA. 14 Sept 2017. Information was disseminated at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, 2017 winter tree fruit educational meetings, the 2016 FREC Field Day in July 2016, and an Extension in-service in April 2017. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Information has been, and will be, reported in the winter educational meetings in February 2018, in the 2018 February issue of the Pennsylvania Fruit News and during spring twilight fruit meetings. A SARE grant report will also be made in January 2018. The SARE project is looking at nutrient levels in two cultivars across G.935, G.11, G.41 and M.9 T337 for a two year period in a commercial grower's orchard. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The established plots will be maintained according to agreed protocols. Information on rootstock performance will be incorporated into 2018 Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide, Fruit Times Newsletter and 2018 Grower Field Day at FREC.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1.To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under varying environments using sustainable management systems. Currently PA is participating in 4 uniform rootstock trials: 2009 peach, 2010 apple, 2014 apple and 2017 peach trial. Additional rootstock trials that exist in PA include a 2016 apple trial of Scifresh and Honeycrisp on G.935, G.41 and M.9RN 29; Regal 10-45 apple on M.9T337 and G.11 and 2017 Honeycrisp on PFR 1, PFR2, PFR5 (Prefar rootstocks from New Zealand) G.41 and G.890. Data from all these plantings will be collected and analyzed on a yearly basis and will be published in trade journals at the conclusion of the 5th and 8th growing season. In-state and NC-140-sponsored trials tested several promising new peach rootstocks with a range of tree size control. Some are Prunus persica species: Controller 8, Controller 7, KV 10123, and Guardian, which have less risk of incompatibility than interspecific Prunus hybrids. These rootstocks showed good survival, high productivity and were generally free of root suckers and other flaws. Several other commercially-available rootstocks: Imperial California, Krymsk 1, Viking & Fortuna had unacceptably high mortality. These trials will be used to make recommendations on well adapted, efficient rootstocks to Mid-Atlantic peach growers to help assure high yield efficiency and adequate orchard longevity to justify the cost of orchard establishment. Plantings at both the Horticulture Research Farm at Rock Springs and at the Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville were utilized as educational sites for extension educators and growers at field days. Results were also conveyed via trade publications such as Pennsylvania Fruit News, at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference and at annual regional winter Extension schools. Results have also been incorporated into Learn Now videos and as part of the Beginning Tree Fruit Production Course being developed by Penn State Extension. Objective 3. To accelerate adoption of new rootstocks (a) by improving propagation techniques and (b) by acquiring new rootstocks from worldwide sources. In 2017/18 a new apple rootstock trial was established with Honeycrisp on Prefar brand New Zealand developed rootstocks, PFR1 and PFR5. The scion cultivar is Honeycrisp (Royal Red and MinnB42 strains). Control trees of the same scion cultivar are on G.890 and G.41. Royal Red Honeycrisp on PFR2 will be planted in 2018. Objective 5. To enhance the sustainability of temperate fruit farming through development and distribution of research-based information utilizing eXtension R. Crassweller is the contact liaison for questions posted to eXtension from Pennsylvania citizens. In this capacity he has answered about one to two questions per month. We are currently participating in 4 uniform rootstock trials at Rock Springs and Biglerville. There are also additional local rootstock trials at Rock Springs. Based on recommendations from rootstock researchers in the UK in the 1960s, NC-140 rootstock trials have included 10 single-tree replications and data have been collected for 10 years. In the early 1990s, NC-140 members estimated that the cost of a 10--year multi-state rootstock trial was about $1 million. Data from several multi-state trials were used to estimate the number of replications needed to identify superior rootstocks and to determine how many years were required to classify the vigor of new rootstocks. We found that eight single-tree replicates are adequate to compare rootstocks and that only seven to eight years were required to determine the vigor of a rootstock. By modifying new trials, the cost of completing these trials will be reduced by more than 20%. As outlined in the publication (J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 71:34-46) the following statements are applicable to the Mid-Atlantic fruit production areas: Reduction in the length of time required to evaluate rootstocks Budagovski 9 (B.9) has been recommended as a rootstock for this geographical region and has been recognized as having less vigor than M.9 NAKB T337. Reduced susceptibility of B.9 to fire blight was first reported due to work at Penn State. Based upon the 2003 uniform rootstock trial results in Pennsylvania; Budagovski 10 (B.10) is now also recommended for planting in the region. The rootstock produces trees slightly larger than M.9 T337, similar production efficiency and producing trees with more desirable branching patterns. Growers have realized significantly earlier returns to investments due to use of rootstocks recommended from NC-140 data in Pennsylvania. Since most new plantings are smaller trees on NC-140 recommended rootstocks with reduced canopy volumes, pesticide usage is estimated to be reduced by 40%.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Marini, R.P., W. R. Autio, B. Black, J. Cline, W. P. Cowgill, Jr., R. M. Crassweller, C. Hampson, M.M. Kushad, R. Moran, M. Parker, R. L. Perry, G. L. Reighard, T. Robinson, D. Wolfe. 2016. Time required for classifying rootstock vigor in multi-location rootstock trials. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 70:82-91.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Basedow, M. and R. Crassweller. 2017. Potential anatomical methods for determination of weak wood in apple. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 71:19-28.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: W. Cowgill, Jr., W. Autio, E. Hoover, R. Marini, P. Domoto. 2017. NC-140 Multi-State Research Project: Improving Econmic & Environmental Sustainability in Tree Fruit Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use. J. Amer. Pomological Society. 71:34-46.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Wesley Autio, Terence Robinson, Brent Black, Robert Crassweller, Esmaeil Fallahi, Michael Parker, Rafael Parra Quezada, and Dwight Wolf. 2017. Budagovsky, Geneva,Pillnitz & Malling Apple rootstocks affect Fuji performance over the first five years of the 2010 NC-140 apple rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pomological Society, 71:167-182.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: J. R., H. E. Winzeler, T. M. Kon, R. P. Marini, T. A. Baugher, L. F. Kime and M. A. Schupp. 2017. A Method for Quantifying Whole-Tree Pruning Severity in Mature Tall Spindle Apple Plantings. HortScience 52:1233-1240.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zhang, Z., P.H. Heinemann, J. Liu, J.R. Schupp, and T.A. Baugher. 2016. Design and field test of a low-cost apple harvest-assist unit. Transactions of ASABE. 59(5):1149-1156.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zhang, Z., P.H. Heinemann, J. Liu, T.A. Baugher and J. R. Schupp. 2016. Development of mechanical apple harvesting technology  a review. Transactions of ASABE. 59(5):1165-1180.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zhang, Z., P. H. Heinemann, J. Liu, J. R. Schupp, T. A. Baugher. 2017. Brush mechanism for distributing apples in a low-cost apple harvest unit. Applied Engineering in Agriculture 33(2): 195-201.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Specialty Crop Innovations: Progress & Future Directions 2017. July 10, 2017. 16 pages. Edited by T. Baugher
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Specialty Crop Innovations: Progress & Future Directions 2016. October 9, 2016. 16 pages. Edited by T. Baugher
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Cherry Rootstock Update. Presented at 2016 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Conference. February 2, 2016 by R. Crassweller
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2017 Citation: Early Training of Tall Spindle Apple Trees: A Grower Panel. at 2017 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Conference February 1, 2017. Moderated by R. Crassweller
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Rootstocks & Site Preparation for Honeycrisp. Presented at 2016 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Conference. February 2, 2016. Presented by R. Crassweller
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Getting to the Root of the Tree. Presented at 2016 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Conference. February 2, 2016 by E. Lavely
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Baugher, T., R. Marini, J. Schupp, M. Basedow, T. Jarvinen, E. Dugan. 2017. Crop load and fruit nutrient studies in commercial Honeycrisp orchards to determine best practices for minimizing bitter pit. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2017, (poster).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Baugher, T. E. Dugan, T. Jarvinen, J. Schupp, E. Winzeler, M. Schupp. 2017. Competitive orchard systems and technologies. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2017, (poster).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Griest, B., T. Van Dyke, J. Schupp, H. E. Winzeler. 2017. Increasing bud break and shoot development through notching and chemical sprays. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2017, (poster).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Krawczyk, G., K. Peter and J. Schupp. 2017. Exclusion netting on IPM, disease management and fruit quality of apple. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2017, (poster).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Schupp, J., H. E. Winzeler and M. Schupp. 2017. Artificial spur extinction or NAD for early thinning of Honeycrisp. Mid Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA. 31 Jan - 2 Feb 2017, (poster).


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience: Commercial tree fruit growers in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States were the primary target audience. Fruit growers from around the nation and the world were also served. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. The results of these studies were used to make recommendations to fruit growers throughout the region, via numerous extension presentations at twilight meetings, regional Fruit Schools, and at the Mid Atlantic Fruit Conference, via fact sheets, the Penn State Fruit Times, the Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide, and through grower consultation. Science based information about rootstocks and intensive production practices was disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles, technical papers and proceedings articles and extension presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Plant new research orchards, conduct on-going research, and publish or present research findings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The projects herein provide an evaluation of labor-efficient tree fruit production practices and some of the newest and potentially useful peach and dwarf apple rootstocks. Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. Utilization of these recommendations results in earlier returns on investment related to orchard establishment costs. Financial benefit to fruit growers is derived from earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality. Because most new apple plantings are planted on size controlling rootstocks with substantially reduced canopy volume per acre, pesticide usage on new acreage is reduced by nearly 40 percent, thus reducing the environmental impact plus saving grower costs in pesticides and application. Conducting rootstock trials on a regional basis can allow for fine tuning of recommendations. Rootstock breeding programs will receive updated science based information about the survival and performance of new rootstock selections, which can be used to help them determine if a selection should be commercialized.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lavely, E., R. Marini, R. Crassweller, D. Eissenstat. 2016. Stored carbohydrates as a predictor of thinning efficacy with carbon balance model. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):42-44.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Marini, R.P., W.R. Autio, B. Black, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.M. Crassweller, C. Hampson, M.M. Kushad, R. Moran, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, D. Wolfe. 2016. Time required for classifying rootstock vigor in multi-location rootstock trials. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 70:82-91.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Schupp, J., E. Winzeler, T. Kon and M. Schupp. 2016. Evaluation of artificial spur extinction as a potential crop load management technique. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96 (1):34-35.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zhang, Z., P.H. Heinemann, J. Liu, J.R. Schupp, and T.A. Baugher. 2016. Design and field test of a low-cost apple harvest-assist unit. Transactions of ASABE. 59(5):In press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zhang, Z., P.H. Heinemann, J. Liu, J.R. Schupp, and T.A. Baugher. 2016. Development of mechanical apple harvesting technology  a review. Transactions of ASABE. 59(5):in press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Autio, W., T. Robinson, B. Black R. Crassweller, E. Fallahi, M. Parker, R. Parra-Quezada, D. Wolfe. Budagovsky, Geneva, Pillnitz and Malling apple rootstocks affect Fuji performance over the first five years of the 2010 NC-140 Fuji apple rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 71:in press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Kon, T., and J. Schupp. 2016. A novel blossom thinning approach for apple: quantifying thermal transfer and damage to non-target tissues. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):54-55.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lyons, David J., Paul H. Heinemann, James R. Schupp, Tara A. Baugher, Jude Liu. 2015. Development of a Selective Automated Blossom Thinning System for Peaches. Transactions of the ASABE. 58(6): 1447-1457.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Baugher, Jarvinen, Dugan, Schupp. 2016. Can a Rules-Based Apple Pruning System Improve Labor Efficiency without Affecting Orchard Productivity? PA Fruit News 96 (2):16-17.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Crassweller, R., D. Smith. 2016. Honeycrisp rootstock trial early results. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):36-38.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Crassweller, R., D. Smith. 2016 Nutritional analysis of new apple cultivars in high density plantings. Pennsylvania Fruit News. 96(2):21-22.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Crassweller, R., D. Smith 2016. 2015 Results of apple training system trials. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):39-41.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Krawczyk, G., K. Peter, J. Schupp, H. Winzeler, B. Lehman and L. Shaak. 2016. Effect of exclusion netting on integrated pest management and fruit quality of apples. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):26-29.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. The results of these studies were used to make recommendations to fruit growers throughout the region, via numerous extension presentations at twilight meetings, regional Fruit Schools, and at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit Conference, via fact sheets, the Penn State Fruit Times, the Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide, and through grower consultation. Science based information about rootstocks and intensive production practices was disseminated through 1 peer-reviewed journal article, 13 technical papers and proceeding articles and 17 extension presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plant new research orchards, conduct on-going research, and publish or present research findings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The projects herein provide an evaluation of labor-efficient tree fruit production practices and some of the newest and potentially useful peach and dwarf apple rootstocks. Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. Utilization of these recommendations results in earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality. Because most new apple plantings are planted on size controlling rootstocks with substantially reduced canopy volume per acre, pesticide usage on new acreage is reduced by nearly 40 percent, thus reducing the environmental impact plus saving grower costs in pesticides and application. Conducting rootstock trials on a regional basis can allow for fine tuning of recommendations. Rootstock breeding programs will receive updated science based information about the survival and performance of new rootstock selections, which can be used to help them determine if a selection should be commercialized.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T.M., and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Pollen tube growth in apple: A Review. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 69(3): 158-163.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Baugher, T., A. Anderson, T. Jarvinen, J. Schupp, E. Winzeler and M. Schupp. 2015. Competitive orchard systems and technologies. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(2):20
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. An In-Depth Look at Bloom. American Fruit Grower http:www.growingproduce.com/fruits/apples-pears/an-in-depth-look-at-bloom/
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Investigating forced heated air treatments as a blossom thinning strategy for apple. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(1):68-69.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Think warm thoughts. Pennsylvania Fruit Times. http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/think-warm-thoughts-possible-frost-event-s-in-the-forecast_April_23,_2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Changing orchard design: from 40' X 40' to fruiting walls. Crunch Time, Adams County Fruit Grower Association newsletter. July 2015:6-8.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Schupp. J., E. Winzeler, M. Schupp, T. Kon, T.A. Baugher, T. Jarvinen, A. Anderson and A. Tabb. 2015. Labor Efficient Apple and Peach Systems for Profitability. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(1):26-29
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Schupp, J., E. Winzeler, M. Schupp and T. Kon. 2015. Peach Rootstock Trials: A 2014 Update. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(1):46-48
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Winzeler, H.E. and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Potential for using Mid-Atlantic processing fruit in hard cider production. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(2):29-30.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T.M., and J. Schupp. 2015. Apple pollen tube growth and spur leaf injury in response to thermal shock temperature and duration. HortScience 50(9):S110-S111.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kon, T.M., J. Schupp, H.E. Winzeler, and M.A. Schupp. 2015. The effect of mechanical string thinner spindle rotation speed on apple spur bud removal. HortScience 50(9):S358-S359.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Commercial tree fruit growers in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States were the primary target audience. Fruit growers from around the nation and the world were also reached. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to stakeholders via presentations and posters at regional and statewide fruit grower conferences, as well as at local workshops and twilight meetings. Additionally, results have been disseminated through articles in grower journals, through personal contacts, and via answers to eXtension posts. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Research will continue on these multi-year projects.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Research was conducted on seven rootstock experiments in Pennsylvania in 2014. 5. Crassweller answers about ten to fifteen questions each month from either eXtension posts or general e-mail via PSU linked web sites.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Marini, R., B. Black, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Hampson, R. Moran, T. Robinson, M. Stasiak, D. Wolfe. 2014. Performance of Golden Delicious apple on 23 rootstocks at eight locations: A ten year summary of the 2003 NC-140 dwarf rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 68:54-68
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schupp, J.R. and T.M. Kon. 2014. Mechanical blossom thinning of GoldRush / M.9 apple trees with two string types and two timings. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 68:24-32.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Baugher, T. A., C. Lara, J. Schupp and H. E. Winzeler. 2014. Competitive orchard systems and technologies. PA Fruit News 94 (2): 23.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Baugher, T., J. Schupp, C. Lara and C. Watkins. 2014 Cropload and fruit nutrient studies in commercial Honeycrisp orchards to determine best practices for minimizing bitter pit. PA Fruit News 94(1): 37-40.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crassweller, R., D. Smith, J. Schupp, E. Winzeler & M. Schupp. 2014. Rootstock Research Update, 2013. PA Fruit News 94(1):59-63
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crassweller, R., D. Smith. 2014. Second Generation Apple Training System Trials  2014. PA Fruit News 94(1): 64  67.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schupp, J., T. Kon, E. Winzeler, M. Schupp, P. Heinemann, J. Liu, Z. Zhang, T. Baugher and C. Lara. 2014. Labor Efficient apple and peach systems for profitability. PA Fruit News 94 (1): 30-35.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schupp, J., T. Kon, E. Winzeler and M. Schupp, P. Heinemann, J. Liu and Z. Zhang, T. Baugher and C. Lara. 2014. Labor Efficient Apple and Peach Systems for Profitability. PA Fruit News 94(1): 30-35.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Commercial tree fruit growers in Pennsylvania, and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States were the primary target audience. Fruit growers from around the nation and the world were also served. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. The results of these studies were used to make recommendations to fruit growers throughout the region, via numerous extension presentations at twilight meetings, regional Fruit Schools, and at the Mid Atlantic Fruit Conference, via fact sheets, the Penn State Fruit Times, the Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide, and through grower consultation. Science based information about rootstocks and intensive production practices was disseminated through 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, 6 technical papers and proceedings articles and 22 extension presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Plant new research orchards, conduct on-going research, and publish or present research findings.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The projects herein provide an evaluation of labor-efficient tree fruit production practices and some of the newest and potentially useful peach and dwarf apple rootstocks. Results formed the basis for educational programs and for making rootstock recommendations to Mid-Atlantic fruit growers. Utilization of these recommendations results in earlier returns on investment related to orchard establishment costs. Financial benefit to fruit growers is derived from earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality. Because most new apple plantings are planted on size controlling rootstocks with substantially reduced canopy volume per acre, pesticide usage on new acreage is reduced by nearly 40 percent, thus reducing the environmental impact plus saving grower costs in pesticides and application. Conducting rootstock trials on a regional basis can allow for fine tuning of recommendations. Rootstock breeding programs will receive updated science based information about the survival and performance of new rootstock selections, which can be used to help them determine if a selection should be commercialized.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Schupp, J. R., T. M. Kon and H. E. Winzeler. 2012. 1-Aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid shows promise as a chemical thinner for apple. HortScience 47:1308-1311.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kon, T. M., J. R. Schupp, H. E. Winzeler and R. P. Marini. 2013. Influence of mechanical string thinning treatments on vegetative and reproductive tissues, fruit set, yield and fruit quality of apple. HortScience 48:40-46.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Baugher, T. A., J. Schupp and H. E. Winzeler. 2013. Evaluation of new peach training systems. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(2):27-28.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Schupp, J., T. A. Baugher, H. E. Winzeler, T. Kon and M. Schupp. 2013. Labor efficient apple and peach production. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(1):35-37.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crassweller, R. M., J. R. Schupp and D. E. Smith. 2013. 2012 Cultivar and rootstock plantings report. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(1):58-62
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Dubs, G., E. Winzeler, M. Schupp and J. Schupp. Comparing Honeycrisp strains. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(1):63-66.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Liu, J., P. Heinemann, J. R. Schupp and T. A. Baugher. Improvements to an apple deceleratior and distributer for the apple bin of a vacuum harvest assist system. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(1):89-90
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Schupp, J., H. E. Winzeler, T. Kon and M. Schupp. 2013. Cropload management: the development of an efficient procedure for predicting apple fruit abscission following application of chemical thinners. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(2):33-36.