Source: AUBURN 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.
1019461
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 29, 2019
Project End Date
Mar 31, 2024
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
Horticulture
Non Technical Summary
Tree-fruit growers must adopt economically and environmentally sustainable orchard management strategies to remain competitive in both national and international markets, to meet consumer demand for high quality fruit, to address the pressure to reduce chemical use, and to enhance production efficiency. The root system, or rootstock, is a key orchard component to address these issues. The rootstock provides control of tree vigor and final tree size, potentially allowing for closer tree spacing and more trees per land area resulting in high density plantings. Higher density plantings lead to earlier production and greater yield potentials. To stay profitable, growers must establish higher-density orchards of cultivars in demand by consumers and having higher market values. However, establishment costs for high-density orchards are 10 to 20 times more per land area than lower-density plantings, thus greatly increasing economic risk. Potential economic returns of high-density orchards, however, can far exceed orchards at a lower-density, particularly during the first 10 years. Past research has successfully identified reliable size-controlling, early-bearing rootstocks for apple and cherry, and led to the integration of their use in high-density production systems to reduce tree size, labor costs and significant tree and/or production losses from disease and environmental stresses.
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
20211101060100%
Knowledge Area
202 - Plant Genetic Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
1110 - Apple;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under Alabama environment and training system using sustainable management practices.To investigate physiological processes, biotic and abiotic stresses and scion/rootstock interactions on tree growth and productivity.To integrate and disseminate research-based information that facilitates successful stakeholder adoption of rootstock technologies.
Project Methods
To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under Alabama environment and training systems using sustainable management practices, established replicated uniform trials will be maintained, and new trials will be established across North America. Promising new and existing rootstocks as a compound genetic system will be selected and evaluated for survival, precocity, productivity, size control, anchorage, suckering, pest resistance, adaptability, and production efficiency.To investigate physiological processes, biotic and abiotic stresses and scion/rootstock interactions on tree growth and productivity, studies will be conducted by individual members and cooperators at various institutions to elucidate stress tolerance of fruit trees as influenced by rootstocks. Basic rootstock performance data will be collected as part of the evaluation of rootstocks in the trials listed under objective 1; however, additional, more-detailed studies will be led and conducted by PD using these rootstock plantings as uniform multiple test sites. Additionally, manuscripts or their published citations will be shared, regarding results from these studies. Stress-related studies will include the following.To integrate and disseminate research-based information that facilitates successful stakeholder adoption of rootstock technologies.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 was launched in September 2011. This novel vehicle for information collection, organization and delivery will be developed further during the period of this project.

Progress 10/01/20 to 09/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:Fruit growers, homeowners, extension personnel, crop consultants, the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Attended and presented a research paper at the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting, Denver, CO; a talk at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA); presented a seminar at the ASEV-ES and at the SR PFW Conference. A paper presentation was made at the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference. Research papers were also presented at three international meetings namely: XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems (Wenatchee, WA United States of America); the XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2021; the IX International Agriculture and Agri Food Conference, Burgas, Bulgaria, August 16-19, 2021. Presentations were made at the Chilton Area Peach Production Meeting, Clanton. Training events for the Commercial Horticulture extension personnel also included three webinar presentations. In-service training was provided for the Commercial Horticulture team members on June 21, 2021, at the CREC, near Clanton. A student worker was trained during the reporting period. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Websites, webinars, conferences, Live Facebook CommHort Questions and Answers events, YouTube video, Alabama IPM Communicator Newsletter, Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Newsletter, Beginning Farmer App Module Courses. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue collecting research data and presenting results at various workshops, webinars, conferences, and websites.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Apple rootstock evaluation study continued at the experimental plot in Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Clanton, AL where 14 newly developed, size-controlling, Fire blight resistant apple rootstocks from the 'Geneva' and 'Vineland' series grafted to 'Aztec Fuji' cultivar were compared. Trees are trained to a Tall Spindle trellis system designed for high-density, highly efficient orchards. This is the first attempt to utilize the Tall Spindle system in apple production in Alabama. During the current season, we continued data collection to determine the rootstock effect on fruit quality of 'Aztec Fuji' under Alabama growing conditions. Studies also continued to assess the cropping potential and production efficiency of eight newly developed size-controlling peach rootstocks grafted to 'Cresthaven' peach and trained to a perpendicular-V training system and determine the system feasibility for the establishment of a high-density peach orchard system in Alabama. We harvested the trees and evaluated the rootstock effect on the total yield and fruit quality of the 'Cresthaven' peach. Studies continued to: 1). Compare two rootstock cultivar's resistance to Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) in an open field environment; 2). Compare the effect of two peach rootstocks on ARR resistance in a potting medium; 3). Evaluate eight advanced peach selections with improved bacterial spot resistance and early ripening from Clemson University's peach breeding program. The Fire Blight (FB) resistant European pear cultivars planted at the Chilton REC, near Clanton produced a good crop this season. Data were generated to evaluate and compare the yield and fruit quality of the 9 FB resistant European pear selections and cultivars imported from Canada. Research also continued to evaluate 9 FB-resistant Asian pear cultivars. We have continued to generate data for the hybrid bunch grape rootstock study at the CREC where we compare the Pierces Disease resistance, growth, and development of two own-rooted versus grafted American hybrid bunch grape cultivars. Other outputs include investigations to assess the vegetative and cropping potential of two sets of Pierce's Disease resistant 87.5% and 94% V. vinifera (European) selections developed at the U.C. Davis, CA. Additionally, we investigate the performance of European grapes on two training systems: Vertical Shoot Position (VSP) and Watson trellis systems. Studies are ongoing at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) comparing 10 winegrape American hybrid cultivars and 8 seedless table grapes from the University of Arkansas breeding program. The recently established experimental plants to evaluate the growth and cropping potential of newly released and well-established rabbiteye blueberry cultivars and muscadine grape cultivars and advanced selections from the University of Georgia blueberry and muscadine grape breeding programs grew well during the season. We introduced new advanced selections from the University of Arkansas muscadine breeding program. Data were collected to determine the yield, fruit quality, and season of ripening of the blueberry cultivars. Disease incidence was recorded for each cultivar tested. Integrated events included participation and giving presentations at professional events and industry-focused meetings. Five presentations on research results generated by experiments listed above were given at national and regional conferences including the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), SE Professional Fruit Workers Conference, American Society for Enology and Viticulture - Southeastern Section (ASEV-SE) Annual Meeting. Presentations were made for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) AnnualConference in November. Five research papers based on the above listed experimental activities were also presented to three international symposia namely: XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems (Wenatchee, WA United States of America); the XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2021; the IX International Agriculture and Agri Food Conference, Burgas, Bulgaria, August 16-19, 2021. Poster presentations also included SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA. Presentations were made at the Peach Area Meeting, Clanton, AL. Consulting services to industry clientele included information on cultivar performance, best cultural practices in fruit production and best IPM strategies. Conference in November. Five research papers based on the above listed experimental activities were also presented to three international symposia namely: XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems (Wenatchee, WA United States of America); the XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2021; the IX International Agriculture and Agri Food Conference, Burgas, Bulgaria, August 16-19, 2021. Poster presentations also included SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA. Presentations were made at the Peach Area Meeting, Clanton, AL. Consulting services to industry clientele included information on cultivar performance, best cultural practices in fruit production and best IPM strategies.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina Coneva, Enfeng Xu, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., Edgar L. Vinson, and Matthew Price. 2021. Evaluation of Fire Blight Resistant Size - Controlling Apple Rootstocks in Alabama. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Elina Coneva. 2021. 1103 Paulsen Rootstock Increases Yield and Fruit Quality of Chardonel Grape in Alabama Growing Conditions. International Horticulture Congress, Ange, France, 2022 (Submitted).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Elina Coneva. 2021. Assessment of Armillaria Root Rot Resistant Rootstock MP-29 for Sustainable Peach Production in Alabama. X International Peach Symposium, Naoussa, Greece, 2022. (Submitted). 16.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Svyantek, A.W., Coneva, E., Kessler, J.R., Vinson, E. and Pitts, J. (2021). Assessing the effect of selected PGRs on yield, fruit quality and morphology of 'Fireprince' peaches. Acta Hortic. 1304, 257-264 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1304.36 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1304.36
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: J. A. Cline, B. Black, E. Coneva, R. Crassweller, E. Fallahi, T. Kon, M. Muehlbauer, G.L. Reighard, and D.R. Ouellette. 2021. Early Performance of 'Fuji' Apple Trees on Several size-controlling rootstocks in the 2014 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. JAPS, 75 (4):203-213.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Xu, E., Coneva, E., Kessler, J.R. and Vinson, E.L. (2021). Effect of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) resistant apple rootstocks on 'Aztec Fuji' fruit quality and yield efficiency. Acta Hortic. 1307, 321-326 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1307.49 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1307.49
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Ioannis S. Minas, Greg L. Reighard,Brent Black, John A. Cline, Dario J. Chavez, Elina Coneva, Gregory Lang, Mike Parker, Terence Robinson, Schupp James, Poliana Francescato, Jaume Lordan, Tom Beckman, William Shane, David Sterle , Jeff Pieper, Cathy Bakker, Bernadette Clark, Dave Ouellette, Andrew Swain, Hans E. Winzeler. 2021. Establishment performance of the 2017 NC-140 semi-dwarf peach rootstock trial across 10 sites in North America. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. Acta Horticulturae.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Gregory L. Reighard, E. Coneva, and 70 other NC-140 members. 2021. Thirty-three Years Evaluating Rootstocks for Peach in the NC-140: What Have We Learned. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. Acta Horticulturae.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Vinson, E. L., Price, K. J., Kessler, J. R., Coneva, E. D., Mwanza, M., & Price, M. D. (2021). Tolerance of CamarosaStrawberry (Fragaria� ananassa Duch.) to Extra-label Use of Single and Tank Mix Preemergence Herbicides in Annual Hill Plasticulture. HortScience, 1(aop), 1-6.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Ioannis S. Minas, Greg L. Reighard,Brent Black, John A. Cline, Dario J. Chavez, Elina Coneva, Gregory Lang, Mike Parker, Terence Robinson, Schupp James, Poliana Francescato, Jaume Lordan, Tom Beckman, William Shane, David Sterle , Jeff Pieper, Cathy Bakker, Bernadette Clark, Dave Ouellette, Andrew Swain, Hans E. Winzeler. 2021. Establishment performance of the 2017 NC-140 semi-dwarf peach rootstock trial across 10 sites in North America. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. WA, USA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Gregory L. Reighard, E. Coneva, and 70 other NC-140 members. 2021. Thirty-three Years Evaluating Rootstocks for Peach in the NC-140: What Have We Learned. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. WA, USA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Edgar Vinson, Elina Coneva, Raymond Kessler, and Charles Ray. 2021. Incidence of Spotted Wing Drosophila Infestation in Blueberries in Alabama. XII International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, 28 Aug.- 3 Sept.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Elina D. Coneva, Scott NeSmith, and Arnold Caylor. 2021. Assessment of Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) Cultivars in Alabama. XII International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, 28 Aug.- 3 Sept.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina D. Coneva. 2021. Investigating Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) Cultivars for Sustainable Production in Alabama. National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Professional Improvement Annual Meeting, Virginia Beach, VA, July 6-9, 2021. https://www.nacaa.com/admin/components/custom/members/presentationapplications/view-application?id=1a3e477b-2027-4b94-8568-18b792fa9a2f
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina Coneva. 2021. Determining the Optimal Planting Distance for Pierces Disease Resistant Predominantly Vitis vinifera Grape Selection in Alabama. American Society for Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section (ASEV-ES) Annual Conference, July 7-8, 2021. https://www.asev-es.org/pdf/2021%20%20Program%20ASEV-ES%20reduced%20size.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina Coneva, Enfeng Xu, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., and Edgar L. Vinson. 2021. Assessment of Fire Blight Resistant Size-Controlling Rootstocks for Sustainable Apple Production in Alabama. IX International Agriculture and Agri Food Conference, Burgas, Bulgaria, August 16-19, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Ayanava Majumdar, Ann Chambliss, Harli Willis, Edward Sikora, Joseph M Kemble, Edgar L. Vinson, Elina D Coneva, Jeremy Martin Pickens, Katelyn Kesheimer and Amanda Strayer-Scherer. 2021. Alabama Beginning Farmer (AL-BFRD) Program: Strengthening Specialty Crop Industry through the Pandemic with a Hybrid Extension Program Model. HortScience 56(9) Supplement - 2021 ASHS Annual Conference S173. (Abstr.)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina Coneva. 2021. Evaluation of Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) Cultivars in Central Alabama. HortScience 56(9) Supplement - 2021 ASHS Annual Conference S118. (Abstr.)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2022 Citation: Elina Coneva. 2021. Developing a Technology for Vitis vinifera Production in Alabama. SE Professional Fruit Workers Conference (PFWC), SC, October 26-28, 2021.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina Coneva and Matthew Price. 2021. Performance of Pierces Disease Resistant Predominantly European Grape in Alabama. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Elina D. Coneva and Matthew Price. 2021. Disease Resistant, Size-Controlling Rootstocks for Sustainable Peach Production. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA.


Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:Growers, Extension personnel, Resaerchers, Crop advisors, Industry, Home owners, general public Changes/Problems:Considerable issues occurred due to the Covid-19 restrictions in terms of retaining and recruiting graduate students. It became especially problematic to recruit internatonal applicants. Domestic GS left the program in order to get a job and help their families during the pandemic. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Apple rootstock evaluation study continued at the experimental plot in Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Clanton, AL where 14 newly developed, size-controlling, Fire blight resistant apple rootstocks from the 'Geneva' and 'Vineland' series grafted to 'Aztec Fuji' cultivar were compared. Trees are trained to a Tall Spindle trellis system designed for high-density, highly efficient orchards. This is the first attempt to utilize the Tall Spindle system in apple production in Alabama. During the current season, we continued data collection to determine the rootstock effect on fruit quality of 'Aztec Fuji' under Alabama growing conditions. Studies also continued to assess the cropping potential and production efficiency of eight newly developed size-controlling peach rootstocks grafted to 'Cresthaven' peach and trained to a perpendicular V training system and determine the system feasibility for establishment of high-density peach orchard system in Alabama. We harvested the trees and evaluated the rootstock effect on total yield, and fruit quality of 'Cresthaven' peach. Studies continued to: 1). Compare two rootstock cultivar resistance to Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) in open field environment; 2). Compare the effect of two peach rootstocks on ARR resistance in potted medium; 3). Evaluate six advanced peach selections with improved bacterial spot resistance and early ripening from Clemson University's peach breeding program. The Fire Blight (FB) resistant European pear cultivars planted at the Chilton REC, near Clanton produced a good crop this season. Data was generated to evaluate and compare yield and fruit quality of the 9 FB resistant European pear selections and cultivars imported from Canada. Research also continued to evaluate 9 FB resistant Asian pear cultivars. We have continued to generate data for the hybrid bunch grape rootstock study at the CREC where we compare the Pierces Disease resistance, growth and development of two own-rooted versus grafted American hybrid bunch grape cultivars. Other outputs include investigations to assess the vegetative and cropping potential of two sets of Pierce's Disease resistant 87.5% and 94% V. vinifera (European) selections developed at the U.C. Davis, CA. Additionally, we investigate the performance of European grapes on two training systems: Vertical Shoot Position (VSP) and Watson trellis systems. Studies are ongoing at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) comparing 10 winegrape American hybrid cultivars and 8 seedless table grapes from the University of Arkansas breeding program. The recently established experimental plants to evaluate the growth and cropping potential of newly released and well-established rabbiteye blueberry cultivars and muscadine grape cultivars and advanced selections from the University of Georgia blueberry and muscadine grape breeding programs grew well during the season. Data were collected to screen the fruit quality and season of ripening of the blueberry cultivars. Activities also included advising a MS student conducting research experiments relevant to temperate zone fruit tree rootstock projects. Integrated events included participation and giving presentations at professional meetings and industry focused meetings. Six presentations on research results generated by experiments listed above were given at national and regional conferences including the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science (SR ASHS) Annual Meeting, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), SE Professional Fruit Workers. Five presentations were intended for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference, and Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association (AWGGA) Conference, with both events cancelled due to Covid-19. Five research papers based on the above listed experimental activities were also submitted to three international symposia namely: XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems (Wenatchee, WA United States of America), International Strawberry Symposium, Rimini, Italy, May 20-24, 2020, (postponed to 2021), and XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2020 (postponed to 2021). Poster presentations also included SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA. Presentations were made at the Peach Area Meeting, Clanton, AL. Consulting services to industry clientele included information on cultivar performance, best cultural practices in fruit production and best IPM strategies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Websites, webinars, conferences, Live Facebook CommHort Questions and Answers events, You Tube video, Alabama IPM Communicator Newsletter, Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Newsletter, Beginning Farmer App Module courses; High Tunnel eBook article What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue collecting research data and presenting results at various workshops, webinars, conferences and websites.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Apple rootstock evaluation study continued at the experimental plot in Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Clanton, AL where 14 newly developed, size-controlling, Fire blight resistant apple rootstocks from the 'Geneva' and 'Vineland' series grafted to 'Aztec Fuji' cultivar were compared. Trees are trained to a Tall Spindle trellis system designed for high-density, highly efficient orchards. This is the first attempt to utilize the Tall Spindle system in apple production in Alabama. During the current season, we continued data collection to determine the rootstock effect on fruit quality of 'Aztec Fuji' under Alabama growing conditions. Studies also continued to assess the cropping potential and production efficiency of eight newly developed size-controlling peach rootstocks grafted to 'Cresthaven' peach and trained to a perpendicular V training system and determine the system feasibility for establishment of high-density peach orchard system in Alabama. We harvested the trees and evaluated the rootstock effect on total yield, and fruit quality of 'Cresthaven' peach. Studies continued to: 1). Compare two rootstock cultivar resistance to Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) in open field environment; 2). Compare the effect of two peach rootstocks on ARR resistance in potted medium; 3). Evaluate six advanced peach selections with improved bacterial spot resistance and early ripening from Clemson University's peach breeding program. The Fire Blight (FB) resistant European pear cultivars planted at the Chilton REC, near Clanton produced a good crop this season. Data was generated to evaluate and compare yield and fruit quality of the 9 FB resistant European pear selections and cultivars imported from Canada. Research also continued to evaluate 9 FB resistant Asian pear cultivars. We have continued to generate data for the hybrid bunch grape rootstock study at the CREC where we compare the Pierces Disease resistance, growth and development of two own-rooted versus grafted American hybrid bunch grape cultivars. Other outputs include investigations to assess the vegetative and cropping potential of two sets of Pierce's Disease resistant 87.5% and 94% V. vinifera (European) selections developed at the U.C. Davis, CA. Additionally, we investigate the performance of European grapes on two training systems: Vertical Shoot Position (VSP) and Watson trellis systems. Studies are ongoing at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) comparing 10 winegrape American hybrid cultivars and 8 seedless table grapes from the University of Arkansas breeding program. The recently established experimental plants to evaluate the growth and cropping potential of newly released and well-established rabbiteye blueberry cultivars and muscadine grape cultivars and advanced selections from the University of Georgia blueberry and muscadine grape breeding programs grew well during the season. Data were collected to screen the fruit quality and season of ripening of the blueberry cultivars. Activities also included advising a MS student conducting research experiments relevant to temperate zone fruit tree rootstock projects. Integrated events included participation and giving presentations at professional meetings and industry focused meetings. Six presentations on research results generated by experiments listed above were given at national and regional conferences including the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science (SR ASHS) Annual Meeting, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), SE Professional Fruit Workers. Five presentations were intended for the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference, and Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association (AWGGA) Conference, with both events cancelled due to Covid-19. Five research papers based on the above listed experimental activities were also submitted to three international symposia namely: XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock, and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems (Wenatchee, WA United States of America), International Strawberry Symposium, Rimini, Italy, May 20-24, 2020, (postponed to 2021), and XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2020 (postponed to 2021). Poster presentations also included SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA. Presentations were made at the Peach Area Meeting, Clanton, AL. Consulting services to industry clientele included information on cultivar performance, best cultural practices in fruit production and best IPM strategies.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " G.L. Reighard, W. Bridges, Jr., D. Archbold, A. Atucha, W. Autio, T. Beckman, B. Black, D.J. Chavez, E. Coneva**, K. Day, P. Francescatto, M. Kushad, R.S. Johnson, T. Lindstrom, J. Lordan, I.S. Minas, D. Ouellette, M. Parker, R. Pokharel, T. Robinson, J. Schupp, M. Warmund, and D. Wolfe. 2020. Nine-Year Rootstock Performance of the NC-1 40 Redhaven Peach Trial across 13 States. J. of the American Pomological Society 74(1): 45-56.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Edgar L. Vinson, III*, Elina D. Coneva, Joseph M. Kemble, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., Esendugue G. Fonsah, Penelope M. Perkins-Veazie, Floyd M. Woods and Jeff L. Sibley. 2020. Reflective Mulch Application and Cover Crop Usage to Stimulate Earlier Banana Flowering. J. Am. Pomological Society. 74(3):169-179.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Andrej W. Svyantek*, Elina D. Coneva, J. Raymond Kessler, James D. Spiers, Edgar L. Vinson III, M. Andrew Walker, and James A. Pitts. 2020. Assessment of Pierces Disease Resistant 87.5% Vitis vinifera L. Selections in Central Alabama. Catalyst: Discovery into Practice. (4:2) 74-81.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Jacob T. Kelley*, J.D. Spiers, J. R. Kessler, Elina D. Coneva, and E.L. Vinson. 2020. Effect of Hydrogen Cyanamide on Flower production of AU Golden Sunshine and AU Gulf Coast Gold Kiwifruit. J. Am. Pomological Society. (Accepted, GS Award).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Edgar Vinson, K. Price, J. Kessler, Jr., Elina Coneva, Masuzyo Mwanza and Matthew Price. Tolerance of Camarosa strawberry (Fragaria &#x 1D5D1; ananassa Duch.) to extra-label usage of single and tank mix pre emergence herbicides in annual hill plasticulture. HortScience (Accepted 2021).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Coneva, Elina. 2020. Assessment of Size Controlling Peach Rootstocks for High Density Orchards in Alabama. Annual Meeting SR ASHS, Louisville, KY, Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2020.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Dylan Teel *, Elina Coneva, Floyd M. Woods, and Nylan. Holmes. 2020. Effect of rootstock cultivar on consumer quality attributes of Aztec Fuji apple. Annual Meeting SR ASHS, Louisville, KY, Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2020.
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: " Edgar L. Vinson, III, Elina D. Coneva, Floyd M. Woods, and Matthew Price. Evaluation of Selected Strawberry Cultivars for Central Alabama Conditions Using the Annual Hill Plasticulture System. International Strawberry Symposium, Rimini, Italy, May 20-24, 2020 (postponed to 2021).
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: " Edgar Vinson, Elina Coneva, Raymond Kessler, and Charles Ray. 2020. Incidence of Spotted Wing Drosophila Infestation in Blueberries in Alabama. XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2020 (postponed to 2021).
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: " Coneva, Elina. 2020. Rabbiteye Blueberry Cultivar Evaluations in Alabama. XI International Vaccinium Symposium, Halifax, NS, Canada, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2020 (postponed to 2021).
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: " Gregory L. Reighard, E. Coneva and 70 other NC-140 members. 2020. Thirty-three Years Evaluating Rootstocks for Peach in the NC-140: What Have We Learned. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstocks and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. Wenatchee, WA, July 25-31, 2020 (postponed until 2021).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: " A.W. Svyantek*, E. Coneva, J.R. Kessler, E. Vinson, and J. Pitts. Assessing the Effect of Selected PGRs on Yield, Fruit Quality and Morphology of Fire Prince Peaches. Acta Horticulturae, (Accepted 2020).
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: " Ioannis S. Minas , G. Reighard, Brent Black, John A. Cline, Dario J. Chavez, Elina Coneva, Gregory Lang, Mike Parker, Terence Robinson, Schupp James, Poliana Francescato, Jaume Lordan, Tom Beckman, William Shane, David Sterle, Jeff Pieper, Cathy Bakker, Bernadette Clark, Dave Ouellette, Andrew Swain, Hans E. Winzeler. 2020. Establishment performance of the 2017 NC-140 semi-dwarf peach rootstock trial across 10 sites in North America. XII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstocks and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. Wenatchee, WA, July 25-31, 2020 (postponed until 2021).
  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Elina Coneva. 2020. Size-Controlling and Disease Resistant Peach Rootstocks for Sustainable Peach Production in Alabama. Annual NACAA Conference, Virginia Beach, VA, July 19-24, 2020.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Elina Coneva. 2020. Effect of Planting Density on Yield and Fruit Quality of Newly Introduced Pierces Disease Resistant Vitis vinifera Hybrid Grape in Alabama. Annual Meeting ASHS, Orlando, FL, August 9-14, 2020.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Dylan Teel*, Elina Coneva, Floyd Woods, Nylan Holmes and Matthew Price. 2020. Assessment of Size Controlling Peach Rootstocks for High Density Orchards in Alabama. SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, Jan. 9-12, 2020.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Jacob Kelley, M.S. Improving Flower Production and Reducing Pre-harvest Fruit Drop of Gold Kiwifruit.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: " Joshua Cook, M.S. Kiwifruit production technology. Department of Horticulture, August 2020.


Progress 04/29/19 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Growers, extension personnel, master gardeners, general public, crop advisors, researchers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Made 5,124 contacts at conferences, workshops, field days. Presented a research poster at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, January; three papers and two posters at the SR American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, Birmingham, AL; a talk at the American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV; a talk at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), Fort Wayne, IN; National Viticulture Extension Education Leadership (NVEEL) Conference, Fredericksburg, TX; Professional Ag Workers Conference (PAWC), Tuskegee University; Eastern Section of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture (ES ASEV) Annual Conference, Geneva, NY; Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference; Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association (AWGGA) Conference. Research papers were also presented at three international meetings namely: Eucarpia Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic; 6th International Horticultural Research Conference, Venice, Italy; and International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards, Palermo, Italy. Poster presentations also included Alabama Association of Agricultural County Agents and Specialists (AACAS), Auburn University Research Symposium. Presentations were made at the Muscadine and Hybrid Bunch Grape Production Workshops, Crossville; Blueberry and Muscadine Pruning Workshop, Clanton; and the South Alabama Fruit Production Workshop, Fairhope. Training events for the Commercial Horticulture extension personnel also included two webinar presentations. Two graduate students and a student worker were trained during the reporting period. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Websites, workshops, conferences, field days, demonstration trails What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue collecting research data and presenting results at various workshops, conferences and websites

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Apple rootstock evaluation study continued at the recently established experimental plot in Chilton Research and Extension Center (CREC) in Clanton, AL where 14 newly developed size-controlling Fire blight resistant apple rootstocks from the 'Geneva' and 'Vineland' series grafted to 'Aztec Fuji' cultivar were compared. During the current season, we added a very detailed study to determine the rootstock effect on fruit quality of 'Aztec Fuji' under Alabama growing conditions. Studies continued to assess the cropping potential and production efficiency of eight newly developed size-controlling peach rootstocks grafted to 'Cresthaven' peach and trained to a perpendicular V training system and determine the system feasibility for establishment of high density peach orchard system in Alabama. We collected the first commercial harvest this year and evaluated the rootstock effect on total yield, yield efficiency, and fruit quality of 'Cresthaven' peach. Three new peach experimental plots were established at the CREC this season to: 1). Compare two rootstock cultivar resistance to Armillaria Root Rot (ARR) in open field environment; 2). Compare the effect of two peach rootstocks on ARR resistance in potted medium; 3). Evaluate advanced peach selections with improved bacterial spot resistance from Clemson University's peach breeding program. The Fire Blight (FB) resistant European pear cultivars planted at the Chilton REC, near Clanton also produced their first crop this season. Data was generated to evaluate and compare yield and fruit quality of the 9 FB resistant European pear selections and cultivars imported from Canada. Research also continued to evaluate 9 FB resistant Asian pear cultivars. We have also generated data for the hybrid bunch grape rootstock study at the CREC where we compare the Pierces Disease resistance, growth and development of two own-rooted versus grafted American hybrid bunch grape cultivars. Other outputs include investigations to assess the vegetative and cropping potential of two sets of Pierce's Disease resistant 87.5% and 94% V. vinifera (European) selections developed at the U.C. Davis, CA. Additionally, we investigate the performance of European grapes on two training systems: Vertical Shoot Position (VSP) and Watson trellis systems. Studies are ongoing at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) comparing 10 winegrape American hybrid cultivars and 8 seedless table grapes from the University of Arkansas breeding program. We have established two new experimental plots at the CREC to evaluate the growth and cropping potential of newly released and well established rabbiteye blueberry cultivars and muscadine grape cultivars and advanced selections from the University of Georgia blueberry and muscadine grape breeding programs. Activities also included advising a MS student conducting research experiments relevant to temperate zone fruit tree rootstock projects. Integrated events included participation and giving presentations at professional meetings and industry focused meetings. Six presentations on research results generated by experiments listed above were given at the Southern Region of the American Society for Horticultural Science (SR ASHS) Annual Meeting, and two presentations contributed to the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Meeting, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), National Viticulture Extension Education Leadership (NVEEL) Conference, Professional Ag Workers Conference (PAWC), Tuskegee University, Eastern Section of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture (ES ASEV) Annual Conference, Geneva, NY, Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference, and Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association (AWGGA) Conference. Research papers based on the above listed experimental activities were also presented at three international meetings namely: Eucarpia Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic, 6th International Horticultural Research Conference, Venice, Italy, and International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards, Palermo, Italy. Poster presentations also included SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, Alabama Association of Agricultural County Agents and Specialists (AACAS), Auburn University Research Symposium. Presentations were made at the Muscadine and Hybrid Bunch Grape Production Workshops, Crossville, Blueberry and Muscadine Pruning Workshop, Clanton, and the South Alabama Fruit Production Workshop, Fairhope. Consulting services to industry clientele included information on cultivar performance, best cultural practices in fruit production and best IPM strategies.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Coneva, E.D., Hu, Y., Svyantek, A. and Vinson, E. (2019). Growth and development of Pierce's disease-tolerant hybrid bunch grapes in the southeastern USA. Acta Hortic. 1248, 561-566 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1248.75 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1248.75
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: A.W. Svyantek, E. Coneva, J.R. Kessler, E. Vinson, and J. Pitts. 2019. Assessing the Effect of Selected PGRs on Yield, Fruit Quality and Morphology of `Fireprince� Peaches. Acta Horticulturae. Accepted.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Ashley K. Brantley, James D. Spiers, Andrew Thompson, James Pitts, J. R. Kessler, Jr., A. Wright and Elina Coneva. 2019. Effective pollination period of Actinidia chinensiy 'AU Golden Sunshine' and A. deliciose 'AU Fitzerald' kiwifruit. HortScience 54(4):656-660.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: G.L. Reighard1, W. Bridges, Jr.1, D. Archbold2, A. Atucha3, W. Autio4, T. Beckman5, B. Black6, D.J. Chavez7, E. Coneva8, K. Day9, P. Francescatto10, M. Kushad11, R.S. Johnson9, T. Lindstrom6, J. Lordan10, I.S. Minas12, D. Ouellette1, M. Parker13, R. Pokharel14, T. Robinson10, J. Schupp15, M. Warmund16, and D. Wolfe. Nine-Year Rootstock Performance of the NC-1 40 Redhaven Peach Trial across 13 States. J. of the American Pomological Society. (Accepted).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Edgar L. Vinson, III, Elina D. Coneva, Joseph M. Kemble, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., Esendugue G. Fonsah, Penelope M. Perkins-Veazie, Floyd M. Woods and Jeff L. Sibley. Reflective Mulch Application and Cover Crop Usage to Stimulate Earlier Banana Flowering. J. Am. Pomological Society. (Submitted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Andrej W. Svyantek1,2, Elina D. Coneva1*, J. Raymond Kessler1, James D. Spiers1, Edgar L. Vinson III1,3, M. Andrew Walker4, and James A. Pitts3. Advanced Pierces Disease Resistant 87.5% Vitis vinifera L. Selections Productive in Central Alabama. Catalyst (Submitted).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Coneva, E.D. Effect of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) resistant apple rootstocks on `Aztec Fuji� fruit quality and yield efficiency. Acta Horticulturae. (Submitted)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Five-Year Performance of Fire Blight Resistant Apple Rootstocks in Alabama (Poster Board #347) Coneva, Elina D.* Xu, Enfeng Kessler, J. Raymond Vinson, Edgar L. III, Auburn University. HortScience 54(9) Supplement  2019 ASHS Annual Conference S254
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Evaluation of Twelve Strawberry Cultivars for Their Production Potential in the Climate of Central Alabama Vinson, Edgar L.* Coneva, Elina D. Kessler, J. Raymond Price, Matthew Woods, Floyd M. Edgar L. Vinson III*; Elina D. Coneva; J. Raymond Kessler; Matthew Price and Floyd M. Woods, Auburn University. HortScience 54(9) Supplement  2019 ASHS Annual Conference S184
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Effect of Selected Herbicides on the Yield and Berry Size of camarosa Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) (Poster Board #317) Vinson, Edgar L.* Li, Steve Woods, Floyd M. Coneva, Elina D. Kessler, J. Raymond Edgar L. Vinson III*; Steve Li; Floyd M. Woods; Elina D. Coneva and J. Raymond Kessler, Auburn University. HortScience 54(9) Supplement  2019 ASHS Annual Conference S210.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Enfeng Xu, Raymond Kessler, Edgar Vinson, and Matthew Price. Use of Rootstocks to Increase Yield and Enhance Quality of Chardonel and Norton Grapes in Alabama. 77th Professional Ag Workers Conference, Auburn-Opelika, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Enfeng Xu, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., and Edgar L. Vinson. Testing Fire Blight Resistant Apple Rootstocks for Sustainable Apple Production in Alabama. National Association of County Agriculture Agents Annual Meeting, Fort Wayne, IN, 2019.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva, Enfeng Xu, J.R. Kessler, Jr., E. Vinson, and M. Price. Viticultural Performance of Chardonel and Norton Grape Cultivars on Selected Rootstocks in Alabama. National Association of Agriculture County Agents Annual Meeting, Fort Wayne, IN, 2019
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Enfeng Xu, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., and Edgar L. Vinson. 2019. Investigations to Determine the Performance of Selected Grape Rootstocks in Alabama. SR ASHS Meeting, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Edgar L. Vinson, and J. Raymond Kessler Jr. 2019. Evaluation of Pierces Disease Tolerant Hybrid Bunch Grapes in Alabama. SR ASHS Meeting, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Floyd Woods, A. Gebrekidan, Elina Coneva, E. Vinson, K. Shetty, D. Sakar, B. Blasius and A. Caylor. 2019. Cultivar, environment and growing season effects on phytochemical properties of Alabama-grown Rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade). SR ASHS Meeting, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jacob T. Kelley, James D. Spiers, Raymond J. Kessler, Elina Coneva, E. Vinson. 2019. Improving flower production using hydrogen cyanamide on golden kiwifruit. SR ASHS Meeting, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Enfeng Xu, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., Edgar L. Vinson, and Matthew Price. 2019. Exploring Fire Blight Resistant Apple Rootstocks in Alabama. International Eucarpia Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics, Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva*, Enfeng Xu, Andrej Svyantek, J. Raymond Kessler, Jr., and Edgar Vinson. 2019. Rootstock Effect on Yield and Fruit Quality of Chardonel and Norton Grapes in Alabama. 45th Annual Conference and Symposium of the ASEV-Eastern Section at Geneva, NY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Edgar Vinson, Steve Li, F. Woods, Elina D. Coneva, and M. Price. 2019. Effect of selected herbicides on the relative growth rate of Camarosa strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa). SR ASHS Meeting, Birmingham, AL
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elina Coneva, Enfeng Xu, Raymond Kessler, Edgar Vinson, and Matthew Price. 2019. Rootstocks Enhance Viticultural Performance and Increase Yield of Chardonel Grape in Alabama. XII International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards, Palermo, Italy.