NC_OLD140: ROOTSTOCK AND INTERSTEM EFFECTS ON POME- AND STONE-FRUIT TREES

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/31/2002] [12/01/2003] [01/28/2005] [10/10/2006] [12/19/2006]

Date of Annual Report: 12/31/2002

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/08/2002 - 11/09/2002
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2001 - 09/01/2002

Participants

Participants Attachment:

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Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

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Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate the performance of pome- and stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments under different management regimes. To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, replicated, uniform trials were planned, conducted, and coordinated by NC-140 (see http://www.nc140.org/ for more details on planting design, rootstocks included, and locations). In 2002, two trials were complete and manuscripts are in preparation, ten trials are underway, and five trials are in various stages of planning. Several local or regional (AR, CA, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, NB, NJ, NY, NS, OR, PA, WA, and WI) trials also were underway, but this report will focus on the uniform, NC-140 trials. 1990 Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Four locations (MI, ONT, NY, and VA) were used to conduct an analysis of covariance (with crop load as the covariate) to better understand the effects of rootstock on fruit size. After adjusting for crop load, trees on M.9 consistently produced the largest fruit. Two locations (NC and VA) were used to study the effects of rootstock on burr knot development on the scion. It was found that P.1 and O.3 resulted in more burr knot formation than Mark or M.27. 1992/93 Apple (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY). The final results from this trial were presented at the International Horticultural Congress in 2002. They will be published in Acta Horticulturae. A manuscript detailing these results has been prepared for publication in the Journal of the American Pomological Society. Cornell-Geneva (CG and Geneva) rootstock comprised the bulk of the test material. Trees on Geneva 11 and CG.3029 were similar in size to those on M.9 with greater yield. Trees on Geneva 30 were similar in size to those on M.7, but they were much more productive. These rootstocks from the Cornell-Geneva program are resistant to two major diseases: fireblight and crown rot. The economic benefit to apple growers of these resistances is tremendous. 1994 Dwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Through the eighth growing season and across all sites trees on M.9 Pajam 1, M.9 Pajam 2, B.9, and V.1 have greater than 90% survival; whereas, those on Mark, M.9 EMLA, P.16, and O.3 have less than 85% survival. M.26 EMLA, V.1, M.9 RN29, and M.9 Pajam 2 resulted in the largest trees, and M.27 EMLA, B.491, P.16, and P.22 resulted in the smallest trees. M.9 clones were ranked from least dwarfing to most dwarfing: Pajam 2 > RN29 > Pajam 1 > EMLA > NAKBT337 > Fleuren 56. Trees with the greatest yield efficiency were on B.491, P.16, and O.3, and those with the lowest were on M.26 EMLA, M.27 EMLA, V.1, and Mark. M.9 strains generally resulted in the largest fruit size. 1994 Semidwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Data collected through the eighth growing season suggest poor survival of trees on Geneva 30 based on breakage at the graft union. Trees on Geneva 30 also were the most yield efficient. 1998 Cherry (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). After the fourth growing season, trees on G6, W13, W10, and Gi 318/17 were similar in size to mazzard and mahaleb. Those on Gi 195/20, W158, G7, and G5 were 70-80% of those on mazzard and mahaleb. Trees on W154, edabriz, Gi 473/10, W72, Gi 209/1, and W53 were 45-65% of those on mazzard and mahaleb. Greatest yields were harvested from trees on G7, G6, Gi 195/20, W72, G5, Gi 473/10, and W53, and Gi 318/17, G5, G6, and Gi 195/20 resulted in the largest fruit. 1998 Apple (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY). Interim results from this trial were combined with the results from comparable trials and presented at the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association‘s annual meeting in Kellowna, BC, Canada and published in Compact Fruit Tree. Also, they were presented at the International Society for Horticultural Science Fruit-tree Rootstock Symposium in Zaragosa, Spain and will be published inActa Horticulturae. After four growing seasons, this trial has given further evidence that trees on Geneva 16 are similar or slightly larger than trees on M.9 and are very productive. 1999 Dwarf Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Interim results from this trial were combined with those from the 1998 Apple trial and presented and published as noted above. After three growing seasons, the largest Fuji trees were on CG.4013, and the smallest were on M.9 NAKBT337, Supporter 1, Supporter 2, and Supporter 3. The most yield efficient trees were on Supporter 3 and Supporter 1. The largest McIntosh trees were on CG.5202 and CG.4013, and the smallest were on Supporter 1 and M.9 NAKBT337. Supporter 2 and Supporter 3 resulted in the greatest yield efficiencies. 1999 Semidwarf Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Interim results from this trial were combined with those from the 1998 Apple trial and presented and published as noted above. After three growing seasons, the largest Fuji trees were on CG.4814, CG.7707, Geneva 30N, and M.7 EMLA, and the smallest were on M.26 EMLA. The most yield efficient trees were on CG.7707, Geneva 30N, and M.26 EMLA. The largest McIntosh trees were on Geneva 30N, Supporter 4, and M.7 EMLA, and smallest were on CG.4814 and CG.7707. Trees on CG.4814 were the most yield efficient. 2001 Peach (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). After the first growing season, across all locations and cultivars, survival was greatest for trees on P30-135 and Bailey and least for trees on Pumiselect. Trees on BH-4, SC-17, Hiawatha, and Cadaman were the largest, and those on KI146-43 were the smallest. 2002 Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). A trial including 11 states and provinces (AR, BC, Chihuahua, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, NJ, NY, and OH) and 20 rootstocks (B.9 Europe, B.9 Treco, CG.3007, CG.3041, CG.5935, Geneva 11, JM.1, JM.2, JM.7, M.9 Burgmer 756, M.9 Nic 29, M.9 NAKBT337, M.26 EMLA, M.26 NAKB, PiAu 36-2, PiAu 51-4, PiAu 51-11, PiAu 56-83, P.14, and Supporter 4) was established in 2002. 2002 Pear (coordinated by G. Mielke, OR). A trial including five locations (OR, WAx3, and WV) with Bartlett and Bosc on eight rootstocks was established in 2002. 2002 Peach (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA). A trial including Redhaven at nine locations (CA, KY, MA, MD, MO, OH, PA, SC, and ONT) and Cresthaven at nine locations (Co, IL, MO, NJ, NY, TX, UT, WA, and Mexico) on eight rootstocks (Adesoto 101, MRS 2/5, Penta, VSV-1, VVA-1, Pumiselect, Cadaman, and Lovell) was established in 2002. Future Trials. Acquisition of rootstock material, propagation, and planning occurred in 2002 regarding five upcoming trials: 2003 Apple (to be coordinated by R. Marini, VA), 2004 Pear (to be coordinated by G. Mielke, OR), 2005 Cherry (to be coordinated by F. Kappel, BC), 2005 Pear (to be coordinated by G. Mielke, OR), and 2007 Apple (to be coordinated by T. Robinson, NY). Objective 2: Assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome- and stone-fruit rootstocks. Work is underway in NY studying approaches to improve stoolbed propagation of the CG-series (CG and Geneva) rootstocks. OR is in the midst of a long-term trial examining the effects of budding height on pear tree performance. To date, the most vigorous and yield efficient trees have resulted from a budding height of 22 cm, vs. 8 or 38 cm. Objective 3: Improve the ability to identify pome- and stone-fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical, and genetic differences. NY established a molecular genetics laboratory in association with its rootstock breeding program. The lab has begun the process of developing DNA fingerprints of all commercially available rootstocks and CG selections.. Objective 4: Develop new and better pome- and stone-fruit rootstocks through breeding and genetic engineering. Rootstock breeding and selection was conducted in AR, CA, NY, and OR. Selections of the AAR (Arkansas Apple Rootstock) and the APR (Arkansas Peach Rootstock) series are presently under evaluation in AR. In CA, more than 20 superior peach rootstock selections were identified for extensive replicated trials. In OR, 545 selections of the Horner series of pear rootstocks are under evaluation. Some dwarfing has been noted, and trees on H-10 were 50% more yield efficient than those on the control rootstock (OHxF 97). The USDA hired a new breeder to head the Cornell-Geneva apple rootstock program. New crosses were made in 2002, and extensive testing of elite selections is underway. Commercial stoolbeds of Geneva 11 were established. Geneva 202 was released in New Zealand, and CG.3041 and CG.5935 will be released soon. Apple rootstock acquisition from other parts of the world, under the leadership of NY and OH, resulted in approximately 16 rootstocks for future NC-140 trials. Efforts to acquire new pear, peach, and cherry rootstocks are underway and led by OR, SC, and BC, respectively. Objective 5: Determine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of pome- and stone-fruit trees in relation to new and existing rootstocks. Several locations have observed differing sensitivity of fireblight (caused by Erwinia amylovora) among apple trees on various rootstocks under evaluation in Objective 1 (KY, MN, NY, OH, UT). NY is studying the differential sensitivity of apple rootstocks to different strains of the fireblight-causing bacteria. Among CG selections, CG.3041, CG.5179, CG.7707, and Geneva 16 were resistant to all strains; whereas, CG.3007 and CG.6253 were resistant to two strains and susceptible to two strains. Studies are underway to attempt to understand the molecular genetics of the differential sensitivity so as to breed rootstocks with stable resistance. Work in NY with new Russian cherry rootstocks found them to be hypersensitive to Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus, moderating the commercial nursery interest in their introduction. Cold hardiness of apple rootstocks was studied in IA, MN, and NB. NB specifically studied the effects of the timing of N application, crop load, and long-term productivity on cold hardiness. NB also continued to screen the CG rootstocks for cold hardiness. Outreach During 2002-03, NC-140 cooperators gave approximately 50 oral and poster presentations on NC-140-related topics to more than 2,500 individuals (primarily orchardists). Several articles were written for orchardists on NC-140 research (see appendix). The NC-140 website (http://www.nc140.org/) received over 12,000 unique ‘visitors‘ from 61 countries during the year. Popular pages included the ‘home‘ page, rootstock planting descriptions, and project leader contact information. Search words use to find the NC-140 website included ‘rootstock(s),‘ ‘cherry,‘ and ‘apple.‘ Grants NC-140 funds were used to leverage approximately $100,000 in 2002-03, primarily from orchardist groups. Work Planned for Next Year A new NC-140 apple rootstock trial will be established in 2003. Journal articles will be in print detailing the 1992/93 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial and the 1994 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial. Journal articles will be prepared and submitted as 5-year reports from the 1998 NC-140 Cherry Rootstock Trial and the 1998 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Data will be collected and analyzed for the final report of the 1994 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial and the 1994 NC-140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trial and for the 5-year report of the 1999 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial and the 1999 NC-140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. All trials established after 1994 will be maintained. New work to begin in 2003 under objective 1 will focus on optimization of experimental design for fruit-tree rootstock trials. Existing work under new objectives 2, 3, and 4 (revised project 2002-07) will continue, but now efforts will be initiated to understand the relationships among crop load, rootstock, and tree physiology under objective 4.

Publications

Refereed Publications Barden, J. A., J. A. Cline, M. M. Kushad, and M. L. Parker. 2002. Various measures of tree vigor, yield, and yield efficiency of apple trees in the 1990 NC-140 systems trial as influenced by location, cultivar, and orchard system. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 56:208-214. Choi, C. and R. L. Andersen. 2001. Variable fruit set in self-fertile sweet cherry. Can. J. Plant Sci. 81: 753-760. Choi, C., R. Tao, and R. L. Andersen. 2002. Identification of self-incompatibility alleles and pollen incompatibility groups in sweet cherry by PCR based s-allele typing and controlled pollination. Euphytica 123(1):9-20. Ferree, D. C. and J. C. Schmid. 2002. Survival of apple rootstocks to natural infections of fire blight. Hort Technology 12(2):239-240. Harper, J. K., R. M. Crassweller, and D. E. Smith. 2002. Impact of apple rootstock/cultivar on processing market profitability. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 56:112-117. Marini, R. P., J. A. Barden, J. A. Cline, R. L. Perry, and T. Robinson. 2002. Effect of apple rootstocks on average Gala‘ fruit weight at four locations after adjusting for crop load. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127:749-753. Marini, R. P., B. H. Barritt, J. A. Barden, J. Cline, R. L. Granger, M. M. Kushad, M. Parker, R. L. Perry, T. Robinson, S. Khanizadek, and C. R. Unrath. 2001. Performance of Gala‘ apple on eight dwarf rootstocks: Ten-year summary of the 1990 NC-140 rootstock trail. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 55:197-204. Marini, R. P., B. H. Barritt, J. A. Barden, J. Cline, E. E. Hoover, R. L. Granger, M. M. Kushad, M. Parker, R. L. Perry, T. Robinson, S. Khanizadek, and C. R. Unrath. 2001. Performance of ten apple orchard systems: Ten-year summary of the 1990 NC-140 systems trail. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 55:222-204. Reighard, G., R. Andersen, W. Autio, R. Bedling, G. Brown, J. Cline, W. Cowgill, D. Deyton, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, G. Greene, P. Hirst, S. Johnson, R. Morini, M. Parker, R. Perry, W. Shane, B. Taylor, C. Walsh, and M. Warmund. 2001. Five-year performance of 19 peach rootstocks at 20 sites in North America. Acta Hort. 557:97-102. Stover, E., M. Fargione, R. Risio, X. Yang, and T. Robinson. 2001. Fruit weight, cropload, and return bloom of Empire‘ apple following thinning with 6-Benzyladenine and NAA at several phenological stages. HortScience 36:1077-1081. Schupp, J. R., D. A. Rosenberger, T. L. Robinson, H. Aldwinckle, J. Norelli, and P. J. Porpiglia. 2002. Post-symptom sprays of Prohexadione-calcium affect fire blight infection of Gala‘ apple on susceptible and resistant rootstocks. HortScience 37:903-905. Warmund, M., G. Reighard, and D. Ferree. 2002. Low temperature susceptibility of Redhaven peach floral buds on various rootstocks in the 1994 NC-140 trial. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 56:235-241. Non-refereed Publications Allen, R. A. and C. R. Rom. 2001. Light Relations and Yield of Apple Tree Canopies as Affected by Tree Training System. In: Lindstrom, J. T. and J. R. Clark (eds.) Horticultural Studies 2000. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series 483:17-20. Andersen, R. L. and J. Freer. 2001. Plum variety picks for New York. NY Fruit Quarterly 9(2):3-5. Autio, W. R., J. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2002. Rootstock research in Massachusetts. UMass Extension Factsheet, 21 pp. Autio, W. R. and J. Krupa. 2002. Performance of the V Series apple rootstocks during six growing seasons. Fruit Notes of New England 67(3):18-19. Barritt, B. H. 2001. Apple quality for consumers. Compact Fruit Tree 34(2):54-56. Barritt, B. H. 2001. Apple variety management. Compact Fruit Tree 34(2):57-59. Barritt, B. H. 2001. Apple varieties, quality and consumers. Proc. Wash. Sta. Hort. Assoc. 96:96-103. Barritt, B. H. 2002. It‘s a business - Invest wisely. Good Fruit Grower 53(11):40. Barritt, B. H. 2002. New apple varieties as marketable products. Good Fruit Grower 53(13):64. Belding, R. D., W. P. Cowgill, Jr., J. L. Frecon, G. C. Hamilton, J. R. Heckman, L. S. Katz, N. Lalancette, B. A. Majek, D. Polk, P. W. Shearer, and W. H. Tietjen. 2000. "New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide." Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E0020, 160 pages. Brown, G. R. and D. E. Wolfe. 2002. Rootstock and Interstem Effects on Pome and Stone Fruit Trees. 2001 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication PR-452:13-15. Crassweller, R. M. (coordinator). 2002. Pennsylvania Tree Fruit Production Guide. The Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 283 pp. Domoto, P. 2002. Progress report on the Iowa planting of the 1993 NC-140 Cornell-Geneva apple rootstock trial for 2001. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2001. ISU Ext., FG-601:69-70. Domoto, P. 2002. Progress report on the Iowa planting of the 1994 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial for 2001. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2001. ISU Ext., FG-601:71-73. Domoto, P. 2002. Progress report on the Iowa planting of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf apple rootstock trial for 2001. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2001. ISU Ext., FG-601:74-75. Domoto, P. and B. Smith. 2002. Progress report on the Western Iowa 1992 apple cultivar x rootstock trial for 2001. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2001, ISU Ext., FG-601:56-57, and Western Iowa 1992 Apple Cultivar x Rootstock Trial. ISRF01-10:25-26. http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/2001reports/w/AppleCultivar.pdf Embree, C. G. 2002. Blossom and Fruitlet Thinning Trials 2001 Report. AAFC Technical Publication 02-03. Embree, C. G. and W. E. Craig. 2001. Stocks for Apple and Pear March 2001. Prepared by the Atlantic Committee on Fruit Crops. Published by the Authority of the Atlantic Provinces Agricultural Services Co-ordinating Committee. Publication ACC 1202. Embree, C. G. and Hebb, D. 2001. An evaluation of tree density and support systems for speciality cutlivars. Technical report: 01-07. Greene II, G. M. 2002. Influences of rootstocks on the growth, productivity, and longevity of apple trees. Penn Fruit News 82(2):50-52. Lang, Greg, R. Andersen and T. Robinson. Gaining on Gisela cherries. Fruit Grower 121(1):17-18. Lang, G. A. and R. L. Perry. 2002. High density sweet cherry management: Point-counterpoint. Compact Fruit Tree 35. Marini, R. P. 2002. Performance of four semi-dwarf apple rootstocks after five years at 24 locations. Compact Fruit Tree 35(1):6-7. Marini, R. P. 2002. Does rootstock influence apple fruit size? Compact Fruit Tree 35(1):8-10. Marini, R. P. 2002. The effect of rootstock on apple fruit size in Virginia. Virginia Fruit 1(19):4-5, 11-12. Maxwell, S. E. and C. R. Rom. 2001. Size Control of Peach Trees Using Copper Impregnated Polypropylene Fiber Growbags: A Greenhouse Study: In: Lindstrom, J. T. and J. R. Clark (eds.) Horticultural Studies 2000. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series 483:37-39. Miles, N. W. and R. L. Andersen. 2001. Peach and nectarine varieties of special interest in Ontario and New York. NY Peach News 2(1):1-10. PrivI, J. -P. 23 January, 2002. Ginger Gold - rootstock update. Proceedings from the Nova Scotia Horticultural Congress. Halifax, Nova Scotia. PrivI, J. -P. 11 February, 2002. Ginger Gold: Rootstock performance. Proceedings from the New Brunswick Horticulture Congress 2002. Moncton, New Brunswick. Robinson, T. 2002. The New York state apple research and development program: Ten years of successful research support for the apple industry. New York Fruit Quarterly 10(2):3-17. Robinson, T. L. 2001. Principios de manejo de huertos de alta densidad. IV Enfrute: Encontro National Sobre Fruticultura de Clima Temperado:183-196. Robinson, T. L. 2001. Principios de manejo, de poda y portainjertos de huertos de alta densidad. VII Simposium Internacional Sobre el Manzano y Frutales de Clima Templado, Cuauthemoc, Chih., CD-Rom Proceedings. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, W. Autio, A. Azarenko, B. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Marini, R. Moran, C. Mullins, M. Parker, R. Perry, J. P. PrivI, G. Reighard, C. Rom, T. Roper, J. Schupp and M. Warmund. 2002. Performance of Cornell-Geneva rootstocks in the North American NC-140 rootstock trials. Compact Fruit Tree 35(4):99-102. Robinson, T. and S. Hoying. 2001. Processing apple planting systems trials. New York Fruit Quarterly 9(4):17-19. Rom, C. R. 2001. Early Performances of Peach Rootstocks in Arkansas. In, Lindstrom, J. T. and J. R. Clark (eds), Horticultural Studies 2000. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series 483:40-43. Rom, C. R. 2002. New Training Systems for Peach - Summary of a 9-season study: Success with the Perpendicular V system. In: Brandenberger, L. (ed.) Proc. of 21st Annual Hort. Indust. Show: 83-92. Rom, C. R. and J. B. Fausett. 2002. Fireblight symptom expression in apple research orchards - 2001. In: Clark, J. R. and M. E. Evans (eds.) Horticultural Studies 2001. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series 494:28-34. Vance, L. A. and C. R. Rom. 2002. Chill and Heat accumulation at four sites in Arkansas, 1999-2000. In: Clark, J. R. and M. E. Evans (eds.) Horticultural Studies 2001. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series 494:37-39. Warmund, M. 2002. Apple rootstock update. Top Crops newsletter. November issue. Abstracts Andersen, R. L. 2001. Breeding and genetics - Sweet cherries, New Sweet Cherry variety and selection showcase: Cornell, New York program. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:3. Andersen, R. L. 2001. Breeding and genetics - International S-allele Workshop. S-allele repository, pollination groups. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:7. Andersen, R. L., S. A. Hoying, T. L. Robinson, and S. A. McKay. 2001. A communications model (NY Peach News): A collaborative effort to evaluate peach/nectarine cultivars for suitability to New York climates and markets. Abstract of poster paper presented at 5th International Peach Symposium, Davis, CA. Choi, C. and R. L. Andersen. 2001. A preliminary study of physiological and S-allele specific breakdown of self-incompatibility in sweet cherry. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:61. Choi, C. and R. L. Andersen. 2001. The influence of accelerated flower development on pollen quality in sweet cherry. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:63. Embree, C. G., Hebb, D. J. and Grant, A. 2002. Early Field Performance of Honeycrisp on M.26 in Nova Scotia. International Horticultural Congress, Toronto, Canada. Jacyna, T. and R. L. Andersen. 2001. Natural growth habit of sweet cherry maiden trees. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:70. Mielke, E. A. 2002. Initial eight-year evaluation of thirteen Horner pear rootstocks. Abstracts of the 1stInternternational Symposium Rootstocks for Deciduous Fruit Trees:5-11. Mielke, E. A. and D. Sugar. 2002. Cultivars used as interstems still show promise after eight years on two Oregon locations. Abstracts of the 1st Internternational Symposium Rootstocks for Deciduous Fruit Trees:2-22. Perry, Ronald, R. Crasweller, G. Reighard, R. Andersen, B. Lay, F. Kappel, G. Lang, and D. Stefanelli. 2001. Preliminary performance of Montmrency‘ sour cherry on eleven rootstocks in the 1998 NC-140 trial. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:55. Perry, Ronald, R. Crasweller, G. Reighard, R. Andersen, B. Lay, F. Kappel, G. Lang, and D. Stefanelli. 2001. Preliminary performance of Montmrency‘ sour cherry on eleven rootstocks in the 1998 NC-140 trial. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium, Hood River, OR & Richland, WA:56. Sugar, D. and E. A. Mielke. 2002. Early performance of pear cultivars on various Old Home x Farmindale (OHxF) interstem-rootstock combinations. Abstracts 1st International Symposium Rootstocks for Deciduous Fruit Trees:2-33.

Impact Statements

Please refer to "Accomplishments" section. In addition, the impacts of NC-140 on the fruit industry in the U.S. are embodied in the history of the committee.

Date of Annual Report: 12/01/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/10/2003 - 11/11/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2003

Participants

W. Autio - Univ. Massachusetts; D. Bedford - Univ. Minnesota; R. Belding - Rutgers Univ.; J. Clements - Univ. Massachusetts; J. Cline - Univ. Guelph; W. Cowgill - Rutgers Univ.; R. Crassweller - Pennsylvania State Univ.; P. Domoto - Iowa State Univ.; C. Embree - Ag. Canada - Nova Scotia; G. Fazio - Cornell Univ.; D. Ferree - Ohio State Univ.; J. Freer - Cornell Univ.; K. Fuller - Ag. Canada - Nova Scotia; E. Garcia - Univ. Vermont; R. Godin - Colorado State Univ.; I. Gray - Michigan State Univ.; G. Greene - Pennsylvania State Univ.; C. Hampson - Ag. Canada - BC.; P. Hirst - Purdue Univ.; S. Johnson - U.C. Davis; S. Khanizadeh - Ag. Canada - Quebec; K. Kosola - Univ. Wisconsin; M. Kushad - Univ. Illinois; T. Lindstrom - Utah State Univ.; R. Marini - Virginia Tech.; R. Moran - Univ. Maine; J. Masabni - Univ. Kentucky; E. Mielke - Oregon State Univ.; M. Newell - Univ. Maryland; M. Parker - N.C. State Univ.; R. Perry - Michigan State Univ.; J. Prive - AAFC - New Brunswick; G. Reighard - Clemson Univ.; T. Robinson - Cornell Univ.; K. Taylor - Univ. Georgia; Please see annual meeting minutes, available on the NC-140 web-site:
http://www.nc140.org/annualmeeting.html.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate the performance of pome-and stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments under different management regimes. To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, replicated, uniform trials were planned, conducted, and coordinated by NC-140 see http://www. nc140.org/ for more details on planting design, rootstocks included and locations). In 2003, three trials were completed and manuscripts are in preparation, nine trials are underway and three trials are in various stages of planning. Several local and regional (AR, CA, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, NB, NJ, NY, NS, OR, PA, WA, and WI) trials also were underway, but only uniforms NC-140 trials will be the focus of this report. 1992-1993 Liberty/CG Rootstock (coordinated by Terence Robinson, NY). The 1992 planting was terminated in 2000 and the 1993 planting the following 2001 season. A final version of the manuscript for the 5-year summary was shared with the cooperators and will be submitted for publication in 2004. 1994 Gala Dwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Through the 9th growing season and across all sites trees on m.0 Pajam 1, M.9 Pajam 2, B.9, and V.1 have greater than 90% survival; whereas, those on Mark, M.9 EMLA, P.16, and O.3 have less than 85% survival. M.26 EMLA, V.1, M.9 RN29, and M.9 Pajam2 resulted in the largest trees, and M.27 EMLA, B.491, P.16, and P.22 resulted in the smallest trees. M.9 clones were ranked from least dwarfing to most dwarfing: Pajam 2> RN29> Pajam 1 > EMLA > NAKBT337> Fleuren 56. Trees with the greatest yield efficiency were on B.491, P.16, and O.3, while M.26 EMLA, M.27 EMLA, V.1, and Mark had the lowest yield efficiencies. M.9 strains resulted in the largest fruit size overall. At the 11 sites that have Fleuren 5, it tends to be the smallest clone. NAKBT 337 is also small. 1994 Semi-dwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). At the end of 9 growing seasons data suggest poor survival of 'Gala' trees on Geneva(TM) 30 based on breakage at the graft union. But generally survival has been good throughout the trial. Trees on Geneva(TM) 30 were the most yield efficient while trees on P.1 were the least. Alternate bearing has been reported to be a problem at some sites. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). After 5 growing seasons, trees on Gisela 6 and Giessen 318-17 are largest. Bing as the scion has performed poorly in sites of Western cooperators. 1998 Tart Cherry Rootstock (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). After 5 growing seasons Gisela 6 and and Mahaleb had higher yield efficiencies than Weiroot 10 amd 13. They also suckered 6-fold less than the Weiroot rootstocks. Mahaleb has been lost to Phytophthora in some trials. 1998 Gala/Jonagold Apple G.16 Rootstock (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY). Mid-trial results of this trial suggest that CG.3401 has higher yield efficiencies than other rootstocks planted under Jonagold fruit the best fruit size is achieved when using M.9, while CG.3041 and G.16 produced the smallest fruit. With Gala G.16T was signigicangly larger than M.9 and B.9 but not larger than M.9EMLA.Yield efficiency was greatest for M.9 followed by G.16T, M.9EMLA, B.9 and M.26. 1999 Dwarf and Semidwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Currently, the full dwarfing rootstocks that are performing the best are G.16 N, G.16 T, Supporter 1-3, and M.9 NAKBT337. They are similarly yield efficient. With Fuji, they resulted in similar fruit weight, but the two clones of G.16 produced a somewhat larger tree than the Supporter series or M.9. With MacIntosh, tree size was similar, but M.9 NAKBT337 resulted in larger fruit than the others. 2001 Redtop/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). SC- 17, Lovell, and Cadaman were more vigorous than Lovell at a few sites. The largest trees were those in California, Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina. Jaspi, K146-43, K146- 44, and VVA-1 were generally the least vigorous, with trunk circumferences about 35% less than those of Lovell. Overall, survival was lowest with Pumiselect and VVA-1. No rootstock had a significantly higher survival rate than Lovell at any location except Georgia and Colorado. Only Cadaman has a 100% survival rate after 2 years. Suckering was minimal among all rootstocks at most locations. No rootstock yielded signigicantly more than Lovell as of the 2002 harvest season. BH-4 and Hiawatha had the highest yields. BH-4, SLAP, and P30-135 produced the largest fruit. 2002 Cresthaven/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). Orchards are in the first years of establishment and a group report is due in 2004. 2002 Cresthaven Peach Physiology (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA). Orchards are in the first years of establishment and a group report is due in 2004. 2002 Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Orchards are in the first years of establishment and a group report is due in 2004. 2003 Golden Delicious Physiology (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Orchards are in the first years of establishment and a group report is due in 2005. 2003 Dwarf Apple Rootstock (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Orchards are in the first years of establishment and a group report is due in 2005. Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks. 1999 Dwarf and Semidwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Two states are working on techniques for the improved propagation of apple (NY) and pear (OR) rootstocks. Objective 3: To improve the ability to identify pome and stone fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical and genetic differences. 1999 Dwarf and Semidwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Efforts are continuing to confirm the identity of Cornell-Geneva series rootstocks around the world through molecular methods (NY). Objective 4: To develop new and better pome and stone fruit roostocks through breeding and genetic engineering. Programs are underway in AR, CA, NY, OH and Ontario. <ul> <li>An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. <li>At Cornell, four new CG apple rootstocks are being released over the next two years, with the collection of new rootstocks from programs worldwide. In 1999, 16 rootstocks from three European breeding programs were established for testing. <li>Testing of five Moioka series rootstock clones is underway in Ohio. <li>The Vineland series of apple rootstocks together with several standard rootstocks are under evaluation for fire blight resistance in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that wide differences in rootstock susceptibility exist. </ul> Objective 4: To determine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of pome and stone fruit trees in relation to new and existing rootstocks. Programs are underway in New Brunswick, NY, Ontario and UT. <ul> <li>The CG apple rootstocks are being screened for cold hardiness in New Brunswick, Canada. <li>The CG rootstocks, as well and many other rootstocks collected worldwide, are being screened for tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors as replant disease, late winter cold temperatures, Phytophthora root rots and fire blight. Three-year-old Gala trees on various rootstocks were inoculated with fireblight in 1999. The CG rootstocks have outsurvived the standards. <li>The Ontario studies are continuing the evaluation of fireblight sensitivity and cold hardiness of the Vineland series of apple rootstocks compared to several known standard rootstocks. <li>In Utah, field studies were conducted to evaluate fireblight sensitivity and bud union breakage under high winds of Gala apples on different rootstocks. Experiments on cherry bud cold hardiness in the fall have shown that Colt rootstock are 2 to 4°C less hardy than buds on trees growing on GM.61.1, MXM.2, Mahaleb, Mazzard and Gi.148.1. </ul> WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR Existing trials will be maintained following the protocols developed by the respective technical committees. Current (and supplemental) data will continue to be collected and summarized by the planting coordinators, who will prepare the five- and ten- year reports for publication. Individual state project leaders will, wherever possible, expand the data collection on a particular planting beyond the uniform data set so as to gain further information on rootstock performance, or haw the rootstocks respond to training and local conditions. As new rootstocks become available for testing, plantings will be planned for (3 to 5 years prior to establishment) and established. The following trials are in the planning stage. <ul><li>2005 Cherry (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). Planned for planting in 2005.</ul>

Publications

Journal Articles Al-Hinai, Y.K. and T.R. Roper. 2004. Rootstock effects on growth, cell number, and cell size of 'Gala' apples. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 129:(in press). Al-Hinai, Y.K., and T.R. Roper. 2004. Rootstock effects on growth and quality of 'Gala' apple fruit. Hortscience (in review). Autio, W.R., J.R. Schupp, C.G. Embree, and R.E. Moran. 2003. Early performance of 'Cortland', 'Macoun', 'McIntosh', and 'Pioneer Mac' apple trees on various rootstocks in Maine, Massachusetts, and Nove Scotia. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 57:7-14. Ayala, M. and G. Lang. 2003. Examining the influence of different leaf populations on sweet cherry fruit quality. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Beckman T.G. and G.A. Lang. 2003. Rootstock breeding for stone fruits. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Ferree D.C., J.G. Streeter, and Y. Yuncong. 2003. Response of container grown apple trees to soil compaction. Hortscience (in press). Hampson, C., H.A. Quamme, F. Kappel, and R.T. Brownlee. 2003. Varying density with constant rectangularity. 1. Effects on apple tree growth and light inception in three training systems over ten years. Hortscience (in press). Hampson, C., H.A. Quamme, F. Kappel, and R.T. Brownlee. 2003. Varying density with constant rectangularity. 1. Effects on apple tree yield, fruit size, and fruit color development in three training systems over ten years. Hortscience (in press). Marini R.P., J.A. Barden, J.A. Cline, R.L. Perry, and T. Robinson. 2002. Effect of apple rootstocks on average 'Gala' fruit weight at four locations after adjusting for crop load. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127:749-753. Marini R.P., M.L. Parker, J.A. Barden, and C.R. Unrath. 2003. The effect of eight dwarf rootstocks on burrknot development on 'Gala' apple trees at two locations. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 57:93-96. Mielke, E.A. and L. Smith. 2003. Pear cultivars as interstems -- the initial five years. Do they have anything to offer? J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 57:76-88. Olmstead, M.A., N.S. Lang, G. Lang, F. Ewers, and S. Owens. 2003. characterization of graft union development in sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) on dwarfing rootstocks. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Robinson, T.L. 2003. Rootstocks and production systems for success. 2002. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Assoc., 2002 Annual Rpt. P. 31-45. Robinson, T.L., H.S. Andersen, and S.A. Hoying. 2003. Performance of Gisela cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. Acta Horticulturae 662:513-520. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, A. Azarenko, B. Barritt, T. Baugher, G. Brown, G. Couvillon, W. Cowgill, Jr., R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, R. Granger, G. Greene, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Moran, C. Mullins, S. Myers, R. Perry, C. Rom, J. Schupp, K. Taylor, M. Warmund, J. Warner, and D. Wolfe. 2003. Performance of Cornell-Geneva apple rootstocks with 'Liberty' as the scion in NC-140 trials across North America. Acta Horticulturae 662:521-530. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, A. Azarenko, B. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Marini, R. Moran, C. Mullins, M. Parker, R. Perry, J.P. Privé, G. Reighard, C. Rom, T. Roper, J. Schupp, and M. Warmund. 2003. Performance of Cornell-Geneva rootstocks in the multi-location NC-140 rootstock trials across North America. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Schupp J., W.P. Cowgill, Jr., T.R. Robinson, J. Compton. 2003. Water conditioners and surfactants increase growth control and fruit cracking of 'Empire' apple caused by prohexadione-calcium. Hortscience. 38(6):1205-1209 Walsh, C.S., S. A. Altman, L.A. Doyle, J. Hu, K.W. Hunt, and D. Lai. 2003. Fruit maturation, tree ripening, and cracking susceptibility in 'Gala' apples. (submitted to Hort Technology). Trade Publications Cowgill, W.P. Jr., J. Compton, M. Maletta, R. Belding, J. Goffreda, D. Polk, W. Tietjen. 2002. NE183 apple cultivar trials-New Jersey 2001 Report. Horticultural News 82(4). Greene II, G.M. 2003. Influence of rootstocks on the growth, productivity, and longevity of apple trees. Penn Fruit News 83(2):24-25, 28-30. Proceedings Azarenko, A., R. Anderson, G. Brown, C. Embree, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, D. Hunter, F. Kapel, D. Ketchie, E. Mielke, R. Renquist, and D. Sugar. 2002. Final evaluation of the NC-140 pear rootstock trial. In: L. Corelli-Grapadelli, J. Janick, S. Sansavini, M. Tagliavini, D. Sugar, and A. D. Webster (eds.). Proc. 8th Intl. Sym. on Pear, Acta Hort. 596:319-323. Kushad, M.M. 2003. Rootstock selection for Illinois apple orchards. Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society. pp. 87-88. Kushad, M.M. 2003. Perfomance of Red Gala in the 1994 NC-140 dwarf and semidwarf apple rootstocks trial in Champaign, Illinois. Transactions of the Illinois Horticultural Society. pp. 89-95. Kushad, M.M. 2003. Postharvest handling of small fruits for the fresh market. Proceedings of the Illinois Small Fruit and Strawberry School. pp. 57-62. Mielke, E.A. and J. Turner. 2003. Evaluation of pear interstems. In: L. Corelli-Grapadelli, J. Janick, S. Sansavini, M. Tagliavini, D. Sugar, and A.D. Webster (eds.). Proc. 8th Intl. Sym. on Pear, Acta Hort. 596:401-404. Privé, J-P. 2003. Apple rootstock research. Proceedings from the NB apple grower meetings. Fredricton, N.B. Robinson, T.L. 2003. Achieving a balance between vegetative growth and cropping. P. 6.1-6.32. Proc. of Orchard Systems Workshop. Int. Dwarf Fruit Tree Assoc. Geneva, NY. Poster Autio W., R. Crassweller, and J-P. Privé. 2003. Rootstock affects performance of Ginger Gold apple trees. 100th Annual meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Providence, R.I. Book Chapters Ferree, D.C. 2003. Light interception and photosynthesis. pp.157-165. In: Encyclopedia of Temperate Tree Fruit. Food Products Press. Ferree D.C. and J.R. Schupp. 2003. Pruning and training physiology. pp.319-344. In: Apples: Botany, Production, and Uses. D.C. Ferree and I.J. Warrington (eds.) CABI, UK. Abstracts Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J. Clements. 2003. Does rootstock differentially affect performance of 'Cortland', 'Macoun', 'McIntosh', and 'Pioneer Mac' apple trees? Hortscience 38:665. Autio, W.R., R. Crasweller, and J.P. Privé. 2003. Rootstock affects performance of Ginger Gold apple trees. Hortscience 38:667. Crassweller, R.M. and D.E. Smith. 2003. Performance of 'Ginger Gold' apple on five semidwarf rootstocks. Hortscience 38:666. Presentations Autio, W.R. 2003. Current rootstock recommendations from research in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Richmond, MA. 25 attendees. Autio, W.R. 2003. Current rootstock recommendations from research in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Stow, MA. 46 attendees. Autio, W.R. 2003. Current rootstock recommendations from research in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Westport, MA. 33 attendees. Cowgill, W.P., Jr. 2003. International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association Conference, Syracuse, NY. Invited speaker. "What's up down there, perspectives on tree fruit production in South America. Domoto, P. 2003. Evaluation of new apple rootstocks in Iowa. Minnesota Apple Growers Association Annual Conference, La Crosse, WI. 150 attendees. Domoto, P. 2003. Apple rootstock research at ISU. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Annual Conference, Marshaltown, IA. 90 attendees. Kushad, M.M. Factors controlling fruit size and color. Southern Illinois Fruit School Centralia, Cobden and Hardin, Illinois. February 4-6, 2003. 175 attendees Kushad, M.M. Fruit quality parameters. Illinois Specialty Growers Conference. Springfield, IL. January 22, 2003. 85 attendees Kushad, M.M. Pre- and postharvest factors that have the greatest impact on fruit quality. Mid-America Fruit Growers Conference. Olathe, KS. January 28-39, 2003. 55 attendees. Kushad, M.M. An apple a day can keep the doctor away, but can it increase the ringing of the register. Mid-America Fruit Growers Conference. Olathe, KS. January 28-30, 2003. 50 attendees. Mielke, E., D. Sugar, L. Smith. 2003. Cultivars used as interstems still show promise after eight years on two Oregon locations. Wash. State Hort. Soc., Yakima, WA, Dec 2002. 1400 registrants. Mielke, E., D. Sugar, L. Smith. 2003. Cultivars used as interstems still show promise after eight years on two Oregon locations. Northwest Pear Research Review, Hood River, OR, Feb. 2003. 85 attendees. Extension Publications Belding, R.D., W.P. Cowgill, Jr., J.L. Frecon, G.C. Hamilton, J.R. Heckman, L.S. Katz, N. Lalancette, B.A. Majek, D. Polk, P.W. Shearer, W.H. Tietjen. 2003. New Jersey commercial tree fruit production guide. Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E0020, 160 total pages. Domoto, P. 2003. Iowa planting of the 1993 NC-140 Cornell-Geneva apple rootstock trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FR-601:45-46. Domoto, P. 2003. Iowa planting of the 1994 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FR-601:47-49. Domoto, P. 2003. Iowa planting of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf apple rootstock trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2002. ISU Ext., FR-601:50-51. Domoto, P. and W. Roush. 2003. Assessment of winter trunk injury in the western Iowa 1992 cultivar by rootstock trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2003. ISU Ext., FG-601:62-64. Domoto P. and W. Roush. 2003. Apple cultivar by rootstock trial. ISU Western Iowa R & D Farm, ISRF01-10:23-34. Hampson C. 2003. Subclones of M.9 rootstock: are they any different? The Orchardist 1(1):20-24. Hampson C. 2002. Subclones of M.9 rootstock: are they different? Fresh from the Cidar Press 15(4):20-22. Masabni J.G, G.R. Brown, and D.E. Wolfe. 2003. Rootstock and interstem effects on pome fruit trees. 2002 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication (PR-470:28-30). Masabni J.G., G.R. Brown, and D.E. Wolfe. 2004. Rootstock and interstem effects on pome fruit trees. 2003 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication (in press). Meetings Cowgill, W.P., Jr. North Jersey Fruit Meeting, March, 2003; Broadway, NJ, 85 attendees, growers. Cowgill, W.P., Jr. North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, April, 2003; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ, 45 attendees, growers. Cowgill, W.P., Jr. North Jersey Horticultural Research Twilight Meeting, September, 2003; Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ, 75 attendees, organic and conventional growers. Cowgill, W.P., Jr. South Jersey Field Day and Tour, August 2003; RAREC, Upper-Deerfield, NJ, 204 attendees, growers, industry, and extension personnel. Other Al-Hinai, Y.K. 2003. Rootstock effects on fruit growth, quality, cell number, and cell size of Gala apple fruit. Ph.D. Dissertation. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison. 82 pp.

Impact Statements

The conduct of uniform trials across all regions in North America continue to suggest crescent rootstocks without bias. Nearly all states indicate the importance of the results from these trials as the primary source of information for recommendations made by research and extension personnel.
Fireblight, a major limiting factor for apple rootstock selection, is being assessed in several locations for sensitivity and to reduce tree losses to the disease. State surveys of trees planted in recent years show a shift to tree on dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks.
The pome and stone fruit industries recognize the importance of unbiased information from broad uniform trials and more than $1,000,000 is given to support these trials and related rootstocks projects.

Date of Annual Report: 01/28/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/08/2004 - 11/09/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004

Participants

Andersen, B. - Cornell; Autio, W. - UMASS; Clements, J. - UMASS; Cowgill, W. - Rutgers University; Domoto, P. - Iowa State University; Embree, C. - Agriculture Food, CA; Fgazio, G. - Cornell; Godin, R. - Colorado State ; Hirst, P. - Purdue University; Hoover, E. - University Minn.; Kosola, K. - Wisconsin ; Kushad, M. - UVE; Lang, G. - Michigan State; Lockwood, D. - University of Tennessee; Lokaji, G. - Rutgers University; Marini, R. - Penn State; Masabni, J. - University of Kentucky; McArtney, S. - North Carolina State; Newell, M. - University of Maryland; Ouellette, D. - Clemson University; Parker, M. - North Carolina State Univ.; ParrA, R. - INIFAP, CHILUAHUA; Perry, R. - Michigan State; Prive, J. - AAFC; Reighard, G. - Clemson University; Robinson, T. - Cornell University; Rom, C. - University of Arkansas; Schupp, J. - Penn State University; Seeley, S. - Utah State University; Taylor, K. - University of Georgia; Warmund, M. - University of Missouri; Weibel, A. - Cemson University; Whiting, M. - Washington State Univ.; Wolfe, D. - University of Kentucky

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate the performance of pome-and stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments under different management regimes. To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, replicated, uniform trials were planned, conducted, and coordinated by NC-140 (see http://www. nc140.org/ for more details on planting design, rootstocks and locations). Several widely planted trials have been concluded in the last few years, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. Currently there are 11 multi-state coordinated plantings from which data are being collected. These comprise six apple, three peach and two cherry plantings. 1992-1993 Liberty/CG Rootstock (coordinated by Terence Robinson, NY). Data collection from the plantings established in 1992 and 1993 is now complete. Analysis of data and preparation of publications is currently underway. 1994 Gala Dwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). 2003 marked the final year of data collection from this planting. A draft has been prepared and will be submitted for publication following review by the cooperators. 1994 Semi-dwarf Apple (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). 2003 marked the final year of data collection from this planting. A draft has been prepared and will be submitted for publication following review by the cooperators. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). All trees with Mahaleb in their parentage are more vigorous than Mazzard. The most vigorous trees after 6 growing seasons are Mahaleb, Mazzard, Gi.6, W.10 and W.13, while trees on Gi.209/1 (=Gi.3) were consistently the smallest. The poorest survival was with Gi.195-20 and W.53 rootstocks. 1998 Tart Cherry Rootstock (coordinated by F. Kappel, BC). Similar to the sister sweet cherry planting, the most vigorous trees were on Mahaleb and W.10 rootstocks, and Gi.3 produced the smallest trees. 1998 Gala/Jonagold Apple G.16 Rootstock (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY). Considerable variation among sites in the rankings of rootstocks for vigor was evident. At several sites there was no difference in tree size after 6 growing seasons. Generally, most rootstocks had higher yield efficiencies than the standard, M.26. 1999 Dwarf and Semidwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). In the dwarfing planting, trees growing on CG.5202 tended to be the largest trees with the lowest yield efficiencies. Conversely, trees on Sup. 1, Sup. 2 and Sup. 3 were smallest with high yield efficiencies. So far, survival of trees on all rootstocks has been better then those on M.9. In the semi-dwarfing planting, CG.4814 was the smallest and should probably be classified as a dwarf rather than a semi-dwarf rootstock although there was considerable overlap in the tree size of trees on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. Apart from CG.4814, the semi dwarf rootstocks in this planting were generally between M.26 EMLA and M.7 EMLA in size. 2001 Redtop/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). Most rootstocks produced trees smaller than those on Lovell, but those higher vigor rootstocks included Cadaman, BH-4, SLAP, and SC-17. The most dwarfing rootstocks were VVA-1, Jaspi, and K146-43. In terms of yield efficiency, the best performers were Bailey, Lovell, and K146-43. These general trends held true across sites with Redtop and Redhaven as the cultivar. Survival of trees on Pumiselect has been low due to graft breakage in high winds. 2002 Cresthaven/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). The largest trees are consistently on Cadaman and Lovell rootstocks, and these trees also had the highest yield efficiency. Trees growing on VVA-1 and VSV-1 were typically the smallest and tended to have the lowest yield efficiencies. 2002 Cresthaven Peach Physiology (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA). Uniform plantings have been established and are ready for treatments to be applied. 2002 Buckeye Gala Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). Tree survival has generally been good. Fireblight infections were evident at some sites, but no rootstock differences in the severity of the disease were seen. The smallest trees were on JM.1, CG.3041, B.9 Treco and B.9 Europe rootstocks. Largest trees were produced by P.14, PiAU51-4, PiAU36-2, PiAU56-83 and CG.3007 rootstocks. Differences in productivity and yield efficiency should become more apparent as trees settle into a more mature cropping phase. 2003 Golden Delicious Physiology (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Orchards have been established and are growing well. Few rootstock differences have been observed to date, and trees are nearing the point where treatments can be imposed. 2003 Dwarf Apple Rootstock (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Consistently the following rootstocks produced the largest trees: PiAU56-83, PiAU51-84, with those on JM.2 and JM.7 being quite vigorous at some sites. The rootstocks B.9 and JTEG produced the smallest trees. Some mortality of trees on JM.7 and G.16 was evident at some sites. Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks. Two states are working on techniques for the improved propagation of apple (NY) and pear (OR) rootstocks. Objective 3: To improve the ability to identify pome and stone fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical and genetic differences. Efforts are continuing to confirm the identity of Cornell-Geneva series rootstocks around the world through molecular methods (NY). Objective 4: To develop new and better pome and stone fruit roostocks through breeding and genetic engineering. Programs are underway in AR, CA, NY, OH and Ontario. <ul><li>An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. <li>At Cornell, four new CG apple rootstocks are being released over the next two years, with the collection of new rootstocks from programs worldwide. In 1999, 16 rootstocks from three European breeding programs were established for testing. <li>The Vineland series of apple rootstocks together with several standard rootstocks are under evaluation for fire blight resistance in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that wide differences in rootstock susceptibility exist. </ul> Objective 4: To determine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance of pome and stone fruit trees in relation to new and existing rootstocks. Programs are underway in New Brunswick, NY, Ontario and UT. <ul><li>In New Brunswick, Canada, morbidity and mortality of more than 70 rootstocks are being evaluated. These include rootstocks from within North America (New York, Michigan, Nova Scotia, Ontario) as well as rootstocks from England, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland. <li>In New York, the CG rootstocks, as well and many other rootstocks collected worldwide, are being screened for tolerance to biotic and abiotic factors as replant disease, late winter cold temperatures, Phytophthora root rots and fire blight. <li>In Utah, field studies were conducted to evaluate fireblight sensitivity and bud union breakage under high winds of Gala apples on different rootstocks.</ul> WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR Existing planting will be maintained and data collection will continue according to protocols developed by the respective technical committees. Planting coordinators will analyze and summarize data from the various sites for each coordinated planting, and will lead in writing 5 year progress reports and 10 year final reports for publication. Technical committees will develop schedules of new promising rootstocks that merit broad testing, then prepare for trees to be propagated for future plantings.

Publications

Website: http://www.NC140.org E-mail distribution list: nc140@virtualorchard.net Journal articles Al-Hinai, Y.K. and T.R. Roper. 2004. Rootstock effects on growth and quality of 'Gala' apple fruit. HortSci. 39:1231-1233. Al-Hinai, Y.K. and T.R. Roper. 2004. Rootstock effects on growth, cell number, and celll size of 'Gala' apples. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 129(1):37-41. Autio W., T. Robinson., L. Andersen, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S, Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard. 2005. Early performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' apple trees on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. Acta Hort. (in press) Autio W., T. Robinson. L. Andersen, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S, Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard. 2005. Early performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' apple trees on several semidwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. Acta Hort. (in press) Ayala, M. and G. Lang. 2004. Examining the influence of different leaf populations on sweet cherry fruit quality. Acta Hort. 636:481-488. Beckman, T.G. and G.A. Lang. 2003. Rootstock breeding for stone fruits. Acta Hort. 622:531-551. Crassweller, R.M., Autio, W.R. and Privé, J.-P. 2004. Evaluation of 'Ginger Gold' apple on several rootstocks at three different sites. (in review). Elfving, D.C., M.D. Whiting, G.A. Lang, and D.B. Visser. 2004. Growth and flowering response of sweet cherry cultivars to prohexadione-calcium and ethephon. Acta Hort. 636:75-82. Ferree D.C., J.G. Streeter, and Y. Yuncong. 2003. Response of container grown apple trees to soil compaction. HortScience 39(1):40-48. Greene, D., Azarenko, A., Barritt, B., Belding, B., Berkett, L., Cline, J., Cowgill, W., Ferree, D., Garcia, E., Greene, G., Hampson, C., McNew, R., Merwin, I., Miller, D., Miller, S., Moran, R., Parker, M., Rosenburger, D., Rom, C., Roper, T., Schupp, J. and Stover, E. 2004. Multidisciplinary evaluation of new apple cultivars: the NE-183 regional project. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(2):61-64. Hampson, C.R., McNew, R., Azarenko, A., Berkett, L., Barritt, B., Belding, B., Brown, S., Clements, J., Cline, J., Cowgill, W., Crassweller, R., Garcia, E., Greene, D., Greene, G., Merwin, I., Miller, D., Miller, S., Moran, R., Obermiller, J.D., Rom, C., Roper, T., Schupp, J. and Stover, E. 2004. Performance of 'Braeburn', 'Golden Delicious' and 'Yataka Fuji' apple on Mark and M.9 rootstocks at multiple locations across North America. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(2):78-89. Hampson, C., Quamme, H.A., Kappel, F. and Brownlee, R.T. 2004. Varying density with constant rectangularity. I. Effects on apple tree growth and light interception in three training systems over ten years. HortScience 39(3):501-506. Hampson, C., Quamme, H.A., Kappel, F. and Brownlee, R.T. 2004. Varying density with constant rectangularity. II. Effects on apple tree yield, fruit size and fruit color development in three training systems over ten years. HortScience 39(3):507-511. Hoover, E., N. De Silva, S. McArtney and P. Hirst. 2004. Bud development and floral morphogenesis in four apple cultivars. J. Hortic. Sci and Biotech. 79:981-984. Lang, G.A., J.W. Olmstead, and M.D. Whiting. 2004. Sweet cherry fruit distribution and leaf populations: modeling canopy dynamics and management strategies. Acta Hort. 636:591-599. Maguylo, K., G.A. Lang, and R.L. Perry. 2004. Rootstock genotype affects flower distribution and density of 'Hedelfinger' sweet cherry and 'Montmorency' sour cherry. Acta Hort. 636:259-266. Miller, S., McNew, R., Belding, B., Berkett, L., Brown, S., Clements, J., Cline, J., Cowgill, W., Crassweller, R., Garcia, E., Greene, D., Greene, G., Hampson, C., Merwin, I., Moran, R., Roper, T., Schupp, J. and Stover, E. 2004. Performance of apple cultivars in the 1995 NE-183 regional project planting: II. Fruit quality characteristics. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(2):65-77. Olmstead, M.A., N.S. Lang, G.A. Lang, F. Ewers, and S. Owens. 2004. Characterization of xylem vessels in sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) on dwarfing rootstocks. Acta Hort. 636:129-135. Privé, J.-P. 2004. Summer and winter pruning apple trees can reduce cold hardiness. Acta Hort (in press). Quamme, H.A. and Hampson, C.R. 2004. Winter hardiness measurements on 15 new apple cultivars. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(2):98-107. Reighard, G., R. Andersen, J. Anderson, W. Autio, T. Beckman, T. Baker, R. Belding, G. Brown, P. Byers, W. Cowgill, D. Deyton, E. Durner, A. Erb, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, R. Godin, R. Hayden, P. Hirst, S. Kadir, M. Kaps, H.Larsen, T. Lindstrom, N. Miles, F. Morrison, S. Myers, D. Ouellette, C. Rom, W. Shane, B. Taylor, K. Taylor, C. Walsh, and M. Warmund. 2004. Eight-year performance of 19 peach rootstocks at 20 locations in North America. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 58(4):174-202. Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Which high-density orchard planting system for replant sites in NY is the most productive and profitable. Acta Hort. 636:701-709. Robinson, T.L. and A.N. Lakso. 2004. Variation between years and within years on chemical fruit thinning efficacy of apple during cool springs. Acta Hort. 636:283-294. Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Performance of elite Cornell Geneva apple rootstocks in long-term orchard trials on growers farms. Acta Hort. 658:221-229. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen, and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Performance of Gisela cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. Acta Hort. 658:231-240. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, A. Azarenko, B. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Marini, R. Moran, C. Mullins, M. Parker, G. Reighard, R. Perry, J.P. Privé, C. Rom, T. Roper, J. Schupp, M.Warmund, W. Autio, W. Cowgil, K. Taylor, D. Wolfe. 2004. Performance Of Cornell-Geneva Rootstocks in Multi Location NC-140 Rootstock Trials Across North America. Acta Hort. 658:241-245. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Developments in high density sweet cherry pruning and training systems around the world. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T. 2005. Recent advances and future directions in orchard planting systems. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T. 2005. Effect of tree density and tree shape on light interception, tree growth, yield and economic performance of apples. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Performance of six high density cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T.. L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper and M. Warmund. 2005. A multi-location comparison of Geneva 16, Geneva 41 and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T.L., A.M. DeMarree and S.A. Hoying. 2005. An economic comparison of five high density apple planting systems. Acta Hort. (in press) Shupert, D., A.P. Smith, J. Janick, P.B. Goldsbrough and P.M. Hirst. 2004. Segregation of scab resistance in three apple populations: molecular marker and phenotypic analysis. HortScience 39:1183-1184. Whiting, M.D. and G.A. Lang. 2004. Effects of leaf area removal on sweet cherry vegetative growth and fruit quality. Acta Hort. 636:467-472. Whiting, M.D. and G.A. Lang. 2004. 'Bing' sweet cherry on the dwarfing rootstock Gisela 5: I. Crop load effects on fruit quality, vegetative growth, and carbon assimilation. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 129:407-415. Whiting, M.D., G. Lang, and D. Ophardt. 2004. Rootstock and training system affect sweet cherry growth, yield and fruit quality. HortScience (in press). Trade Publications Lang, G.A., J.W. Olmstead, and M.D. Whiting. 2004. La distribuzione dei frutti e delle foglie nel ciliegio dolce: nuova modelli di gestione e controllo dellalbero. Rivista di Frutticoltura 66(1):40-45. Proceedings Robinson, T.L. and C.B. Watkins. 2004. Cropload affects fruit quality of Honeycrisp apple. Proc. of the 2004 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. 2:16-19. Abstracts Autio, W.R., J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, M.E. Garcia, E.E. Hoover, K. Kosola, R.L. Perry, and T.L. Robinson. 2004. Early performance of 'McIntosh' apple on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. HortScience 39:800. Autio, W.R., J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, M.E. Garcia, E.E. Hoover, K. Kosola, R.L. Perry, and T.L. Robinson. 2004. Early performance of 'McIntosh' apple on several semidwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. HortScience 39:799. Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, R.M. Crassweller, D.C. Ferree, G.M. Greene, S. Johnson, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, G.L. Reighard, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of 'Fuji' apple on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. HortScience 39:800. Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, R.M. Crassweller, D.C. Ferree, G.M. Greene, S. Johnson, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, G.L. Reighard, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of 'Fuji' apple on several semidwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. HortScience 39:799-800. Greene, D.W., A.N. Lakso, and T.L. Robinson. 2004. Development and testing of a model to rapidly predict apple thinner response. HortScience 39:793. Leinfelder, M.M., I.A. Merwin, G. Fazio, and T. Robinson. 2004. Resistant rootstocks, preplant compost amendments, soil fumigation and row repositioning for managing apple replant disease. HortScience 39:841. Robinson, T.L, and C.B. Watkins. 2004. Crop load affects fruit quality of Honeycrisp apple. HortScience 39:841. Presentations Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' apple on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of 'Fuji' and 'McIntosh' apple on several semi-dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Hirst, P.M., W.R. Autio, J.A. Barden, and R.P. Marini. 2004. Precocity and productivity of apple as affected by cultivar, rootstock and growing location. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Privé, J.-P. 2004. Summer and winter pruning apple trees can reduce cold hardiness. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T. 2004. Recent advances and future directions in orchard planting systems. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T. 2004. Effect of tree density and tree shape on light interception, tree growth, yield and economic performance of apples. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Performance of six high density cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.. L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper and M. Warmund. 2004. A multi-location comparison of Geneva 16, Geneva 41 and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.L., A.M. DeMarree and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Economic comparison of five high density apple planting systems. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Extension publications Andersen, R. L. 2004. WhiteGold: a new white fleshed sweet cherry from Geneva. NY Fruit Quarterly 12(2):1 Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J. Clements. 2003. A comparison of six strains of M.9 over 10 years. Fruit Notes of New England 68(2):22-25. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J. Clements. 2003. An early look at a few of the Geneva Series apple rootstocks in Massachusetts. Fruit Notes of New England 68(2):28-30. Autio, W.R. 2003. How does B.9 stack up compared to M.9. Fruit Notes of New England 68(2):31 Carroll, J. and T. Robinson. 2004. The New York state apple IFP, our "most friendly practices". NY Fruit Quarterly 12(2):5-8. Cheng, L. and T. Robinson. 2004. Management of Nitrogen and carbohydrate reserves to improve growth and yield of apple trees. NY Fruit Quarterly 12(3):19-22. Masabni, J.G., G.R. Brown, and D.E. Wolfe. 2004. Rootstock and interstem effects on pome fruit trees. 2004. Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication PR-504:36-38. Privé, J.-P. 2004. Apple rootstock research. Proc. from the NB Apple Grower meetings, Fredericton, N.B. Robinson, T. and W. Stiles. 2004. Fertigation of apple trees in humid climates. NY Fruit Quarterly 12(1):32-38. Robinson, T., G. Fazio, H. Aldwinckle and S. Hoying. 2004. Performance of the New Geneva(R) Apple Rootstocks in Trials in the US, NZ and Europe. Compact Fruit Tree 37(3):91-94. Extension Presentations Autio, W.R. "Current rootstock research 1999 NC-140 Dwarf & Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trials." July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Autio, W.R. "Current rootstock research 1995 Massachusetts/Maine/Nova Scotia Cultivar-Rootstock Trial." July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Autio, W.R. "Current rootstock research 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial." July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Domoto, P. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day, 12 July 2004, ISU Horticulture Farm, Ames, IA. Grower attendance 90. Ferree, D. 2004. Performance of NC-140 rootstock trials in Ohio. Winter meetings Ohio Fruit Growers Society. Hirst, P.M. 2003. Apple rootstocks: which is best and what is right for you? Indiana Horticultural Congress. Attendance: 70. Myers, S. 2004. NC-140 Rootstock Trials in Ohio. Summer Tour, Ohio Fruit Growers Society, Wooster, OH.

Impact Statements

From uniform trials planted across sites in North America that differ greatly in terms of environmental conditions and biotic and abiotic stresses, unbiased data is gathered to quickly assess new rootstocks in a timely fashion. These rootstocks are compared with industry standards, and from these comparisons, recommendations to growers can be made that are independent and backed by solid data.
In developing such recommendations, consideration is given to not only productivity, but also to survival, cold tolerance, disease resistance, graft union integrity, and ease of management. The NC-140 project is recognized internationally as a leading source of comprehensive, unbiased data on field performance of tree fruit rootstocks.

Date of Annual Report: 10/10/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/14/2005 - 11/15/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 11/01/2005

Participants

Andersen, Robert L., rla2@cornell.edu - Cornell University; Autio, Wesley R., autio@pssci.umass.edu - University of Massachusetts; Barritt, Bruce H., etaplz@wsu.edu - Washington State University; Clements, Jon, clements@umext.umass.edu - University of Massachusetts; Cowgill, Jr. Winfred P., cowgill@aesop.rutgers.edu - Rutgers University; Domoto, Paul A., domoto@iastate.edu - Iowa State University; Embree, Charlie, embreec@agr.gc.ca - University of Guelph; Fazio, Gennaro, hth4@cornell.edu - Cornell University; Freer, Jay, jf41@nysaes.cornell.edu - Cornell University; Garcia, M. Elena, megarcia@uark.edu - University of Arkansas; Godin, Ron, rgodin@lamar.colostate.edu - Colorado State University; Hampson, Cheryl, hampsonc@agr.gc.ca - University of Guelph; Hayden, Richard A., Dhayden@purdue.edu - Purdue University; Hirst, Peter, hirst@hort.purdue.edu - Purdue University; Hoover, Emily E., hoove001@umn.edu - University of Minnesota; Johnson, Scott, sjohnson@uckac.edu - University of California; Kosola, Kevin, kkosola@facstaff.wisc.edu - University of Wisconsin; Kushad, Mosbah M., kushad@uiuc.edu - University of Illinois; Lang, Greg, langg@msu.edu - Michigan State University; Lindstrom, Thor, thorlind@cc.usu.edu - Utah State University; Lokaj, Gail, lokaj@aesop.rutgers.edu - Rutgers University; Miller, Diane, miller.87@osu.edu - Ohio State University;
Moran, Ranae, rmoran@umext.maine.edu - University of Maine; Parker, Michael, mike_parker@ncsu.edu - North Carolina State University; Parra Quezada, Rafael A., parra.rafael@inifap.gob.mx - Mexico; Perry, Ronald L., perryr@msu.edu - Michigan State University; Reighard, Gregory L., grghrd@clemson.edu - Clemson University; Robinson, Terence, tlrl@cornell.edu - Cornell University;
Schupp, James, jrs42@psu.edu - Pennsylvania State University; Taylor, Kathy, kctaylor@uga.edu - University of Georgia; Wolfe, Dwight, dwolfe@uky.edu - University of Kentucky

Brief Summary of Minutes

Ed Ashworth, Head, Dept of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University gave the welcome and a brief outline of the department and current projects.

Minutes from previous meeting have been approved on-line.

Terrence passed a letter around from Jorge Montanez de Leon from the Fundacion Produce Coahuila, A.C. and Jose Anotnio Recio Valedes of the Apple Growers Association requesting to become cooperators in NC-140.

Motion: Terrence made a motion that we accept the cooperators from Mexico, Greg Lang second.
Motion passed unanimously.

Future Meetings
2006 New Jersey, Win Cowgill will Chair and Host
2007 Colorado Ron Godin will Chair and Host
2008 Mexico Terrence Robinson will Chair and Raffell Parria will Host.
2009 Minnesota Emily Hoover will Chair and Host.

Ongoing plantings and publication progress
1998 pear Mielke; Terrence will speak to Steve Castagnoli, extension agent at Hood River about progress and report.
1994 apple Marini; Paul said the semi-dwarf publication had been accepted and the dwarf publication was submitted earlier this month.
1998 apple Robinson; proposed terminating at the end of 2006
1999 apple Autio; participants are to follow posted protocol.
2001 peach Reighard, data due Feb. 1, 2006 for 5 year report, will email protocol.
2002 peach Johnson, participants are to follow posted protocol.
2002 pears Mielke; Terrence will speak to Steve Castonova, extension agent at Hood River about progress and report.
2002 apples Autio, 5 year minimum to keep trial and have meaningful data.
2003 apples Marini: Report emailed to group.

Presentation
Dave Doud, a fourth generation orchardist gave a presentation on his familys orchard history.

Standing Committee Reports
Apple Terrance Robinson chair
Apple physiology trial: Discussed protocols, protocols on website, 2006 first crop load. Want to look at cropload/fruit size across sites.

Apple replant trial: examining genotype differences to determine susceptibility to apple replant disease.

2004 Pear Terrance reported he has 3 rootstocks in this trial.
2005 Pear Bartlett and Bosc trial.

History of NC-140 Win and Terrance will write with help from Paul and Ron Perry and will contact older members for input. Possibly publish in HortScience.

2002 Peach physiology Scott presented data from 2nd year.

Re-write Committee report: Wes reported they will use two steps to redevelop objectives and justification, due Sept. 15, 2006. Final proposal due Dec. 15, 2006.
Objectives: We must consider needs of nursery industry? Genaro will contact apple nurserymen and Greg R. will contact peach nurserymen.

Awards Committee Emily, USDA annual honor award, need suggestions.

Website Communication Committee: discussed the need to have APS pubs that pertain to NC-140 as PDF files on the NC-140 website.

Sub-committees:
Apple: no new planting planned until possibly 2007.
Cherry: 2006 physiology trial
2007 variety trial
2008 rootstock trial (dwarf and semi-dwarf and use G5 as control).

Report from the Administrative Advisor
Dr. Wendy Wintersteen called and discussed via speakerphone:
1. Mid-term review of NC-140 and title change (Wendy to send).
2. Need for participants to document collaborative research
3. Awards committee
4. Apple Technology road map:
a. Minor changes: consult Tom Buick, CREES Hort Director
b. Title change for project

Motion: Bob Anderson made a motion that NC-140 contact individual states that do not have representatives for NC-140 and were participating to appoint representatives (ID, VA & OR), we need to pursue through AES directors, Emily seconded. Motion was approved unanimously.

Future Plans:
Peach: Greg R. will have a list of available rootstocks at the 2006 meeting for 2009 planting.
Pear: Bob Anderson is retiring and we need to to find a new person to head.
Plum: Bob Anderson is retiring and we need to to find a new person to head.

Respectively submitted,
Ron Godin

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate the performance of pome-and stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments under different management regimes. To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, replicated, uniform trials were planned, conducted, and coordinated by NC-140 (see http://www.nc140.org/plantings.html for more details on planting design, rootstocks and locations). Several widely planted trials have been concluded in the last few years, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. Currently there are 11 multi-state coordinated plantings from which data are being collected. These comprise six apple, three peach and two cherry plantings. A brief summary of each as follows: 1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). 1999-Apple- discussion on how to tell when a tree is sick enough/dead and there fore not to take data. If its a general trend across the rootstock take data. Important thing is to take annual antidotal data and put in annual state reports. Need to know why trees die. 2001 Redtop/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC). Fourteen Prunus rootstock cultivars and selections were budded with Redhaven, Cresthaven, and Redtop. Vigorous rootstocks included BH-4 and SLAP (peach x almond hybrids), as well as Cadaman and peach seedling SC-17. Standard sized rootstocks were Lovell and Bailey seedlings. Semi-dwarfing rootstocks included Jaspi, Pumiselect, Hiawatha, Julior, P30-135, K146-43, K146-44, and VVA-1. Redhaven was planted in Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Ontario, and Utah; Cresthaven in Colorado, Texas, and Washington; and Redtop in California, Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina. For Colorado, Washington, and probably Texas, Redhaven, not Cresthaven, is the cultivar budded on Jaspi. Tree spacing was 5.0 m within rows and 6.0 m between rows. Fourth year data were summarized for 11 of the 12 locations. The largest trees continue to be those in California, Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina (Table 1). BH-4, SLAP, SC-17, Lovell, and Cadaman were the most vigorous rootstocks overall. Several rootstocks were significantly more vigorous than Lovell at a few sites, including Cadaman rootstocks in New Jersey, Ontario, Utah, and California. Jaspi, K146-43, K146-44, and VVA-1 continued to be the least vigorous, with trunk circumferences 30-40% less than those of Lovell. Overall, survival was lowest with Pumiselect and VVA-1. No rootstock had a significantly higher survival rate than Lovell at any location. 2002 Cresthaven/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA). The largest trees are consistently on Cadaman rootstock. These trees had the highest yield and survival rate. Trees growing on VVA-1 was the smallest tree and had small fruit, also had the largest number of root suckers. Pumiselect was the poorest performer, smallest fruit weight and poorest tree survival. Adesoto 101 had the largest fruit weight. 2002 Cresthaven Peach Physiology (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA). Uniform plantings have been established and are ready for treatments to be applied. 2006 Plans To test a fruit growth potential hypothesis and harvest prediction model. Fruit weight and soluble solids were influenced by average temperatures. Plans are to continue this trial to continue one more year. 2002 Buckeye Gala Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA). This report presents data from the 2004 (third) growing season of this trial. Over all sites in the core data set (Arkansas, British Columbia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York), rootstock significantly affected trunk cross-sectional area after three seasons. Specifically, P.14 resulted in the largest trees, followed by M.26 NAKB. The smallest trees were on B.9 Europe and B.9 Treco. After three seasons, trees on M.26 NAKB and M.26 EMLA had similar trunk cross-sectional area. Trees on the two B.9 strains likewise had similar trunk cross-sectional area. The three M.9 strains resulted in trees of similar trunk cross-sectional area. Yield efficiency was highest for the two B.9 strains and lowest for P.14 and Supporter 4. Fruit weight was not affected by rootstock in 2004. Of particular interest are the JM, the PiAu, and the CG rootstocks. After three seasons, CG.3041, CG.5935, JM.1, JM.7, and PiAu 51-11 appear to be in the M.9-size category; whereas, CG.3007, JM.2, PiAu 51-4, and PiAu 56-83 appear to be in the M.26 or larger category. 2006 season will be fifth growing season, height and width to be taken at the end of the season 2003 Golden Delicious Physiology (coordinated by R. Marini, VA). Orchards have been established and are growing well. Few rootstock differences have been observed to date, and trees are nearing the point where treatments can be imposed in 2006. 2003 Dwarf Apple Rootstock (coordinated by R. Marini, VA. Data were analyzed as a repeated generalized randomized block design with SASs Mixed Procedure. Block and tree (tree within a block) were designated as random effects. The site*rootstock interaction was significant for tree survival and for TCA. The Slice Option was used to test the hypothesis that rootstocks within each site were equal. All locations except CA and BC had good tree survival. The three rootstocks with the poorest survival included G.16, JM.1 and JM.7. Terrence Robinson led a discussion on the protocol for 2006. Focusing on having a rage of crop loads in 2006. We may do a study of final fruit cell count per treatment. 2004-2005 Pear Trials-T. Robinson reported-Gene Milke set up the trial but has retired. It was was established at limited sites. Oregon has assigned Steve Castognoli to take over pears in OR. T. Robinson will meet with him. The Fall back is to have Wes Autio to coordinate. Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks. New York State in cooperation with the USDA is working on techniques for the improved propagation of apple. Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks. New York State in cooperation with the USDA is working on techniques for the improved propagation of apple. Genero will survey nursery industry on their needs for rootstock propagation. Genero will meet informally with nurserymen at the IFTA at the February 2006 meeting in Hershey. Then we will have time to frame objective 2 for the rewrite. NJ was to investigate improving softwood and hardwood tissue cutting techniques (contact Joe Gofredda) Charlie Embry-Nova Scotia-reported on tissue culture with CG30 apple rootsotck-Genero has data summary to report, will forward to Win Cowgill Objective 3: To improve the ability to identify pome and stone fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical and genetic differences. Efforts are continuing to confirm the identity of Cornell-Geneva series rootstocks around the world through molecular methods (NY). Objective 4: To develop new and better pome and stone fruit roostocks through breeding and genetic engineering. Programs are underway in AR, CA, NY, OH and Ontario: -The Vineland series of apple rootstocks together with several standard rootstocks are under evaluation for fire blight resistance in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that wide differences in rootstock susceptibility exist. -An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. Geneva has released three M9 clones: G16-susceptable to latent viruses, vigorous early, settles down by year 6, grows late, may have winter freeze issues, but survived better than B9 in midwinter freeze G11-M9 size, excellent productivity, excellent in Europe, not immune from fire blight, but rather resistant. G41-one of the tops in yield efficiency, not a great rooter in stool bed, the solution is tissue culture.

Publications

Journal articles Autio, W. R.,T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M.Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2005. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh Apple Trees After 5 Years as Affected by Several Semidwarf Rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59:192-201. Autio, W. R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M.Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2005. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh Apple Trees After 5 Years as Affected by Several Dwarf Rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59:202-214. DeJong, T.M., R.S. Johnson, J.F. Doyle, A. Weibel, L. Solari, J. Marsel, B. Basile, D. Ramming and Dr. Bryla. 2004. Growth, yield and physiological behavior of size-controlling peach rootstocks developed in California. Acta Horticulturae 658:449-455. Elfving, D.C., Lang, G.A. and Visser, D.B. 2005. Effects of Prohexadione-Calcium and ethephon on growth and flowering of Bing sweet. Acta Horticulturae 667:439-446. Hampson, C.R., R.A. MacDonald, H.A. Quamme, D.-L. McKenzie and W.D. Lane. 2005. 8S6923' (Aurora Golden Gala") apple. HortScience 40(1):251-253. Kappel, F., G. Lang, L. Anderson, A. Azarenko, T. Facteau, A. Gaus, and S. Southwick. 2005. NC-140 Regional cherry rootstock trial (1998) results from western North America. Acta Horticulturae 667:223-232. Lang, G. A. 2005. Underlying principles of high density sweet cherry production. Acta Horticulturae 667:325-335. Miller, S.S., R.W. McNew, B.H. Barritt, L. Berkett, S.K. Brown, J.A. Cline, J.M. Clements, W.P. Cowgill, R.M. Crassweller, M.E. Garcia, D.W. Greene, G.M. Greene, C.R. Hampson, I. Merwin, D.D. Miller, R.E. Moran, C.R. Rom, T.R. Roper, J.R. Schupp and E. Stover. 2005. Effect of cultivar and site on fruit quality as demonstrated by the NE-183 regional project on apple cultivars. HortTechnology 15(4):886-895. Quamme, H.A., C.R. Hampson and P.L. Sholberg. 2005. Evaluation of scab (Venturia inaequalis) severity on 54 cultivars of apple in an unsprayed common planting. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 59(2): 79-90. Reighard, G., J. Anderson, R. Andersen, W. Autio, T. Beckman, T. Baker, R. Belding, G. Brown, P. Byers, W. Cowgill, D. Deyton, E. Durner, A. Erb, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, P. Hirst, M. Kaps, N. Miles, F. Morrison, S. Myers, D. Oullette, R. Perry, C. Rom, W. Shane, B. Taylor, K. Taylor, C. Walsh, and M. Warmund. 2004. Eight-year performance of 19 peach rootstocks at 20 locations in North America. Journal of the American Pomological Society 58:174-2002. Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Performance of elite Cornell Geneva apple rootstocks in long-term orchard trials on growers farms. Acta Hort. 658:221-229. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen, and S.A.Hoying. 2004. Performance of Gisela cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. Acta Hort. 658:231-240. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Developments in high density sweet cherry pruning and training systems around the world. Acta Hort. 667:269-272. Robinson, T.L., L. Anderson, A. Azarenko, B.H. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Green, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad and R.E. Marini. 2004. Performance of Cornell-Geneva rootstocks across North America in multi-locations NC-140 rootstock trials. Acta Horticultural 658:241-245.2 Sholberg, P.L., P. Randall and C.R. Hampson. 2005. Acetic acid fumigation of apple rootstocks and tree fruit scionwood to remove external microflora and potential plant pathogens. HortTechnology 15(3):591-596. Plant Patents DeJong, T., D. Ramming, S. Johnson and J. Doyle. 2004. Peach and nectarine rootstock names K146-43, United States Plant Patent No. PP15, 228. Oct. 12, 2004. DeJong, T., D. Ramming, S. Johnson and J. Doyle. 2004. Peach and nectarine rootstock names P30-135. United States Plant patent No. PP15, 225. Oct. 12, 2004. Abstracts: Fazio, G., H.S. Aldwinckle, T.L. Robinson, and J. Cummins. 2005. Geneva 41: A new fire blight resistant, dwarf apple rootstock. HortScience 40:1027 (Abstr.). Fazio, G., H.S. Aldwinckle, T.L. Robinson, and J. Cummins. 2005. Geneva 935: A new fire blight resistant, semi-dwarfing apple rootstock. HortScience 40:1027 (Abstr.). Lakso, A.N., D.W. Greene, and T.L. Robinson. 2005. Integration of environment, physiology and fruit abscission via carbon balance modeling Implications for understanding growth regulator response. 10th International Symposim on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production Abstracts. P. 80. Lakso, A.N., D.W. Greene, and T.L. Robinson, 2005. Interactions of environment and tree physiology with post bloom frit thinners: A carbon modeling approach. HortScience 40:960 (Abstr.). Lakso, A.N., D.W. Green, and T.L. Robinson. 2005. Integration of environment, physiology, and fruit abscission via carbon balance modeling Implications for understand growth regulator response. 10th Internationl Symposium on Plant Bioregulators inFruit Production Abstracts p 80. Lang, G., F. Kappel, R. Anderson, J. Cline, G. Greene, K. Kosola, R. Perry, T. Robinson, and S. Seeley. 2005. Mid-trial report of the NC-140 regional sour cherry rootstock (1998) in North America. 5th International Cherry Symposium Abstracts p. 90. Osborne, J.L., T.L. Robinson, R. Parra-Quezada. 2005. Chemical blossom thinning increases fruit size and crop value of Rising Star peach. 10th Internationl Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production Abstracts p 92. Parr-Quezada, R.A., T.L. Robinson, A.N. Lakso, J.L. Osborne and L.B. Parra-Bujanda. 2005. Temperature and chemical thinners affect frit growth and fruit set on Empire apple. 10th Internationl Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production Abstracts p 81. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Interaction of BA and NAA on cropload, fruit size and crop value. 10th Internationl Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production Abstracts p 72. Robinson, T. L. and C.B. Watkins. 2005. Effect of Retain and MCP on McIntosh fruit maturation and fruit quality after storage. 10th Internationl Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production Abstracts p 88. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Performance of Gisela rootstocks in six high-density sweet cherry training systems in Northeastern United States. 5th International Cherry Symposium Abstracts p. 21. Robinson, T.L, A.M. DeMarree and S.a. Hoying. 2005. Economic comparison of five high-density apple planting systems. HortScience 540: 1128 (Abstr.). Schupp, J.R., J.R. McFerson, and T.L. Robinson. 2005. Alternatives to fish oil for thinning apples with lime sulfur. HortScience. 40: 1117 (Abstr.). Other Publications Agnello, A.M., A. Landers, D.A. Rosenberger. T.L. Robinson, J.E. Carroll, L. Cheng, P.D. Curtis, D.I. Breth, and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Tree-Fruit Production 2005. Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Andersen, R.L., T.L. Robinson, and J. Freer. 2005. Sweet cherry rootstock trials at Geneva. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp18.1-18.2. Andersen, R.L., T.L. Robinson, and J. Freer. 2005. Tart cherry rootstock trials at Geneva. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp18.3. Andersen, R.L., T.L., Robinson, and J. Freer. 2005. Peach rootstock trials at Geneva. Proceedings of the Robert L. Anderson Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 18.4. Andersen, R.L., T.L., Robinson and J. Freer. 2005. Plum rootstock trials at Geneva. Proceedings of the Robert . Anderson L. Anderson Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 18.5. Andersen, R., T.L., Robinson, and J. Freer. 2005. Cherry Rootstocks Trials at Geneva. NY Fruit Quarterly 13(3):15-16. Andersen, R.L., J. Freer and T.L., Robinson. 2005. Peach Rootstock Trials At Geneva: A Progress report. NY Fruit Quarterly 13(4):in press. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. New dwarf apple rootstocks from the Geneva (NY) and Pillnitz (Germany) breeding programs The 1999 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center 1:47-48. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. How does G.16 differ from M.9? The 1998 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center 1:45-46. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. New semidwarf apple rootstocks from the Geneva (NY) and Pillnitz (Germany) breeding programs The 1999 NC- 140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center 1:49-50. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J.M. Clements. 2005. 1995 Massachusetts-Maine-Nova Scotia Scion/Rootstock Trial: Several rootstocks evaluated with McIntosh, Pioneer Mac, Cortland, and Macoun as scions. Fruit Notes 70:1-5. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J.M. Clements. 2005. 1996 McIntosh Rootstock Trial: A look at the Vineland rootstocks. Fruit Notes 70:6-7. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. 1998 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial: G.16 vs. M.9. Fruit Notes 70:8-9. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. 1999 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trail: New CG rootstocks, G.16, and Supporter 1, 2, and 3 versus M.9 (T337) and M.26 EMLA. Fruit Notes 70:10-11. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2005. 1999 NC-140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trail: CG.4814, CG.7707, G.30, and Supporter 4 versus M.26 EMLA and M.7 EMLA. Fruit Notes 70:12-13. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2005. 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial: B.9, M.9, and M.26 strains and new Polish and PiAu rootstocks. Fruit Notes 70:14. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2005. 2002 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial: Several new dwarfing rootstockscom pared to Lovell. Fruit Notes 70:15. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2005. 2003 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Physiology Trial: Do different rootstocks respond differently to crop load? Fruit Notes 70:17. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2005. Strains of B.9, M.9, andM.26 compared to new Polish and Pillnitz rootstocks The 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center 1:51-52. Clements, J.M. and W.R. Autio. 2005. G.16 produces trees larger than those on M.9 or B.9 The 2002 Massachusetts-New Jersey Cameo Rootstock. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research& Education Center 1:53. Cowgill, W. 2005. IDFTA Tours New Jersey Direct Markets Horticultural News, Vol. 85 (4) DeJong, T.M., R.S. Johnson, J.F. Doyle and D. Ramming. 2005. Research yields size-controlling rootstocks for peach production. California Agriculture 59(2):80-83. Domoto, P. 2005. Iowa planting of the 2003 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial. Annual Fruit/Vegetable Progress Report 2004. ISU Ext., FG-601:17-18. Hampson, C.R. 2005. There is a place for Zestar! British Columbia Fruit Grower 3(3): 22. Hampson, C.R. 2005. Introducing Nicola. British Columbia Fruit Grower 3(2):20,22. Hampson, C.R. 2005. Rootstock testing helps growers make good choices. British Columbia Fruit Grower 3(1):23-25. Hoying, S.A., T.L., Robinson, and R.L. Andersen. 2005. Should NY Growers Plant Higher-Density Peach Orchards? NY Fruit Quarterly 13(4): in press Hoying, S.A., T.L., Robinson, and R.L. Andersen. 2005. Performance of six high-density peach training systems in New York. Proceedings of the Robert L. Anderson Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 8.1-8.8. Hoying, S.A., T.L., Robinson, and RL. Andersen. 2005. Training and pruning young sweet cherries. Proceedings of the Robert L. Anderson Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 17.10. Hoying, S.A. T.L., Robinson, and R.L. Andersen. 2005. Protecting sweet cherries from rain cracking. Proceedings of the Robert L. Anderson Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp17.12-17-13. Hrotko, K. and T. Robinson. 2005. Eighth Intl symposium on integrating canopy, rootstock, and environmental physiology in orchard systems. Chronica Hort. 45 (2):35-36. Masabni, J.G., G.R. Brown, and D.E. Wolfe. 2005. Rootstock and Interstem Effects on Pome Fruit Trees. 2005 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication (in press). Osborne, J.L., T.L. Robinson, and R. Parra-Quezada. 2005. Chemical blossom thinning increases fruit size and crop value of Rising Star peach. Proc. Of the 2005 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. P 23. Robinson, T., G. Fazio, H. Aldwinckle and S. Hoying. 2004. Performance of the new Geneva® apple rootstocks in trials in the US. NZ and Europe. Compact Fruit Tree 37(3): 91-94. Robinson, T., G. Fazio, H. Aldwinckle, S. Hoying, K. Iungerman, and M. Fargione. 2004. Where do the Geneva ® apple rootstocks fit in New York state? NY Fruit Quarterly. 12(4):3-6. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Should New York apple growers move up to higher tree densities? Part 1. NY Fruit Quarterly. 13(1):27-31. Robinson, T. 2005. The need for a statewide fruit extension program. Proceedings of the 56th Annual Finger Lakes Grape Growers Convention. pp52-54. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Blossom thinning of apples. Lake Ontario Fruit Newsletter May 13, 2005. Robinson, T.L. 2005. Getting the most out of Retain® on apples. Lake Ontario Fruit Newsletter Aug. 15, 2005. Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Editorial: Thank you Bob Andersen. NY Fruit Quarterly. 13(3):1. Robinson, T.L. and S. Hoying. 2005. Initial tree quality affects apple tree yield and orchard economics. Compact Fruit Tree. 38(2):10-14. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying,. 2005. Performance of high density sweet cherry training systems in New York. Compact Fruit Tree. 38(special edition):24-28. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen, and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Performance of high density sweet cherry training systems in New York. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 7.1-7.10. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen, and S.A. Hoying. 2005 Performance of high density sweet cherry training systems in New York. NY Fruit Quarterly. 13(1):17-23. Robinson, T., R. Andersen, S. Hoying and O. Padilla-Zakour. 2005. The integrated system for producing high quality sweet cherries in NY. Station Notes Aug. 2005. Robinson, T., G. Fazio, and H. Aldwinckle. 2005. High-density orchards, dwarfing rootstocks more popular. The Fruit Grower News. 42 (2):24-27. Robinson, R.L., S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2005. High density sweet cherry training systems. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 17.1-17.9. Robinson, T.L. S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2005. Mature management of sweet cherries. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp 17.11. Robinson, T.L,, S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2005. Management of high density sweet cherry orchards. NY Fruit Quarterly 13(3):24-27. Robinson, T., J. Schup, M. Fargione, and J. Osborne. 2005. Maximizing Gala fruit size. Proc. Of the 2005 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. pp.14-17. Robinson, T., J. Schupp, M. Fargione, and J. Osborne. 2005. Growing large Gala apples. Compact Fruit Tree. 38(2):2-5. Extension publications Andersen, R. L. 2004. WhiteGold: a new white fleshed sweet cherry from Geneva. NY Fruit Quarterly 12(2):1 Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J. Clements. 2003. A comparison of six strains of M.9 over 10 years. Fruit Notes of New England 68 (2):22-25. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J. Clements. 2003. An early look at a few of the Geneva Series apple rootstocks in Massachusetts. Fruit Notes of New England 68(2):28-30. Autio, W.R. 2003. How does B.9 stack up compared to M.9. Fruit Notes of New England 68(2):31 Belding, R.D., W.P. Cowgill Jr., J.L. Frecon, G.C. Hamilton, J.R. Heckman, L.S. Katz, N. Lalancette, B.A. Majek, D. Polk, P.W. Shearer, W.H. Tietjen. 2004 "New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide." Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E002p, 165 total pages Carroll, J. and T. Robinson. 2004. The New York state apple IFP, our "most friendly practices". NY Fruit Quarterly.12(2):5-8. Cheng, L. and T. Robinson. 2004. Management of Nitrogen and carbohydrate reserves to improve growth and yield of apple trees. NY Fruit Quarterly.12(3):19-22. Masabni, J.G., G.R. Brown, and D.E. Wolfe. 2004. Rootstock and interstem effects on pome fruit trees. 2004. Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. University of Kentucky publication PR-504:36-38. Privé, J.-P. 2004. Apple rootstock research. Proc. from the NB Apple Grower meetings, Fredericton, N.B. Robinson, T. and W. Stiles. 2004. Fertigation of apple trees in humid climates. NY Fruit Quarterly.12(1):32-38. Robinson, T., G. Fazio, H. Aldwinckle and S. Hoying. 2004. Performance of the New Genevaè Apple Rootstocks in Trials in the US, NZ and Europe. Compact Fruit Tree 37(3):91-94. In Press: Autio W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard. 2006. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. Acta Hort. (in press) Autio W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard. 2006. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees on several semi-dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. Acta Hort. (in press) Autio W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees after 5 years as affected by Several Dwarf Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society (in press) Autio W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees after 5 years as affected by Several Dwarf Rootstock in the 1999 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society (in press) Lakso, A.N., T.L. Robinson and D.W. Greene. 2006. Integration of environment, physiology, and fruit abscission via carbon balance modeling Implications for understanding growth regulator response. Acta Hort. (in press) Marini, R., J. Cline, R. Perry, and T.L. Robinson. 2006. Adjusting average fruit weight for crop load. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. (submitted). Marini, R.P., J.L. Anderson, J.A. Barden, B.H. Barritt., G.R. Brown, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., P.A. Domoto, D.C. Ferree, R.M. Garner, G.M. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, M.M. Kushad, J. Masabni, E. Mielke, R. Moran, C.A. Mullins, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, J.P. Prive, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, T. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala on 4 semi-dwarf rootstocks: A ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf rootstock trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society (inpress) Marini, R.P., J,. L. Anderson, W.R. Autio, B.H. Barritt, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.M. Garner, A. Gauss, R. Godin, G.M. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, M.M. Kushad, E. Mielke, R. Morn, C.A. Mullins, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, J.P. Prive, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, R. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala on 18 Dwarfing Rootstocks Ten-Year Summary of the 1994 NC-140 rootstock trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society (in press) Osborne, J.L., T.L. Robinson, R. Parra-Quezada. 2006. Chemical blossom thinning increases fruit size and crop value of Rising Star peach. Acta Hort. (in press) Parra-Quezada, R.A., T.L. Robinson, J.L. Osborne, L.B. Parra-Bujanda and A.N. Lakso. 2006. Temperature and chemical thinner affect fruit set and growth of Empire apple. Acta Hort. (in press) Robinson, T. 2006. Recent advances and future directions in orchard planting systems. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T. 2006. Effect of tree density and tree shape on light interception, tree growth, yield and economic performance of apples. Acta hort. (in press) Robinson, T.L. 2006. Interaction of fertilization, rootstock and irrigation on growth, thinning efficiency, yield and fruit quality of Empire apple. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T. 2006. Interaction of Benzyladenine and Naphtaleneacetic Acid on fruit set, fruit size and crop value of twelve apple varieties. Acta hort. (in press) Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Performance of six high-density cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying, 2006. Performance of six high-density peach training systems in the northeastern United States. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T.L. R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Performance of Gisela rootstocks in six high-density sweet cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T.L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, d. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, r. Perry, t. Roper and M. Warmund. 2006. A multi-location comparison of Geneva 16, Geneva 41 and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T. L. A. M. DeMarree and s.A. Hoying. 2006. An economic comparison of five high-density apple planting systems Acta Hort (in press) Robinson, T.L. C.B. Watkins, S.A. Hoying, J.F. Nock and KI. Iungerman. 2006. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine and 1 Methylcyclopropene effects on McIntosh preharvest drop, fruit maturation and fruit quality after storafe. Acta Hort (in press) Presentations Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple on several semi-dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Hirst, P.M., W.R. Autio, J.A. Barden, and R.P. Marini. 2004. Precocity and productivity of apple as affected by cultivar, rootstock and growing location. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Privé, J.-P. 2004. Summer and winter pruning apple trees can reduce cold hardiness. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T. 2004. Recent advances and future directions in orchard planting systems. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T. 2004. Effect of tree density and tree shape on light interception, tree growth, yield and economic performance of apples. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Performance of six high density cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.. L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper and M. Warmund 2004. A multi-location comparison of Geneva 16, Geneva 41 and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Robinson, T.L., A.M. DeMarree and S.A. Hoying. 2004. Economic comparison of five high density apple planting systems. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Extension Presentations Autio, W.R. Current rootstock research 1999 NC-140 Dwarf & Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trials. July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Autio, W.R. Current rootstock research 1995 Massachusetts/Maine/Nova Scotia Cultivar-Rootstock Trial. July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Autio, W.R. Current rootstock research 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. July 14, 2004, Belchertown, MA. 110 in attendance. Cowgill, W.P. 2005. NC-140 Rootstock Trial Results. North Jersey Fruit Meeting, March 2005; Broadway, NJ, 85 attendees, growers Cowgill, W.P. 2005. Tour of NC-140 Rootstock Trials. North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, April, 2005; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ, 48 attendees, growers Cowgill, W.P. 2005. Observations of Fruit of NC-140 Rootstock Trials. North Jersey Horticultural Research Twilight Mtg., September, 2005; Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ, 82 attendees, organic and conventional growers Domoto, P. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day, 12 July 2004, ISU Horticulture Farm, Ames, IA. Grower attendance 90. Ferree, D. 2004. Performance of NC-140 rootstock trials in Ohio. Winter meetings Ohio Fruit Growers Society. Hirst, P.M. 2003. Apple rootstocks: which is best and what is right for you? Indiana Horticultural Congress. Attendance: 70. Iowa Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Conference. 2 Dec. 2004, Rock Island, IA. Building a base Characteristics of apple rootstocks. (Attendance 90). Iowa Master Gardener Field Day. 26 Aug. 2005, ISU Horticulture Farm, Ames, IA. Apple rootstock research and trainings systems (Attendance 160) Myers, S. 2004. NC-140 Rootstock Trials in Ohio. Summer Tour, Ohio Fruit Growers Society, Wooster, OH. South Jersey Field Day and Tour, August 2005; RAREC, Upper-Deerfield, NJ, 160 Attendees, Growers, Industry and Extension personnel.

Impact Statements

The NC-140 project is recognized internationally as a leading source of comprehensive, unbiased data on field performance of tree fruit rootstocks.
The NC140 website has become a significant tool for extension outreach and dissemination of research results. In 2005 over 31,800 page hits were received averaging 87 per day. Visitors from over 81 countries were logged. 47% of page hits originated in the US. The 2004 annual report and meeting minutes accounted for over 20% of the page hits followed by the MA sate report at 8% and the rewrite proposal at 7%.
Plant Patents DeJong, T., D. Ramming, S. Johnson and J. Doyle. 2004. Peach and nectarine rootstock names K146-43, United States Plant Patent No. PP15, 228. Oct. 12, 2004. DeJong, T., D. Ramming, S. Johnson and J. Doyle. 2004. Peach and nectarine rootstock names P30-135. United States Plant patent No. PP15, 225. Oct. 12, 2004.

Date of Annual Report: 12/19/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/06/2006 - 11/07/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 10/01/2006

Participants

Please see annual meeting minutes, available on the NC-140 web-site:
Http://www.nc140.org.

The address of the listserv for participants is: http://www.nc140@virtualorchard.net.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see annual meeting minutes, available on the NC-140 web-site: http://www.nc140.org/ .

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate the performance of pome-and stone-fruit rootstocks in various environments under different management regimes.       To evaluate the performance of rootstock material in different climatic and edaphic environments, replicated, uniform trials were planned, conducted, and coordinated by NC-140 (see <a href="http://www.nc140.org/plantings.html" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single"> http://www.nc140.org/plantings.html</a> for more details on planting design, rootstocks and locations). Several widely planted trials have been concluded in the last few years and some conclude in 2006, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. Currently there are 17 multi-state coordinated plantings from which data are being collected. These comprise seven apple, four cherry, three peach and three pear plantings. A brief summary of each as follows:   1998 Apple (Coordinated by Terence Robinson, NY).        T. Robinson told the group that 2006 would be the final year for this study.  He requested final data be sent to him by March 1, 2007 and that the death of trees in the study be explained where possible.   1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA).       1999-Apple Annual report and a data collection protocol for 2007 were distributed by W. Autio.  Cooperators were asked to measure tree leaning (as degrees from vertical) in the Semi-dwarf trial.  These data should be reported for 2006 as well as 2007.  The 2006 data should be sent to Wes by Jan. 15, 2007.       In the dwarf rootstock trial, rootstock did not affect fruit yield or yield efficiency for Fuji, but did so for McIntosh.  Rootstock did affect fruit size in Fuji, but not McIntosh in 2005.  Root suckering was much more prominent with Fuji as the scion cultivar than with McIntosh as the scion.  Interactions of rootstock and site were significant for trunk crossectional area (TCA), cumulative fruit yield/tree, cumulative yield efficiency, and average fruit weight; interactions for survival were not analyzed but are expected to be the most notable.       In the semidwarf trial, data for Fuji were available only from three states, compared to seven states for McIntosh.  Semidwarfing rootstocks did affect fruit yield for both Fuji and McIntosh, but did not affect yield efficiency or average fruit weight for Fuji.  Semidwarfing rootstocks did affect yield efficiency, but not average fruit weight, for McIntosh.   2001 Redtop/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by G. Reighard, SC).        Fourteen Prunus rootstock cultivars and selections were budded with Redhaven, Cresthaven, and Redtop. Vigorous rootstocks included BH-4 and SLAP (peach x almond hybrids), as well as Cadaman and peach seedling SC-17. Standard sized rootstocks were Lovell and Bailey seedlings. Semi-dwarfing rootstocks included Jaspi, Pumiselect, Hiawatha, Julior, P30135, K146-43, K146-44, and VVA-1. Redhaven was planted in Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Ontario, and Utah; Cresthaven in Colorado, Texas, and Washington; and Redtop in California, Georgia, Maryland, and South Carolina. For Colorado, Washington, and probably Texas, Redhaven, not Cresthaven, is the cultivar budded on Jaspi. Tree spacing was 5.0 m within rows and 6.0 m between rows.       A 5-year report was distributed by G. Reighard; cooperators were asked to check their data & report errors to him ASAP.  A paper will be submitted in January, 2007 to the Journal of Am. Pom. Soc.  All data for 2006 should be sent to him by Feb. 1, 2007.     2002 Cresthaven/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA).       Eight different peach rootstocks were planted at 18 different sites in 2002; the scion was either Redhaven or Cresthaven.  Much variability was found among the different sites with regard to production yield.  Adesto 101, MRS 2/5, Penta and Cadaman all had slightly larger fruit weight than the Lovell control; VVA-1 and Pumiselect had slightly smaller fruit weight, and VSV-1 had the smallest fruit weight in the trial.  All the rootstocks had more suckering than the control rootstock (Lovell, 0.4/tree); Cadaman had the least and VSV-1 the most suckers/tree (2.6 and 17.5, respectively).  Only Cadaman (94%) survived as well as the control rootstock, Lovell (93%); Pumiselect had the worst survival rate (64%).       S. Johnson reminded participants that it is time to prepare the 5-year report and asked participants to measure canopy height & spread, to explain why any tree failed, and to note any obvious reason for suckering (winter damage to the scion, incompatibility with scion, genetic issues, etc.).  Data is to be submitted to him by Jan. 15, 2007.   2002 Cresthaven Peach Physiology (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA).       Cresthaven/Lovell trees were planted in eight locations in 2002; five of the locations collected data in 2004 and 2005, and six locations collected data in 2006.  The purpose of the study was to determine environmental factors affecting harvest date, fruit weight, and soluble solids content.  Considerable variation was found in all parameters measured.  Preliminary evaluations indicated strong relationships between some of the parameters; average fruit weight increased with days between bloom and harvest, but average fruit weight and soluble solids content decreased with average temperature for the 60 days after bloom.  Also, the days from bloom to harvest decreased with the average temperature for 60 days after bloom.  Further work is planned to confirm these relationships.   2002 Buckeye Gala Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA).       This report presents data from the 2005 (fourth) growing season of this trial. Over all sites in the core data set (Arkansas, British Columbia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York), rootstock significantly affected trunk cross-sectional area after three seasons. Specifically, P.14 resulted in the largest trees, followed by Supporter & M.26 NAKB. The smallest trees were on B.9 Europe and B.9 Treco. After four seasons, trees on M.26 NAKB and M.26 EMLA had similar trunk cross-sectional area. Trees on the two B.9 strains likewise had similar trunk cross-sectional area. The three M.9 strains resulted in trees of similar trunk cross-sectional area. Yield efficiency was highest for the two B.9 strains and lowest for P.14.  In 2005, M.9 Burgmer 756 resulted in larger fruit than did B.9 Europe; the largest fruit was from trees on M.9 Burgmer 756 and the smallest from trees on P.14.  No differences were found in fruit size for trees on B.9 strains, the M.26 strains, and the other M.9 strains of rootstock.  Of particular interest are the JM, the PiAu, and the CG rootstocks.  After four seasons, G.41, CG.5935, JM.1, JM.7, and PiAu 51-11 appear to be in the M.9-size category; whereas, CG.3007, JM.2, PiAu 51-4, and PiAu 56-83 appear to be in the M.26 or larger category.       This year completes 5 years for this trial and additional data on tree height, spread, and burrknots should be collected according to the protocol.  Cooperators were asked by T. Robinson to carefully review the data for each tree on JM1, JM2, JM7, CG.3007, G.935, and P.14 to determine if there are any super-dwarfing trees (all should be semidwarfing or semivigorous); there appears to be some mislabeling for some of these.  Once data are corrected for mistaken rootstocks, they should be sent to W. Autio by Jan. 1, 2007 with a note explaining which trees were identified with the wrong rootstock.   2002 Cameo apple trial (coordinated by J. Clements, ME & W. Cowgill, NJ)       A semi-formal NC-140 planting of Cameo apple on three dwarfing rootstocks (G.16, M.9-337, and B.9) was established in 2002 in Massachusetts and New Jersey.  All trees are trickle irrigated and trained to a vertical axis.  Annual measurements of trunk circumference, tree height & spread (2006 only), suckering, fruit yield (beginning 2003), and fruit size (NJ only 2004-2005) have been made.  The study is projected to continue for another five growing seasons.  A 5-year summary of the trial will be published this winter (2006-07).   2002 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)       The study was planted in CA, OR, WA, and WV and is not a uniform trial.  Each state had different varieties and rootstocks.  There has been no coordination of data yet, but Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.   2003 Golden Delicious Physiology (coordinated by R. Marini, VA).       In 2006 all sites had good tree survival (at least 80%); survival was not influenced by site or rootstock.  The interaction of site * rootstock was significant for TCA, but TCA was affected significantly by rootstock only at IA, MA, ME, NJ, and ONT; at all those locations, trees on T337 had the smallest trunks.  In 2006 crop load was adjusted to specific levels for each tree; fruit was harvested at only eight sites, but yield was reported only for six locations.  Both site and rootstock affected yield, but the interaction was not significant.  In general, G16 produced the most fruit and had the highest yields; NJ harvested the most fruit.  Crops were quite light, so average fruit weight was not considered to be very meaningful.  The largest fruit were reported for UT.       R. Marini distributed a report for 2006 and protocol for 2007.  Sites that were not able to impose different croploads in 2006 due to light bloom and set should impose the range on croploads on their trees in 2007.  Sites that imposed different croploads in 2006 should measure return bloom on each tree according to the specified protocol and then thin all of the trees to a low cropload (3 fruits/cm2 TCA) soon after bloom.  All 2006 data still outstanding should be forwarded to R. Marini by Mar. 1, 2007.   2003 Dwarf Apple Rootstock (coordinated by R. Marini, VA).       Data were analyzed as a repeated generalized randomized block design with SASs Mixed Procedure. Block and tree (tree within a block) were designated as random effects. TCA was significantly influenced by rootstock at all locations.  All locations except AR and possibly KY had good tree survival. Rootstock G.16 had the poorest survival.  Number of fruit / tree and yield varied with site and with rootstock.   2004 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)       Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.  The study was planted in OR, NY, and NS and is a uniform trial.   2005 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)       Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.  The trial was planted in OR, WA, and NY.   1998 Cherry (coordinated by G. Lang, MI)       Sweet cherry   the eastern and western sweet cherry studies will be terminated at the end of this year (2006).  All data for the western study should be sent to Frank Kappel by Jan. 15, 2007, and all data for the eastern study should be sent to Greg Lang by the same date.       Tart cherry   the eastern tart cherry study will continue for one more year (until the end of 2007).  All data for 2006 should be sent to Greg Lang by Jan. 15, 2007.   2006 Apple Replant Study (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY)       This trial was planted in 10 locations and includes 12 rootstocks.  T. Robinson distributed the protocol for 2007 and requested that cooperators measure total lateral shoot growth on all trees (the earlier protocol only requested shoot length of five laterals) to enable calculation of total shoot growth per tree.  Trees are to be left unpruned or minimally pruned; however, if leader growth is more than 1 m, then the leader can be headed by 1/3.  The protocol was amended (by agreement) to allow cropping of the trees in the second year, but they should be thinned to no more than five fruits/cm2 TCA.  Final data for 2006 is to be sent to T. Robinson by March 1, 2007. 2006 Cherry Physiology Study (coordinated by G. Lang, MI)       This trial, planted in four locations (CA, MI, NY, & WA), has Rainer on Gi.5 and will study the effect of management (pruning & thinning) on fruit size in four distinct climates.  Other locations were also interested, but trees could only be found for four locations.  Trees for additional sites will be planted in 2007 or 2008.  A protocol will be developed for 2007 and distributed to participants.    Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks.       New York State, in cooperation with the USDA, continues to work on techniques for the improved propagation of apple.       NJ was to investigate improving softwood and hardwood tissue cutting techniques (contact Joe Gofredda).   Objective 3: To improve the ability to identify pome and stone fruit rootstocks through morphological, biochemical and genetic differences.       Efforts are continuing to confirm the identity of Cornell-Geneva series rootstocks around the world through molecular methods (NY).   Objective 4: To develop new and better pome and stone fruit roostocks through breeding and genetic engineering.       Programs are underway in AR, CA, NY, OH and Ontario:       -The Vineland series of apple rootstocks together with several standard rootstocks are under evaluation for fire blight resistance in Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that wide differences in rootstock susceptibility exist.       -An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections.       Geneva has released three M9 clones:       G16-susceptable to latent viruses, vigorous early, settles down by year 6, grows late, may have winter freeze issues, but survived better than B9 in midwinter freeze       G11-M9 size, excellent productivity, excellent in Europe, not immune from fire blight, but rather resistant.       G41 one of the tops in yield efficiency, not a great rooter in stool bed, the solution is tissue culture.   Field Tour Win Cowgill led an excellent and interesting tour of his plots at the Snyder Research Farm. The tour also included an overview and exhibit of equipment used in the Sprayer Application Technology Training workshops presented by John Grande, Director of the Snyder Research & Extension Farm.   COMMITTEE  REPORTS: Rewrite Committee  -- Current project to expire September 2007. Wes Autio, Chair. The new proposal must be uploaded to NIMMS website by Dec. 1, 2006. The name for the project has been revised per suggestions in the midterm review; the new name is  Economic and Environmental Sustainability and Fruit Tree Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use.       Any changes need to be forwarded to Wes by Nov. 15, 2006. Changes suggested by meeting participants included: <blockquote> <ol> <li> Addition of plum rootstock work to Objective </li> <li> Addition of propagation work to Objective </li> <li> Inclusion of work by USDA cooperating scientist under planned work, especially in Objectives 1 3.</li> </ol> </blockquote>       The new proposal draft (with the above changes) was agreed to by meeting participants and the committee chair and participants were commended unanimously for their work.   Administrative Advisor Report       Dr. Wendy Weatherspoon-administrator advisor reported to the group via conference call and discussed the new NC-140 proposal. She made several suggestions earlier to the Rewrite Committee Chair, Wes Autio, that included strengthening the impact section. She outlined the procedures for review and approval of the new proposal once it is submitted.   Future Plans   WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR       Existing plantings will be maintained and data collection will continue according to protocols developed by the respective technical committees. Planting coordinators will analyze and summarize data from the various sites for each coordinated planting, and will lead in writing 5 year progress reports and 10 year final reports for publication. Technical committees will develop schedules of new promising rootstocks that merit broad testing, then prepare for trees to be propagated for future plantings.    Apple Planting Committee Report (T. Robinson, Ch.)       Plans were made to proceed with propagation of a smaller rootstock planting in 2009 (six new rootstocks, primarily new Russian stocks and four controls) with Honeycrisp and Auvil Early Fuji as the scions.  Those who want to plant this trial must commit before Feb.1, 2007 (those not at the meeting must contact T. Robinson before that date and indicate which scion variety they want).  W. Autio will coordinate the data for this trial.       Plans also were made to proceed with propagation of a larger rootstock planting in 2010 (15 new rootstocks, primarily new Geneva and Malling stocks and four controls) with Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious as the scions.  Those who waht to plant this trial must commit before Feb. 1, 2008 (those not at the meeting must contact T. Robinson before that date and indicate which scion variety they want).   Cherry Committee Report (G. Lang, Ch.)       The 1998 tart cherry trial will end in 2007 (tenth season).       The trees from the 1998 sweet cherry trial that ended in 2006 will be used for a study to determine the interaction of pruning and rootstock on fruit size.  A new rootstock trial being planned to look at interactions between dwarfing rootstocks and management; proposed stocks would include Gi.5, Gi.6, Edabriz and Wi72.       A second new rootstock trial also is being looked at for the PiKu stocks, Gi.12 and the best stocks from the 1998 trial.  No date for planting this trial has been set yet.   Peach Committee Report (G. Reighard, Ch.)       A 2009 planting with 10 new rootstocks (to include Kuban86, Tetra, UC-Davis clones and, if possible, Zaiger clones) is being planned.   Pear Committee Report (S. Castagnoli, Ch.)       The Pear Committee restructured itself to have two coordinators: an accession/acquisition coordinator (still to be identified) and a trial/data coordinator (S. Castagnoli, OR, agreed to serve for the European pears) for each trial.  The group will work on both European and Asian pears (coordinator for Asian pears still to be identified).  Inclusion of Asian pears is hoped to attract new cooperators in the future.       A new European trial is being planned for 2009.  Potential cooperators include BC, CHIH, MA, MD, NJ, NS, NY, ONT, OR, WA, & CO.  Scion cultivars will vary with location; OR & WA will use Anjou, CA will use Bartlett, and eastern locations will use Blakes Pride.  The trial will be propagated at Adams County Nursery or Fowler Nursery.   Plum and Apricot Committees did not meet, looking for a new cooperators to take the lead.

Publications

Refereed Journal articles: Autio, W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard, 2005. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees after 5 years as affected by several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 59(4):202-214. Autio, W., T. Robinson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard, S. Seeley and M. Warmund. 2005. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees after 5 years as affected by several semidwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 59(4):192-201. Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2005. Fuji and McIntosh apple tree performance after 5 years as affected by several dwarfing rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59: 202-214. Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2005. Fuji and McIntosh apple tree performance after 5 years as affected by several semidwarfing rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59:192-201. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. G.16 versus M.9 in the 1998 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):7-8. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. New CG rootstocks, G.16, and Supporter 1, 2, and 3 versus M.9 and M.26 EMLA in the 1999 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):9-10. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. CG.4814, CG.7707, G.30, and Supporter 4 versus M.26 EMLA and M.7 EMLA in the 1999 NC-140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):12-13. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2006. B.9, M.9, and M.26 strains and new Polish and PiAu rootstocks in the 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):14-15. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2006. Several new dwarfing rootstocks compared to Lovell in the 2002 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):16-17. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J.M. Clements. 2006. A comparison of Vineland Apple Rootstocks and M.26 EMLA in the 1996 McIntosh Rootstock Trials. Fruit Notes 71(1):5-6. Clements, J.M and W.R. Autio. 2006. G.16 versus M.9 and B.9 in the 2002 Massachusetts-New Jersey Cameo Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):11. Fazio, G., Aldwinckle, H.S., McQuinn, R.P. and Robinson, T.L. 2006. Differential susceptibility to fire blight in commercial and experimental apple rootstock cultivars. Acta Hort. 704:527-530 Gut, L.J., P.H. McGhee and R.L. Perry. 2005 Soil mounding as a control for Dogwood borer in apple. HortScience 40(7):2066-2070. Lang, G.A. 2006. Cherry rootstock. Pp. 1109-1110 in Clark, J.R. and C.E. Finn. Register of New Fruit and Nut Cultivars: List 43. HortScience 41(5):1101-1133. LoGiudice, N., Aldwinckle, H.S., Robinson, T.L. and Fazio, G. 2006. The nature of resistance of the ´B.9´ apple rootstock to fire blight. Acta Hort. 704:515-520. Marini, R.P., J.L. Anderson, J.A. Barden, B.H. Barritt, G.R. Brown, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., P.A. Domoto, D.C. Ferree, R.M. Garner, G.M. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, M.M. Kushad, J. Masabni, E. Mielke, R. Moran, C.A. Mullins, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, J.P. Privé, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, T. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala on four semi-dwarf rootstocks: A ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf rootstock trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 60:58-68. Marini, R.P., J.L. Anderson, W.R. Autio, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.M. Crassweller, P.A. Domoto, D.C. Ferree, J. Garner, A. Gaus, G.M. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, M.M. Kushad, E. Mielke, C.A. Mullins, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, J.P. Privé, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, T.R. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala apple on 18 dwarf rootstocks: Ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 Dwarf Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 60:69-83. Moran, R.E. 2006. Growth and yield improvement of newly planted Honeycrisp apple trees with preplant soil amendments and rootstocks. HortScience 41:983 (abstract). Pernice, F., L. Solari, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Comparison of growth potentials of epicormic shoots of nectarine trees grown on size-controlling and vigorous rootstocks. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotechnology 81:211-218. Reighard, G.L., T. Beckman, R. Belding, B. Black, J. Cline, W. Cowgill, R. Godin, M. Kaps, T. Lindstrom, D. Ouellette, L. Stein, K. Taylor, C. Walsh, M. Whiting and T. Robinson. 2006. Performance of Prunus Rootstocks in the 2001 NC-140 Peach Trial. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):327-333. Robinson, T.L. 2006. Interaction of fertilization, rootstock and irrigation on growth, thinning efficiency, yield and fruit quality of 'Empire' apple. Acta Hort. 721:41-48. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Performance of six high-density peach training systems in the northeastern United States. Acta Hort. 713:311-320. Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying, and R.L. Andersen. 2006. Performance of dwarfing cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):113-122. Robinson, T.L., G. Fazio, H.S. Aldwinckle, S.A. Hoying, and N. Russo. 2006. Field performance of Geneva® apple rootstocks in the USA. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):181-191. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, A/ Azarenko, B. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Marini, R. Moran, C. Johnson, M. Parker, G. Reighard, R. Perry, J.P. Privé, C. Rom, T. Roper, J. Schupp, M. Warmund, W. Autio, W. Cowgill, K. Taylor, D. Wolfe. 2004. Performance Of Cornell-Geneva Rootstocks in Multi-Location NC-140 Rootstock Trials Across North America. Acta Hort. 658:241-245. Solari, L.I. and T.M. DeJong. 2006. The effect of root pressurization on water relations, shoot growth, and leaf gas exchanges of peach (Prunus persica) trees on rootstocks with differing growth potential and hydraulic conductance. J. Experimental Botany 57:1981-1989. Solari, L.I., S. Johnson, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Relationship of water status to vegetative growth and leaf gas exchange of peach (Prunus persica) trees on different rootstocks. Tree Physiology 26:1333-1341. Solari, L.I., S. Johnson, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Hydraulic conductance characteristics of peach (Prunus persica) trees on different rootstocks are related to biomass production and distribution. Tree Physiology 26:1343-1350. Song, G.-Q. and Sink, K.C. 2006. Transformation of Montmorency sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 6 (P. cerasus H P. canescens) cherry rootstock mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plant Cell Reports 25:117-23. Non-Refereed Journal Articles: Agnello, A.M., A. Landers, D.A. Rosenberger, T.L. Robinson, J.E. Carroll, L. Cheng, P.D. Curtis, D.I. Breth, and S.A Hoying. 2006. Pest management guidelines for commercial tree-fruit production 2006. Cornell University, Ithaca NY Andersen, R.L., J. Freer and T.L., Robinson. 2006. Plum Rootstocks Trials At Geneva: A Progress Report. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(1):27-28 Autio, W.R. and R.P. Marini. 2005. NC-140 Trial coordination, data analysis, and results summary. Compact Fruit Tree 38(3):26-27. Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Comparison of several semi dwarf rootstocks with Fuji and McIntosh as cultivars: 1999 NC140 semi dwarf apple rootstock trials. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):24-27. Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L, Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Comparison of several dwarf rootstocks with Fuji and McIntosh as cultivars: 1999 NC140 semi dwarf apple rootstock trials. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):28-32. Carroll, J.E., T.L. Robinson, D.I. Breth, S.A. Hoying, A.N. Lakso, A.M. Agnello, A.J. Landers, J.P. Nyrop, W.H. Reissig, R.W. Straub, M.J. Fargione, P.D. Curtis, D.A. Rosenberger, K.A. Iungerman, L. Cheng, I. A. Merwin, C.B. Watkins. 2006. New York integrated fruit production protocol for apples. New York Food and Life Sciences Bulletin 158, Cornell University, Geneva, NY Cheng, L., T.L. Robinson. 2006. Zonal chlorosis of Honeycrisp leaves: Causes and Implications. Compact Fruit Tree 39(1):28-29. Lang, G. 2006. Will VCHERRY be the sharpest pruning tool in your shed? Compact Fruit Tree 39(2):7-9. Robinson, T.. L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper and M. Warmund 2006. A multi-location comparison of Geneva® 16, Geneva® 41 and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. Compact Fruit Tree 39(2):22-23 Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2006. High-density peach training systems for NY fruit growers. Proc. of the 2006 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. p 32-35. Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2006. The integrated system of growing high quality sweet cherries in the east. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):6-10. Robinson. T.L., S.A. Hoying and G.L. Reginato. 2006. The Tall Spindle apple planting system. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(2)21-28. Russo, N.L., T. Robinson, G. Fazio and H. Aldwinckle. 2006. Rootstock blight in apple. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(3):11-15. Abstracts: Fazio, G., H.S. Aldwinckle, T.L. Robinson, and J. Cummins. 2005. Geneva 41: A new fire blight resistant, dwarf apple rootstock. HortScience 40:1027 (Abstr.). Lopez-Cuevas, S. and T.L. Robinson 2006. Effect of crop load, irrigation, and fertilization on yield and postharvest bitter pit incidence of 'Honeycrisp' Apple. HortScience 41: 1030 (Abstr.) Osborne, J.L. and T.L. Robinson 2006. Chemical blossom thinning on Prunus in New York. HortScience 41: 995 (Abstr.) Reginato, G.H., T.L. Robinson and V. Garcia de Cortazar. 2006. Predicted crop value for a cling peach and three nectarines of different harvest seasons as a function of crop load. HortScience 41: 995 (Abstr.) Robinson, T.L. 2006. Optimum fruit size and yield to maximize crop value of Gala apple. HortScience 41: 982 (Abstr.) Robinson, T.L. 2006. The evolution towards more competitive apple orchard systems in the USA. 27th International Horticulture Congress Program p73 Robinson, T.L. 2006. Effect of pruning, fertilization, chemical thinning and irrigation on Gala apple fruit size, color and crop value. 27th International Horticulture Congress Abstracts p106. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Performance of dwarfing cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. International scientific conference on fruit tree rootstocks for temperate zone: Biological, ecological and technological aspects, Abstracts p.28. Robinson, T.L., G. Fazio, H.S. Aldwinckle, and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Field performance of Geneva® apple rootstocks in the USA. International scientific conference on fruit tree rootstocks for temperate zone: Biological, ecological and technological aspects, Abstracts p.38. Robinson T.L. 2006. Optimum fruit size and yield to maximize crop value. 2006 Great Lakes Fruit Workers Meeting. Abstracts pp.19-20. Other Publications: Agnello, A.M., A. Landers, D.A. Rosenberger. T.L. Robinson, J.E. Carroll, L. Cheng, P.D. Curtis, D.I. Breth, and S.A. Hoying. 2005. Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Tree-Fruit Production 2005. Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Andersen, R.L., T.L. Robinson, and J. Freer. 2005. Sweet cherry rootstock trials at Geneva. Proceedings of the Robert L. Andersen Stone Fruit Symposium. Cornell University, Geneva, NY pp18.1-18.2. Domoto, P. 2006. Iowa planting of the 2003 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept. 2005, ISRF05-36:43-44. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial. pages 23-24 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2001 Peach Rootstock Trial. pages 25-26 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2002 Peach Rootstock Trial. page 27 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Extension publications: Domoto, P. 2006. Apple rootstock research update. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference. Jan. 27 2006, Marshalltown, IA. (Attendance 90). Domoto, P. 2006. Apple rootstock research and training systems. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Field Day. Jun. 19, 2006, ISU Horticulture Farm, Ames, IA. (Attendance 70). Kosola, K.R. 2006. Options for managing apple replant disease. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, 1/10/06, Oconomowoc, WI. Lokaj, G, W.P. Cowgill Jr., J.L. Frecon, G.C. Hamilton, J.R. Heckman, L.S. Katz, N. Lalancette, B.A. Majek, D. Polk, P.W. Shearer, W.H. Tietjen. 2007. "New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide." Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E001. Moran, R. 2006. Horticultural Requirements of Apple Trees. Waterville, ME, March 28, 2006. Newell, M. J. 2006. NC140 Peach Rootstock Update. Presented at: 2006 Annual Bay Area Fruit Meeting, Queenstown, MD (attn. 40). Stasiak, M.J. 2006. Apple rootstocks for Wisconsin. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, 1/10/06, Oconomowoc, WI. In Press: Autio W., T. Robinson, L. Anderson, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, E, Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M. Parker, R. Perry, G. Reighard. 2006. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. Acta Hort. (in press) Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Acta Hort. In press. Autio, W.R., T.L. Robinson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, R.S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, S.D. Seeley, and M. Warmund. 2006. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees on several semi dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Acta Hort. In press. Kosola, K.R., J.H. Gilman, B.A.A. Workmaster, J.S. Busse. 200X. Sampling damage to tree fine roots: comparing air excavation and hydropneumatic elutriation. Submitted to HortScience. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, W. Autio, B. Barritt, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, W. Cowgill, C. Embree, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, G. Greene, C. Hampson, K. Kosola, M. Parker, R. Perry, T. Roper, and M. Warmund. 2006. A multi-location comparison of Geneva 16, Geneva 41, and M.9 apple rootstocks across North America. Acta Hort. In press. Song, G-Q., G.A. Lang, S.V. Dolgov, and K.C. Sink. 2006. Cherries. in R. Scorza and T.C. Hall (eds.), The transgenics: encyclopedia of biotech plants, Vol. 5, Blackwell Publishing (in press). Presentations: Autio, W.R., J.L. Anderson, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, R.M. Crassweller, C.G. Embree, D.C. Ferree, M.E. Garcia, G.M. Greene, E.E. Hoover, S. Johnson, K. Kosola, J. Masabni, M.L. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T.L. Robinson, and M. Warmund. 2004. Early performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple on several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. VIII International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems, ISHS, Hungary. Extension Presentations: Annual Peach Growers Meeting, Malden, Missouri. February 23, 2005. Presented a grower update the rootstock trials in MO. New Jersey Extension Meetings and Field Days included the following: "North Jersey Fruit Meeting, March 2006; Broadway, NJ. 82 attendees (growers). "North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, April, 2006; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ. 42 attendees (growers). "North Jersey Horticultural Research Twilight Mtg., September, 2006; Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ. 78 attendees (organic and conventional growers). "South Jersey Field Day and Tour, August 2006; RAREC, Upper-Deerfield, NJ. 160 attendees (growers, industry and Extension personnel). Other Outreach Activities: Lang, G. & Flore, J. (Symposium organizers). 2006. The 2006 Art Mitchell Symposium: Tree Growth and Development in Modern Cherry Production, held 19-21 January 2006 at the MSU Northwest Horticultural Research Station, Traverse City, MI. Participants included growers and more than 45 invited speakers, panelists, and moderators from nine countries. Grants: Moran, R., and D. Zhang. 2006. Cold Temperature Tolerance of Apple Rootstocks. Prepared for the Maine Ag. Center. Received $1500. Moran, R., and D. Zhang. 2006. Cold Temperature Tolerance of Apple Rootstocks. Prepared for the New England Tree Fruit Research Committee. Requested and received $570.

Impact Statements

From uniform trials planted across sites in North America that differ greatly in terms of environmental conditions and biotic and abiotic stresses, unbiased data is gathered to quickly assess new rootstocks in a timely fashion. These rootstocks are compared with industry standards, and from these comparisons, recommendations to growers can be made that are independent and backed by solid data. In developing such recommendations, consideration is given to not only productivity, but also to survival, cold tolerance, disease resistance, graft union integrity, and ease of management. The NC-140 project is recognized internationally as a leading source of comprehensive, unbiased data on field performance of tree fruit rootstocks.
Website - We continue to maintain our Internet registration for our website at http://www.NC14.org/. The web site was hosted and maintained by Win Cowgill, NJ and Jon Clements, UMASS. An online Filemaker database that is self-editing contains the cooperator contact information. Requirements for web page design for regional projects have been met as outlined by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and the North Central Regional Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors (NCRA). Articles, photographs and reports were archived throughout the year.
E-Mail Distribution List The projects Email distribution list is maintained by Win Cowgill, NJ and Jon Clements, UMASS. The posting e-mail address is <nc140@virtualorchard.net>
Web Based - The NC140 website has become a significant tool for extension outreach and dissemination of research results. In 2006 over 28,905 page hits were received an increase of over 10% from the previous year. Visitors from over 73 countries were logged, an increase of 5%. Ninety percentage of page hits originated in the US.