Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Introductory Comments and Welcome

Dr. Stephen Stringer, the local host, welcomed the group and provided introductory comments on organizational details related to the meeting. Dr. James Spiers, Research Leader at the USDA-ARS Small Fruit Research Station in Poplarville, MS also welcomed the group and provided an overview of his station and the local horticulture industry.

State Reports and Discussion of Cooperative Research Efforts

Reports of research activities related to small fruit and viticulture were presented by representatives from Arkansas, California, Guelph, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington and USDA. A lively discussion of the results of cooperative research projects, evaluation of new germplasm, plans for joint evaluation tests and weather and crop conditions ensued.

Dr. David Himelrick, Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture at LSU gave a keynote address on the unique aspects of small fruit production in the deep south. Cultural practices, disease and pest problems and climatic conditions affecting production were highlighted. The presentation led to significant discussion. David also discussed journals that were relevant to the group along with a discussion of upcoming scientific meetings that would be appropriate.

An Entomology Workshop was conducted on Thursday evening. It was led by Dr. Jim Cane, Professor and USDA Scientist at Utah State University and Dr. Blair Sampson, USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS.

NCR 22 Business Meeting Minutes  October 25 2002

Dr. Steve Stringer thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting. The first topic focused on GMOs. Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie requested the groups comments and opinions regarding the NCR 22s GMO position statement letter regarding small fruits. Dr. Perkins-Veazie then proceeded to read aloud the position statement to the group. Drs. Clark, Finn, Dale, Schereens and Perkins-Veazie discussed the issue, the contents of the letter, who might receive this statement and the intended outcome of this action.
Dr. Marvin Pritts suggested that we would like to see the benefits of GMOs to be spread widely. They should provide public benefit, not just industry support. Previous research such as that on herbicide resistance doesnt really help the consumer. We need to ask who is benefiting. Dr. Finn noted that it is important to recognize the value of GMOs as a research tool. A decision was made to circulate the letter to the membership via e-mail and allow the members to indicate their support or opposition for this statement. Based on the outcome of this vote and the quorum rule and letter indicating the consensus view of the group would be produced.

Dr. Brent Black requested the discussion shift to the topic of the ASHS small fruit and viticulture work group. Each of the various work groups will choose a workshop topic to sponsor for next years meeting. Dr. Fumi Takeda suggested a workshop regarding how nursery practices impact the grower. Dr. Takeda has interest in the area, suggested that it would be interesting to have people come together and talk about nursery impacts on grower fields. Discussion could include issues relating to elevation, growth regulators, plug plants, photoperiod, and pathology. Dr. Black asked whether anyone had any comments or suggestions for alternate workshop topics? Without any objections, he will submit it as a workshop topic.

It was brought up that the next ASHS meeting will highlight the history of horticulture for the 100th anniversary; past, present and future. Dr. Black asked who should represent small fruits? Dr. Finn suggested either Jim Moore or Jim Ballington. Dr. Black suggested Jim Hancock due to his recent writings on the history of strawberry. Dr. Adam Dale suggested Hugh Daubney. Tom Sjulin was also suggested as a speaker as were Jules Janick and Norm Childers.

The location of next years meeting was discussed. Numerous suggestions for the dates and location of future meetings ensued. The group will meet in California in 2003, Indiana in 2004 and at Geneva, New York in 2005.

Dr. Ehlenfeldt noted that it has been about 10 years since Dr. Moores survey of the blueberry industry and suggested it might be time to do this again. He indicated that the previous paper was widely cited and used. Two publications might be appropriate; one dealing with cultivar increases and decreases, and a second regarding culture practices and problems. Dr. Eric Hanson reported that MSU is in the process of working on something locally. The issue of where such a survey should be published and whether it should include other crops was discussed. Dr. Bernadine Strict suggested publication in Fruit Varieties Journal would be appropriate because it included multiple geographic regions and good detail. Dr. Adam Dale noted that past information had come from a series of workshops.
Dr. Himelrick suggested Small Fruits Journal, since it is very flexible. Dr. Ehlenfeldt suggested that the group should consult with Dr. John Clark about how the original survey was developed before proceeding.

The attendees thanked Dr. Stephen Stringer for organizing a fine meeting. Thanks were also extended to Angie Nodurft for her efforts on behalf of the group. Dr Stringer adjourned the meeting.

Two optional tours were arranged by the hosts. One was to the Stennis Space Center and the second to the USDA-ARS Small Fruit Research Center in Poplarville and the Wiggins Mississippi facility.