Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments Report, 2015 NC 140 Project

Impact Nuggets

• The financial benefit to U.S. fruit growers from NC 140 rootstock research findings has accelerated earlier returns, greater yield, and higher fruit quality with a financial impact estimated at $200,000,000 over a 5-year period.

• NC 140 rootstock trials located at research facilities or on grower’s farms have yielded invaluable information on adaptability of new rootstocks for apple, pear, peach, and cherry.

• The NC-140 apple and peach rootstock trials are educational tools for growers in the Southeastern U.S. to facilitate decision making of rootstocks to consider in establishing orchards in new and replant sites where peach tree short life decline devastates the industry.

New Facilities and Equipment

Over-the-row mechanical harvesters manufactured by Littau Harvesters were rented and tested for high density tart cherry production systems in MI. Battery-powered hand-held pruners and hedgers were used to impose summer and dormant pruning treatments on sweet and tart cherry in MI. A new orchard of 12 acres was set-up for stone fruit research at the University of Georgia, Griffin Campus, GA. A new fence, irrigation system, two greenhouses and expansion of laboratory space in the upgrade to support fruit research in GA. Sophisticated and modern regular and controlled atmosphere cold storage facilities were built at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center for our apple project, including several NC-140 projects in 2015. An upgraded apple fruit washing and packing line was installed at the Rutgers Snyder Farm, NJ in 2014. A Bartlett Orchard Chariot platform was purchased in 2015 for PA for use by PSU Ag Bio Engineering and Horticulture projects.

Unique Project Related Findings

Low survival rates by the end of the sixth season were recorded in AL for peach on four rootstocks where all trees on Mirobac and Krymsk®1 rootstocks are dead and low survival on Emperyan@2 and Controller 5, while all trees on Lovell and Guardian are surviving and productive. The ‘Controller 8 (HBOK 10)’ and ‘Controller 7 (HBOK 32)’ peach rootstocks, with a smaller overall tree size in comparison with the standards, had similar yield efficiency than the commercial standards. In general the Geneva apple rootstocks are more winter-hardy and disease-resistant in British Columbia, which makes them of great commercial interest for high density apple plantings worldwide. Several Geneva and other apple rootstocks, including Geneva 935 and Geneva 41 seem to be suitable for climate and soil conditions of southwest Idaho. Prunus americana as a rootstock for peach continues to be the most productive dwarfing peach rootstock in a trial in MA, equaling the per-tree productivity of standard rootstocks and producing fruit of comparable size. MD observed good survival of Fuji and Gala apple trees on Geneva rootstocks under local conditions. Evaluation of 3 rootstocks (OHxF 87, OHxF 97 and Pyrodwarf) and 2 pear cultivars (Comice and Concorde) under Nova Scotian environmental conditions demonstrated the need for long establishment times to achieve production. Other cultivars and rootstocks should be sought for the pear industry in Nova Scotia. Spring weather conditions significantly reduced maximum fruit sizes compared to previous years in the Peach Physiology trial in SC likely due to above normal post bloom temperatures.

Accomplishment Summaries

Objective 1. To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under varying environments using sustainable management systems.

Projects in various stages of data collection, evaluation and planning include the following in association with years of plot establishment and identification of trial coordinators:

2003 Apple Physiology (Rich Marini)

2009/2014 Peach Physiology (Rich Marini)

2009 Peach Rootstock (Greg Reighard)

2010 Apple Rootstock (Wes Autio)

2010 Sweet Cherry Rootstock and Training Systems (Greg Lang)

2013 Pear Training/Rootstock/Spacing (Todd Einhorn)

2014 Apple Rootstock (John Cline)

2015 Organic Apple Rootstock (Terence Robinson)

Future plantings for all crops for 2017 and beyond, are in various stages of planning at this time.

Apple Sub-Committee (Chair, Stefano Mussachi, WA)

The 2010 Apple Rootstock trial was established at 13 locations with Honeycrisp and six locations with Fuji. It includes 28 Budagovsky, Cornell-Geneva, and Pillnitz rootstocks and three commercial controls. After five growing seasons, largest trees were on B.70-20-20; the smallest were on B.71-7-22. Greatest cumulative yield were from trees on CG.4004; the least from trees on B.71-7-22 (Honeycrisp) and B.7-20-21 (Fuji). Most cumulatively yield efficient trees were on G.11 and G.4003 for Honeycrisp and on B.9, G.935N, and M.9 NAKBT337 for Fuji. The largest fruit on average were from trees on B.64-194 for Honeycrisp and from trees on G.41TC for Fuji. Trees on PiAu 9-90 continue to have severe chlorosis in BC, a sickly appearance, and often small fruit size. The 2014 Apple rootstock planting was established in 15 locations in the United States (AL, ID, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, GA, NJ, NY, PA, UT, VA, WA, WI), two in Canada, and one in Mexico (http://bit.ly/1zv3wCc). The trial consists of the following rootstocks: B.10, G.11, G.202, G.214, G.30, G.41, G.5890, G.935, G.969, M.26 EMLA, M.9 T337, V.1, V.5, V.6, V.7. The trial is being coordinated by John Cline who has also agreed to analyze the data. This trial has two cultivars: Aztec Fuji (AL, ID, GA, NJ, ON, PA, UT) and Honeycrisp (ID, IN, MA, ME, Mexico, MI, MN, NJ, NY, Ontario, PA, VA, WA, WI), planted to a ‘tall spindle’ systems at a 5 x 12 feet, and 4 x12 feet spacing, respectively. Trees are planted using a randomized block design with single trees serving as experimental units. Each site selected a pollinizer variety since some sites are very limited in adapted varieties. Trees were established in the spring of 2014. The trees were propagated by Willow Drive Nursery, WA. Data protocols have been established for 2014 and 2015. This is a young trial with no significant findings being reported at this time. The 2015 Organic Apple Rootstock Trial, was established in 2015 in 13 US and 1 Mexican state and will evaluate 9 Geneva rootstocks and M.9 NAKBT337 as a control. All trees are managed organically and trained as Tall Spindles. Modi is the cultivar and Liberty is the pollinizer. The design is five blocks in two-tree sets and will require 1/10 acre.   Organic certification is optional, but orchard management must be organic. There are no results to report as yet.

Cherry Sub-Committee (Chair, Greg Lang, MI)

The 2010 Sweet Cherry Rootstock x Canopy Training System Coordinated Trial began with 13 sites; these have diminished to 5 due to diseases, cooperator retirements or transitions, deer damage, etc. Sweet cherry performance has varied widely by site and scion cultivar in on-going coordinated trials examining diverse canopy architectures matched with rootstocks of varying vigor levels. Work has begun on the first trial paper (Training Systems Establishment, Years 1-4) with adequate data expected from CA, MI, NY-Geneva, NY-New Paltz, NS, and BC. Since most training systems under test are new and novel, information about proper training and pruning is being developed respect to tree spacing and the range of rootstock vigor in the trial – in some system x rootstock combinations, excessive shading may be causing yields to diminish.

Gi3 combined with Upright Fruiting Offshoots system was insufficiently vigorous for 1.5 x 4 m spacing in British Columbia. Conversely, trees on Gi6 trained to the SSA system in Michigan has been overly vigorous at 0.75 m x 3.5 m. Two 2010 Tart Cherry Rootstock x Canopy Training System Independent Trials were established in UT and MI. The focus is on examining rootstock x canopy training interactions to develop hedgerow-type trees for over-the-row mechanical harvest. Gi.3 was about equal to Gi.5 in adaptability, which were better than Gi.6 and all were better than Mahaleb or Montmorency on its own roots. Yield in 2015 at MI was not recorded due to severe spring frost. For the 2017 Tart Cherry Rootstock x Harvest System trial, Greg Lang has organized tree procurement and will coordinate the trial, which will have 5 Michigan State rootstocks, 3 Gisela stocks (3, 5, 12), Krymsk 6, and Mahaleb. Trial sites are UT (2), WI (2), ON, MI, and NY. The tart cherry trees will be trained for over-the-row mechanical harvesting. The 2017 Sweet Cherry Rootstock trial, coordinated by Greg Lang (MI), will have 5 Michigan State rootstocks, 3 Gisela stocks (3, 5, 12), Krymsk 6, and MxM14. Trial sites include OR, CA, WA, ID, MI, NY, and BC with Benton as a scion. Trees will be trained as 2 or 3 systems at each site. MSU-developed cherry rootstock selections exhibit vigor reduction and precocity comparable to Gisela 3 and Gisela 5 rootstocks for tart and sweet cherry scion varieties in preliminary trials in WA and MI. Preparations have begun to include these in 2017 NC140 coordinated comparative trials for high density sweet and tart cherry production.

Pear Sub-Committee (Chairs, Todd Einhorn, OR; Rachel Elkins, CA)

The 2013 pear training/rootstock/spacing trial coordinated by Todd Einhorn was designed to evaluate the main effects and interactions among rootstock (OH×F 87, OH×F 69 and Pyro 2-33), training system (single axe V, single axe tall spindle, bi-axe vertical), and intra-row spacing (3, 4.5 and 6 ft.) on pear production. Cooperators are OR (Anjou), NY (Bosc), and CA (Bartlett). Across all sites, trees were smallest on Pyro 2-33 and of similar size on OHxF69 and OHxF87.   Individual leaders of bi-Axis trees were significantly smaller than leaders of single axis trees at all sites. Anjou tree size was positively related to in-row spacing. For Bosc (NY) and Bartlett (CA), tall spindle produced the highest yields; Anjou (OR) has not yet begun to crop, but flowering was highest for bi-axis trees. T. Einhorn is coordinating a 2018 rootstock trial to evaluate dwarfing potential and productivity of cold-hardy quince accessions on pear. Cooperators include OR, Nova Scotia, NY, PA, and WA. Ten to 14 genotypes presently in tissue culture will be propagated in 2016 and delivered to a nursery for propagation. Rootstocks will be budded to select scions, with and without interstems. OH×F 87 will serve as the control.    

Peach Sub-Committee (Chairs, Greg Reighard, SC; Rich Marini, PA)

Five-years of data were summarized for the 16 locations of the 2009 peach rootstock trial. Data was analyzed with a first draft manuscript currently in preparation. Fourteen locations provided data for the 5-year report. Prunus persica rootstocks had the highest survival with 5 of the 6 cultivars having 93% or greater survival across all sites. Root suckering was only a problem with P. americana, which had excessive root sprouts under the trees. Largest trees were three Prunus x almond hybrids and Guardian®. Fruit size varied with location and crop load (i.e., some rootstocks had few fruit). KV010127 produced the largest fruit and Controller 5 and Mirobac (a.k.a Replantpac) the smallest fruit across all sites. Cumulative yields were generally highest with the peach rootstocks with Guardian® leading the way. Lowest yields were from plum hybrids and species. Cumulative yield efficiency was highest on the non-peach rootstocks including many of the plum hybrids or species. However, many of these rootstocks produced trees much smaller than the peach and almond hybrid cultivars. These data suggest there were no demonstrated advantages to using clonal interspecific Prunus hybrids for peach production under current cultural practices. The 2009 Peach Physiology Trial is focusing on the interactive effects of early-season temperature, cultivar and crop density on average fruit weight. Five cooperators (AL, ID, MD, SC, and KY). Trees were thinned early in the season to develop a range of crop densities and days from bloom to harvest, average fruit weight and growing degree days. In general, for a given crop density, fruit weight was highest in SC and lowest in KY. Data from other cooperators has not been submitted as of this writing.

Objective 2. To develop improved rootstocks for temperate-zone fruit trees using state-of-the-art genomic tools in breeding programs.

A cherry rootstock selection program (based on sour cherry scion breeding efforts) at MI has

identified 5 elite genotypes, Cass, Clare, Lake, Crawford, and Clinton, that confer significant

vigor control, precocity, and high productivity to sweet and tart cherry scions. These are being propagated for future NC140 coordinated trial evaluation as well as trials with selected scientists

and growers. In 2014 the Geneva, NY apple rootstock program released one new rootstock, G814. This rootstock has been tested as CG4814. It was evaluated in the 1999 McIntosh semidwarf trial where it was the most efficient semi-dwarfing stock. It has been trialed in a large WA state trial which led to the decision to release this stock at the request of some nurseries for use with Gala. A non-profit foundation (Improving Perrenial Plants for Food and BioEnergy or IPPFBE) based in Richmond, Utah has collected a wide range of fruit tree germplasm, including some Prunus material (peach/nectarine, apricot, almond). This material is being donated to USU with funding to support rootstock research. A new breeding program was initiated in June 2015 at WA (WSU) with a focus on producing dwarfing precocious rootstocks for pear.

Objective 3. To accelerate adoption of new rootstocks (a) by improving propagation techniques and (b) by acquiring new rootstocks from worldwide sources.

Discussions, led by MI, are on-going to assist in the importation and propagation of several cherry rootstocks, from Germany known as the WeiGi series. These stocks will be tested in future NC 140 cherry rootstock trials. Three Amelanchier rootstock genotypes were developed from intra- and interspecific hybridization (Germany) and tested in two plantings in Hood River, OR using ‘D’Anjou’ as the scion and compared to OH×F 87. Trees were established in a rootstock trial in OR on Amelanchier, which have been found to be are highly dwarfed (i.e., half the size of those on OH×F 87). Amelanchier rootstocks conferred high productivity to ‘D’Anjou’ resulting in ~60 flower clusters and 20 fruits per tree, a 6- and 10-fold increase over OH×F 87 for these factors, respectively. The propagation of several Geneva, NY rootstocks has been improved significantly by the use of tissue culture plants as mother plants for stoolbeds, especially with G.41. This has resulted in an accelerated planting of Geneva 41 stoolbeds. We estimate that 150,000 feet of stoolbeds of G.11 and G.41 and about 50,000 feet of G.935 have been planted. This has resulted in a production of 1.0 million liners of G.11 in 2014 and 1.5 million liners of G.41. Rootpac 20 (Densipac) and Rootpac 40 (Nanopac) from the Spanish Company Agromillora Iberica were obtained by SC for the planned 2017 Peach Systems Trial. Potential new Pyrus seedling rootstocks are being propagated through tissue culture to enable small scale testing of dwarfing capability at WA. Several potential new Pyrus rootstocks were imported from the Musacchi program in Italy to the CPCNW, WA. Once through quarantine and virus testing, these will be propagated for trial.

Objective 4. To better understand the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on scion/rootstock combinations in temperate-zone fruit trees.

Biotic stresses. Nutrient acquisition and partitioning to foliage in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple was examined in 2014 across the range of rootstocks in the 2010 NC140 trial in MI. One aspect of this study is the comparison of 2014 leaf nutrient values with bitter pit incidence ratings in 2013 and 2015. The majority of P. persica rootstocks were found to have survival rates above 75% in GA after five years of establishment, which are comparable to the standard rootstock ‘Guardian’. Prunus hybrids and other Prunus species of rootstocks are not surviving in GA. For peaches grown in the Sandhills region of NC, fumigation is strongly encouraged to minimize the potential for peach tree short life, even when Guardian is used. Prunus rootstocks that had P. dulcis or P. domestica in their lineage have had poor survival in SC, but no rootstocks of 100% P. persica have died. It appears that soil fumigation may be beneficial for apple trees planted in replant sites in NC or the best alternative would be to select alternative rootstocks, especially in not using M.7 in replant sites. In the spring of 2015, 12 plants of two scion varieties, Honeycrisp and Gala, were grafted onto 4 rootstocks (G890, G41, Bud-9 and M9-T337) to study uptake of calcium and nitrogen in WA.

Abiotic stresses. Water relations measurements in the 2015 growing seasons in BC indicated that sweet cherry trees on Gi3 rootstock had lower midday stem water potential than Gi5 and Gi6 rootstocks, suggesting a possible limitation to production. As in previous years, Gi3 was more susceptible to colonization with root lesion nematodes than Gi5 and Gi6 trees in 2015. No bacterial canker was found. Quince selections, with eventual use as rootstocks, are being assessed for cold hardiness in OR. Following a 3-year evaluation of cold hardiness on a subset of 60 quince taxa from the USDA- NCGR core collection (Einhorn and Postman, manuscript in preparation), 22 accessions showed less than 50% browning at -30 °C with no detectable differences in acclimation or de- acclimation relative to pear standards. Twelve of these accessions were micropropagated (2014) and grafted to ‘Bartlett’ and ‘D’Anjou’ (with and without interstems) in 2015. Trees will be finished in 2016 and established in Hood River, OR in 2017. In the 2010 Apple Rootstock trial, NS reported a significant delay in harvest this past year due to the weather. Warmer temperatures at night have resulted in delayed coloring of the fruit. Harvest using the dA meter showed wide variation compared with other years. Graft union strength of Geneva rootstocks G. 41, G.935 and M.9 is being studied in UT and NY. A non-profit foundation (Improving Perrenial Plants for Food and BioEnergy or IPPFBE) based in Richmond Utah has collected a wide range of fruit tree germplasm, including some Prunus material (peach/nectarine, apricot, almond). A portion of these are growing under high salt conditions, and the apricot germplasm is showing dramatic differences in susceptibility to salt injury. This material along with some funding for characterization was recently donated to USU.

Objective 5. To enhance the sustainability of temperate fruit farming through development and distribution of research-based information utilizing eXtension.

The NC-140 web site, http://nc140.org continues to be our primary outreach component

serving as an important collaboration tool for cooperators. Members of the research group

communicate through a list serve, and upload/download project files to password-protected

directories (NJ, MA). We have used the site to allow for easier collaboration and comparison of

replicated rootstock trials. Requirements for web page design for regional projects have

been met as outlined by the NIMMS and the North Central Regional Association of Agricultural

Experiment Station Directors (NCRA). Articles, photographs and reports were archived

throughout the year. Members of our research group have been working on making research-based information available to anyone who would like to use it through eXtension (MN, PA, MA, NY, NC, MO, OH, WV, IN, VA). eXtension is not used in Canada . The database has been completed for apple rootstocks and cultivars and can be viewed at http://www.extension.org/apples. This project was funded through the USDA-SCRI program and was completed in August 2014. We have linked to the primary website for the research group, www.nc140.org. NC-140 also maintains its own Email distribution list for internal communication. The posting Email address is nc140@virtualorchard.net. Reports, presentations, and videos that update NC140 cherry, apple, and stone fruit rootstock research and extension at MI are regularly posted on www.cherries.msu.edu, www.apples.msu.edu, www.hrt.msu.edu/greg-lang, and www.giselacherry.com. These have been cited by fruit growers throughout the United States around the world as valuable sources of information for new orchard planning and production. The Penn State Tree Fruit Website was upgraded with the addition of several posts on cultural practices including information on apple rootstocks, apple cultivars, training systems, calcium nutrient management and Honeycrisp management.

Impact Statements

Apple rootstock trial coordinator, Richard Marini, Penn State University, used data from the 1994 and 2003 apple rootstock trials to predict and determine rootstock vigor classification. In general, the very vigorous rootstocks differ from non-vigorous rootstocks within 4 years and M.9 can be separated from M.26 in 7 to 8 years. In future NC-140 apple rootstock trials, we should be able to accurately classify rootstock vigor after six or seven years at most locations. This finding will shorten costly field evaluation time to assess rootstock vigor across locations or regions.

Peach tree short life is one of the major concerns and limitations in the southeastern U. S. An NC 140 rootstock trial established in the Sandhills region of NC will demonstrate the best rootstocks to cope with this malady. Data generated in this trial identifies several which are not suitable for eastern NC peach growers and several that may be promising for higher density plantings.

The uniform apple rootstock trials in MN have allowed growers in USDA hardiness zone 4 to evaluate new rootstocks for planting in commercial operations. This information can also be extended to a larger audience via eApples. This information provides scientist members from other regions of NC 140, incite regarding potential cold hardiness of rootstock candidates.

In MA, 200 acres of trees were planted on dwarfing rootstock occurred during 2015 based based on results of NC-140 research. On this acreage, pruning and harvest labor declined by 50%, fruit quality and size increased by 20%, profit increased by 50%, and because of reduced canopy volume, pesticide use declined by 70%.

Other Relevant Accomplishments and Activities

The NC 140 project was awarded the Experiment Station Section Award for Excellence in Multistate Research in 2015. The award was officially presented at the annual Association of Public and Land Grant Universities annual meeting November 14, 2015. The award recognized this regional project’s contributions for over 40 years to the fruit growers in North America. NC 140 has been critical to the steady transition to higher density orchards, which has benefited consumers with higher quality fruit at reasonable prices. http://agisamerica.org/september-2015-land-grant-institutions-work-across-state-lines-to-increase-fruit-tree-production/. The project was given a $15,000 stipend to go towards project improvements and scholastic endeavors.

Fund Leveraging, specifically, collaborative grants between stations and members.

NC-140 members have written research proposals and attracted extramural funding associated or directly related to the five objectives of this project from local, regional, national and international funding sources. For fiscal year 2014/2015, funding and matching funds reported by members amounted to $3,701,088 from primarily commodity groups, state and competitive grant sources.

Hampson, C.   2015. Costs of supporting the 2010 NC-140 apple rootstock trial and one independent rootstock trial            AAFC BC Growers    $2,000.00

Nielsen, D. 2015. Costs of supporting the 2010 NC-140 cherry rootstock trial        Ag Food Can  $2,000.00

Cochran, D. 2015. Optimizing the Cropping Potential and Profitability of Organic and Sustainable Apple Orchards Through the Use of Dwarfing Rootstocks     Iowa Dept Ag $12,700.00

Fallahi, E. 2015. Evaluation of leaf minerals and fruit quality attributes of mature ‘Aztec’ Fuji trees on different rootstocks, tree girdling, and canopy designs ID Dept Ag     $53,500.00

Fallahi , E. 2015. Selection for suitable rootstocks to improve yield, growth and fruit quality attributes and leaf minerals of ‘Aztec’ Fuji apples. ID Dept Ag, $50,500.00

Fallahi, E. 2015. Pest and disease control of rootstock projects. Wilbur Ellis.  $4,000.00

Fallahi, E. 2015. Labor and equipment (in-kind) from Idaho fruit industry for operation of various apple rootstock projects. Idaho Fruit Industry.  $5,800.00

Fallahi, E. 2015. New cold storage facilities for fruit research Univ Idaho   $800,000.00

Hirst, P. 2015. Support tree fruit research      Ostermeyer Endowment         $15,000.00

Hirst, P.M., R.E. Foster and J. Beckerman     2015    Return Bloom Fund contributions to support tree fruit research            Indiana Horticultural Society $5,000.00

Wolfe, D. 2013-2015. New peach/nectarine cultivar planting Cumberland Valley Nursery  $1,000.00

Wolfe, D. 2009-2015. Apricot, peach, nectarine cultivar planting     Gardens Alive $15,000.00

Wolfe, D., Ingram, Saha, Dunwell, Strang, Woods. 2015. Infrastructure for Kentucky Horticulture.Technical Staff from KY Agricultural Dvlmnt Board /KY Hort. Council      $550,000.00

Lang, G. 2015 Competitive Orchards 2020: Integrating Tree Fruit Cropping Physiology, Canopy Architectures, Climate Modification Technologies, and Pest Management Strategies Project GREEEN    $37,500.00

Lang, G. 2015 Apple Rootstock Evaluations. Mich Apple Com       Apple Res Comm        $14,741.00

Lang, G. 2015 Sweet Cherry Orchard Designs. Mich Cherry Com Mich Cherry Comm      $10,000.00

Lang, G. 2015 Trellised Protected Orchard Systems IFTA   $8,000.00

Lang, G. 2015 Fruiting Wall Orchard Systems for Stone Fruits        IFTA   $4,000.00

Lang, G. 2015 Fruiting wall and high tunnel stone fruit production  MSHS $7,892.00

Lang, G. A. Iezzoni, N. Rothwell, R. Perry, 2014-2015. Propagation of MSU Cherry rootstocks for research trials            GREEEN $14,092.00

Lang, G. 2015 In-kind use of apple rootstock plot     Al-Mar Orchards, Flushing     $2,500.00

Lang, G. 2015 Electronic pruners       Peach Ridge Orchard Supply $3,500.00

Lang, G. 2015 In-kind use of apple rootstock plot     Rasch Orchards           $2,500.00

Parker, M. 2013-2015 Developing Management Strategies for Tree Fruit     NCDA&CS Specialty Crop Block Grant $84,000.00

Parker, M. 2014. Apple Rootstock Evaluations.        NC Apple Growers Association.        $5,700.00

Parker, M. 2015. Support of apple research    NC Legislature/Special Bill funding for apple research         $11,930.00

Cowgill, W. 2015 NC 140 rootstock research            NJ Horticultural Society         $4,500.00

Cowgill, W. 2015 Rootstock and other plots maintenance    NJ Ag Industry Support- dollars and in kind total     $22,000.00

Shengrui Yao, Heyduck, R. and Guldan, S.  2014-2017. Organic apple high density planting in New Mexico, NM Specialty Block Grant $27,242.00

Forge, T, Neilsen, D, Wiersma, P, Blatt, S, Song, J, Forney, C, Burgher-MacLellan, K, Kalmokoff, M and Cline, J. 2015-2018. Developing more resilient tree fruit production systems from the ground up:  rootstocks with enhanced tolerance to emerging biotic threats to orchard health            AAFC $518,000.00

Miller, D.D. 2015.Fruit research support        Ohio Apple Marketing Program         $10,000.00

Cline, J and J. Zandstra. 2014            . Rootstock research support   Canandian Horticultural Council        $30,000.00

Gibeaut, D., T. Einhorn and L. Long 2015. New programs to increase sweet cherry fruit size and improve harvest quality. Wash Tree Fruit Research Com and Oregon Sweet Cherry Com.    $117,973.00

Einhorn, T. 2015. Improving fruit set, production efficiency and profitability of pears. NW Pear Bureau and Fresh Pear Research Committee       $41,885.00

Whiting, M., T. Einhorn, and I. Hanrahan. 2015. Effect of near-harvest irrigation on fruit quality  Washington Tree Fruit Research Com and Oregon Sweet Cherry Com            $45,833.00

Einhorn, T. and B. Tuck. 2015. New and Continuing Pear Rootstock, Training System, and Cultivar        

Evaluations Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers Commission      $94,962.00

Autio, W., R. Marini, T. Robinson, G. Reighard, G. Lang, and T.Einhorn. 2015. NC-140 Rootstock Research Trial Coordination   International Fruit Tree Association   $20,000.00

Crassweller, R. M. & D. E. Smith. 2015. Apple rootstocks and cultivar evaluations            State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee.  $8,123.00

Crassweller, R. M. & D. E. Smith. 2015. Second generation apple system trials      State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee     $9,000.00

Crassweller, R. M. 2015. Extending carbohydrate model to PA growers for determining apple tree response to chemical thinners        State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee          $2,569.00

Crassweller, R. M. & D. E. Smith. 2015. Nutritional analysis of new apple cultivars in high density plantings. State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Extension Committee      $1,702.00

Crassweller, R., and J. Schupp. 2015. Rootstock and cultivar evaluations    State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee     $12,799.00

Kon, T.M. and J.R. Schupp. 2015. A novel blossom thinning approach for apple: quantifying thermal transfer and damage to non-target tissues. State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee. $14,095.00

Kon, T.M. and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Evaluating the pollen tube growth model as a timing aid for blossom thinners in the mid-Atlantic.         State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Extension Committee        $2,478.00

Krawczyk, G., K. Peter and J. Schupp. 2015.            Effect of exclusion netting on integrated pest and disease management and fruit quality of apples. State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee     $19,554.00

Schupp, J. 2015. Testing mechanical and hand artificial spur extinction for Cropload management of apple            State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee. $9,487.00

Schupp, J. and T. Baugher. 2015. Cropload and fruit nutrient studies in commercial Honeycrisp orchards to determine best practices for minimizing bitter pit.     State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania Research Committee. $10,100.00

Reighard, G. 2015. Guardian® seed sales      South Carolina Foundation Seed        $173,000.00

Reighard, G. 2015. Screening peach rootstocks for adaptability, productivity, and tolerance to Armillaria and bacterial canker.          South Carolina Peach Council research grant . $4,000.00

Robinson, T. and B. Black. 2015. Rootstock interactions and their effect on graft union break strength of apple.            International Fruit Tree Association   $10,000.00

Black, B. and G. Fazio. 2015. A Comparison of Water Relations Among Fruit Tree Rootstocks    Utah Ag. Experiment Station Grant       $17,946.00

Black, B. 2015. A Comparison of Water Relations and WUE Among Fruit Tree Rootstocks          Utah Dept. Ag. & Food, Specialty Crop Block Grant     $31,029.00

Peck, G.M. and M. Williams. 2014-2017. Towards ecologically-based fertilizer recommendations that improve soil quality in high-density apple orchards.           USDA-NIFA, Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Program (SSARE).            $140,000.00

Peck, G.M. and K.S. Yoder. 2014-2016. Advancing Organic Apple Production in Virginia           VA Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Specialty Crop Block Grant      $38,166.00

Peck, G.M. 2014-2015. Fine-tuning fertilizer recommendations for young apple trees in high-density plantings. Virginia Apple Research Program      $10,000.00

Peck, G.M. 2014-2015. Continued Investigations into New Rootstocks, Cultivars, and Training Systems for Virginia. Virginia Apple Research Program. $5,000.00

Peck, G.M. 2014-2015. NC-140 rootstock trial for Central Virginia Virginia Apple Research Program      $6,265.00

Yoder, K.S. and G.M. Peck. 2014-2015. Apple rootstock susceptibility to Tomato Ring Spot Virus          Virginia Apple Research Program $8,000.00

Yoder, K.S. and G.M. Peck.  2014-2016.      Susceptibility of new apple rootstocks to Tomato Ringspot Virus            Virginia Agricultural Council.  $9,500.00

Peck, G.M. 2015-2016. Integrated Approaches for Reducing Synthetic Fertilizer Inputs in Apple Orchards. Virginia Agricultural Council.  $21,683.00

Peck, G.M., K.S. Yoder, and D. Carbaugh. 2015-2016. New Rootstocks, Cultivars, and Training Systems for Virginia           Virginia Apple Research Program. $6,000.00

Peck, G.M., A.T. Thompson, and D. Carbaugh. 2015-2016. Fine-tuning fertilizer recommendations for young apple trees in high-density plantings: Year Three, 2015. Virginia Apple Research Program           $10,000.00.

Musacchi, S., Kate Evans and Karen Lewis. 2013. Rootstock and systems trial      Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission    $58,594.00

Musacchi, S., Karen Lewis, Karina Gallardo, Tom Auvil. 2014-2017.          Rootstock and Systems Trial.            Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. $133,495.00

Evans, K. and Amit Dhingra. 2015-2018. Developing the foundation for U.S. pear rootstock breeding     PNW Pear Bureau. $273,253.00

2014-15 Published Written Works

Books

Ayala, M., J.P. Zoffoli, and G.A. Lang. 2014.  Proceedings of the 6th International Cherry Symposium. Acta Hort. 1020 (536 pages).

Long, L., G. Lang, S. Musacchi, and M. Whiting. 2015. PNW 667 cherry training systems.

Pacific Northwest Ext. Publ. 667:50–56.

Ward, D., W.P. Cowgill Jr., J.L. Frecon, G.C. Hamilton, J.R. Heckman, L.S. Katz, N. Lalancette, B.A. Majek, D. Polk. 2014. "New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide." Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E002. 229 pp.

Refereed Journal Articles

Bielenberg, D.L., B. Rauh, S. Fan, K. Gasic, A.G. Abbott, G.L. Reighard, W.R. Okie and C.E. Wells.  2015.  Genotyping by sequencing for SNP-based linkage map construction and QTL analysis of chilling requirement and bloom date in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. PLoS ONE, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0139406.

Butler, B, A Wallis, CS Walsh, E Snyder and T von Thun.  2014.  High-density orchard systems for Maryland; Field testing advanced selections from the Geneva apple rootstock breeding program.  Horticulture Technology Newsletter.  December, 2014: 11-12. 

Duyvelshoff, C. and J. A. Cline. 2013. Ethephon and Prohexadione-Calcium Influence the Flowering, Early Yield, and Vegetative Growth of Young ‘Northern Spy’ Apple Trees. Scientia Horticulturae 151:128-134.

Fallahi, E., C. Rom, B. Fallahi, and Sh. Mahdavi. 2015. Leaf and Fruit Mineral Nutrient Partitioning Influenced by Various Irrigation Systems in‘Fuji’ Apple over Four Years. Journal of the American Pomological Society 69(3): 137-147.

Fallahi, E., B. Fallahi, B. Shafii, and Z. Zamani. 2014. Long-term Yield and Harvest Time Fruit Quality Attributes in Various ‘Fuji’ Apple Strains. Hortscience. 49(3):281-284.

Fallahi, E., B.Fallahi, and B.Shafii. 2014. A Long-time Assessment of Yield and Harvest Quality Attributes Among Five Strains of ‘Fuji’ Apples. European Journal of Horticultural Science. 79(4): 212-217.

Gasic, K., Reighard, G. L., J. Windham and M. Ognjanov. 2015.  Relationship between fruit maturity at harvest and fruit quality in peach.  Acta Hort 1084(2):643-648.

Gasic, K., G. Reighard, W. Okie, J. Clark, T. Gradziel, D. Byrne, C. Peace, T. Stegmaier, U. Rosyara and A. Iezzoni.  2015.  Bacterial spot resistance in peach: functional allele distribution in breeding germplasm.  Acta Hort 1084(1):69-74.

Johnson, R.S., G.L. Reighard, T.G. Beckman, E.D. Coneva, K.R. Day, E. Fallahi, M.J. Newall, T.L. Robinson and D. Wolfe.  2015.  Environmental Effects on Fruit Ripening and Average Fruit Weight for Three Peach Cultivars. Acta Hort 1084(1):453-458.

Kenealy, L., G. Reighard, B. Rauh, and W. Bridges, Jr.  2015. Predicting Peach Maturity Dates in South Carolina with a Growing Degree Day Model.  Acta Hort 1084(2):749-752.

Kon, T.M., and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Pollen tube growth in apple: A Review. J. Amer. Pomological Soc. 69(3):158-163.

Mayer, N.A., G. L. Reighard and W. Bridges..  2015.  Peach rootstock propagation under intermittent mist system.  Acta Hort 1084(1):53-62.

Mayer, N.A., B. Ueno and G. L. Reighard .  2015.  Selection of Prunus mume as rootstocks for peaches on PTSL site.  Acta Hort 1084(1):89-96.

Pokharel, R. R., and G. L. Reighard.  2015.  Evaluation of Rootstock Effect on Tolerance to Iron Chlorosis and Cytospora Canker in Peaches. Acta Hort 1084(1):159-164.

Pokharel, R. R., G. L. Reighard and D. Reich.  2015.  Deficit irrigation for iron chlorosis did not affect fruit production and quality in peach.  Acta Hort 1084(1):409-414.

Pokharel, R. R., and G. L. Reighard.  2015.  Evaluation of biofumigation and soil solarization on peach replant disease.  Acta Hort 1084(2):577-584.

Reighard, G., Bridges, Jr., W., Archbold, D., Wolfe, D., Atucha, A., Pokharel, R., Autio, W., Beckman, T., Black, B., Lindstrom, T., Coneva, E., Day, K., Johnson, R.S., Kushad, M., Parker, M., Robinson, T., Schupp, J. and Warmund, M. 2015. NC-140 Peach Rootstock Testing in Thirteen U.S. States. Acta Horticulturae Acta Hort 1084:225-232 http://www.actahort.org/books/1084/1084_32.htm

Reighard, G.L., W. Bridges, Jr., D. Archbold, A. Atucha, W. Autio, T. Beckman, B. Black, E. Coneva, K. Day, M. Kushad, R. Pokharel, R.S. Johnson, T. Lindstrom, M. Parker, T. Robinson, J. Schupp, M. Warmund and D. Wolfe.  2015.  NC-140 Peach Rootstock Testing in 13 U.S. States.  Acta Hort 1084(1):225-232.

Reighard, G.L.  and D.R. Ouellette.  2015.  Manipulating Bloom and Harvest Dates in Peach Using a Strain of PLMVd.  Acta Hort 1084(1):221-224.

Reighard, G. L. and B. Rauh.  2015.  Predicting Peach Fruit Size Potential from GDD 30 Days Post-Bloom.  Acta Hort 1084(2):753-758.

Sauerteig, K. A. and J.A. Cline. 2013. Mechanical blossom thinning of ‘Allstar’ peaches

influences yield and quality. Scientia Horticulturae 160:243-250.

Zhang, Q., M. Han, C. Song, X. Song, C. Zhao, H. Liu, P.M. Hirst and D. Zhang. 2014. Optimizing planting density for production of high-quality apple nursery stock in China. N.Z. J. Crop and Hort. Sci.  43:1-11.

Symposium Proceedings

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Assessment of Fire Blight Tolerant Asian Pear Cultivars in Alabama. HortScience 50(9):S35. (Abstr.).

Coneva, E Gregory L. Reighard, and J. Pitts. 2015. Peach Rootstock Evaluation in Alabama. HortScience 50(9):S51. (Abstr.).

Coneva, E and J. Pitts. 2015. Evaluation of Fire Blight Tolerant Asian Pear Cultivars for Alabama. NACAA Annual Meeting, Sioux Falls, SD. (Abstr.).

Walsh, C.  2015. Field performance of Asian pear trees in the hot, humid summer conditions of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States., ISHS Pear Symposium, Leuven Belgium.

Kon, T.M. and J. Schupp. 2015. Apple pollen tube growth and spur leaf injury in response to thermal shock temperature and duration. HortScience 50(9):S110-S111. (Abstr.)

 Kon, T.M., J. Schupp, H.E. Winzeler, and M.A. Schupp. 2015. The effect of mechanical string thinner spindle rotation speed on apple spur bud removal. HortScience 50(9):S358-S359. (Abstr.)

Lang, G.A. 2015. Integration of Renewable Canopy Architectures and Precocious

Rootstocks Optimize Sweet Cherry Yields, Fruit Quality, and Labor Efficiency, ASHS

annual conference, New Orleans, LA, Aug. 4-7.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Fruiting Wall Canopy Training System Trials in Sweet Cherries,

nectarines, Plums, and Apricots, Great Lakes Fruit Workers annual meeting, Geneva, NY;

Nov. 9-11.

Thompson, A. and G. Peck. 2015. The Effects of Rootstock and Fertilizer Selection on Apple Orchard

Productivity and Soil Microbial Ecology. HortScience 50(9): S178. (Abstr.)

Poster Presentations

Beckman, T.G. Progress in the Development of Moderate-Chill Peach Cultivars for the Southeastern United States. Presented at the Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Meeting. Aug. 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA. [poster]

Belisle, C., D. Jackson, D.J. Chavez, and K. Adhikari. 2015. A Survey of Fruit Quality Characteristics of Georgia Peach (Prunus persica L.) Cultivars. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Meeting. Aug. 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA. [poster].

Chavez, D.J. and J. Cook. 2015. Effect of Bloom and Fruit Thinning on Quality Characteristics of ‘Harvester' and ‘Redglobe' Peach Fruit Varieties in Georgia. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Meeting. Aug. 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA. [poster].

Chavez, D.J. and J. Cook. 2015. The Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on Late-Season Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] Varieties in Middle Georgia. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Meeting. Aug. 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA. [poster].

Coneva, E.D., G.L. Reighard, and J. Pitts.  2015.  Peach rootstock evaluation in Alabama. SR-ASHS, Atlanta, GA. Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2015. [poster]

Coneva, E.D., G.L. Reighard, and J. Pitts.  2015.  Assessing peach rootstocks in Alabama. SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Savannah, GA. Jan. 8-11, 2015. [poster]

Conlan, E., M.A. Olmstead, J.W. Olmstead, J.G. Williamson, D.J. Chavez, E.D. Smith, O. Lindstrom, and J. Liu. 2015. An Analysis of Historical Freeze Events and Determination of Blueberry and Peach Critical Bud Temperatures to Aid Growers in Freeze-related Risk Assessments. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Meeting. Aug. 4-7, 2015, New Orleans, LA. [poster].

Reighard, G.L., F. Souza and R. Pio.  2015.  Peach cell number and size is affected by crop load, cultivar and GDD.  ISHS Xth Symposium on Modeling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management.  June 2-5, 2015. Montpellier, France. [poster]

Reighard, G.L., W. G. Henderson and W. G. Henderson, Jr.  2015.  Irrigation Scheduling Based on Soil Water Volume Increases Profitability of Peach Production.  ISHS Symposium on Innovation in Integrated and Organic Horticulture. June 8-12, 2015.  Avignon, France. [poster]

Popular Articles

Autio, W., J. Cline, T. Einhorn, G. Lang, R. Marini, G. Reighard, and T. Robinson.  2015.  2014 Progress Report – Brief summaries of NC-140 rootstock trials.  Compact Fruit Tree 48(2): 6-8.

Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J.S. Krupa.  2015.  An evaluation of Cornell-Geneva and Budagovsky apple rootstocks with Honeycrisp, the 2010 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial after five years.  Horticultural News 95(2):6-11.

Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J.S. Krupa.  2015.  An evaluation of Cornell-Geneva and Budagovsky apple rootstocks with Honeycrisp, the 2010 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial after five years.  Fruit Notes 80(2):6-11.

Clements, J.M. and W.R. Autio.  2015.  Vineland and Geneva rootstocks in the 2014 NC-140 Apple Trial at UMass Cold Spring Orchard.  Horticultural News 95(1):1-3.

Clements, J.M. and W.R. Autio.  2015.  Vineland and Geneva rootstocks in the 2014 NC-140 Apple Trial at UMass Cold Spring Orchard.  Fruit Notes 80(1):1-3.

Cline, J., 2014. Rootstock Performance when Growing 'Honeycrisp'. Newsletters. Cline, J. A. and J. Zandstra. 2014.Rootstock Performance when Growing ‘Honeycrisp’. Orchard Network 18(1):2-3

Cline, J., 2013. A Brief Summary of Selected Apple Research Projects Supported by the OAG and/or OMAFRA at the University of Guelph, Simcoe. Orchard Network 17(4):2-3

Cooley, Daniel, J. Clements, W. Cowgill, 2015. An Annual Fire Blight Management Program for

Apples: An Update. Horticultural News 95-2, pgs 18-26

Cowgill, W., R. Magron, J.M. Clements, and W.R. Autio.  2015.  Two new NC-140 apple trials:  Vineland and Geneva rootstocks with Honeycrisp and Fuji at Rutgers Snyder Farm.  Fruit Notes 80(3):6-8.

Cowgill, W., R. Magron, J.M. Clements, and W.R. Autio.  2015.  Two new NC-140 apple trials:  Vineland and Geneva rootstocks with Honeycrisp and Fuji at Rutgers Snyder Farm.  Horticultural News 95(3):6-8.

Crassweller, R. M. & D. E. Smith. 2015. Apple rootstock trials at Rock Springs – 2014. PA Fruit News 95(1):41-45.

Crassweller, R. M. & D. E. Smith 2015. Second generation apple training system trials – 2014. PA Fruit News 95(1):49-53.

Crassweller, R. 2015. Carbohydrate model results in 2014 for four locations in PA. PA Fruit News 95(2):21-23.

Crassweller, R. & D. Smith. 2015. Nutritional analysis of new apple cultivars in high density plantings – 2014. PA Fruit News 95(2):24-26.

Baugher, T., A. Anderson, T. Jarvinen, J. Schupp, E. Winzeler and M. Schupp. 2015. Competitive orchard systems and technologies. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(2):20.

Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Investigating forced heated air treatments as a blossom thinning strategy for apple. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(1):68-69.

Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Changing orchard design: from 40’ x 40’ to fruiting walls. Crunch Time, Adams County Fruit Grower Association newsletter. July 2015:6-8.

Lang, G.A. 2015. How canopy structures affect productivity. American Fruit Grower 135(9):26-

27.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Non-tunnel covering systems for sweet cherries. American Fruit Grower

135(5):30-32.

Miller, D.D. 2015. Apple Rootstock Trial Results in Ohio. Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association Quarterly 2015 (1)

Peck, G. 2015. 2014 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: NC-140 Rootstock Trial

for Central Virginia. Virginia Fruit 91 (1):7 (Apr 2015).

Peck, G. and K. Yoder. 2015. 2014 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: Continued

Investigations into New Rootstocks, Cultivars, and Training Systems for Virginia. Virginia Fruit

91(1):8-12 (Apr 2015).

Schupp, J., E. Winzeler, M. Schupp, T. Kon, T. A. Baugher, T. Jarvinen, A. Anderson and A. Tabb. 2015. Labor Efficient Apple and Peach Systems for Profitability. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95 (1):26-29.

Schupp, J., E. Winzeler, M. Schupp and T. Kon. 2015. Peach Rootstock Trials: A 2014 Update.

 Pennsylvania Fruit News 95 (1):46-48.

Thompson, A. and G. Peck.. 2015. 2014 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: Finetuning fertilizer recommendations for young apple trees in high-density plantings. Virginia Fruit

85(1):3-6 (Apr 2015).

Yoder, K. and G. Peck. 2015. 2014 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: Apple

Rootstock Susceptibility to Tomato Ring Spot Virus (TmRSV). Virginia Fruit 91 (1):13-14 (Apr 2015).

Winzeler, H. E. and J. R. Schupp. 2015. Potential for using Mid-Atlantic processing fruit in hard cider production. Pennsylvania Fruit News 95(2):29-30.

Other Creative Works

Coneva, E.and J. Pitts. 2015. Update on Peach Rootstock Evaluations in Alabama. Alabama IPM Communicator. Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES).

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Update on Peach Rootstock Evaluations in Alabama. Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Newsletter.

Coneva, E.2015. Update on Peach Rootstock Evaluations in Alabama. Timely Information Sheet. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Horticulture Series.

Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. Think warm thoughts. Pennsylvania Fruit Times. http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/think-warm-thoughts-possible-frost-event-s-in-the-forecast April 23, 2015.

Kon, T. and J. Schupp. 2015. An In-Depth Look at Bloom. American Fruit Grower http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/apples-pears/an-in-depth-look-at-bloom/

Schupp, J. 2015. Promoting return bloom of apple. Pennsylvania Fruit Times. http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/promoting-return-bloom-of-apple-trees?utm_campaign=Fruit+Times&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter_title

Schupp, J. 2015. Is everything (still) just peachy? http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/is-everything-still-justpeachy? March 6, 2015

Winzeler, H. E. and J. R. Schupp. 2015. Potential for using Mid-Atlantic processing fruit in hard cider production. Pennsylvania Fruit Times http://extension.psu.edu/plants/tree-fruit/news/2015/potential-for-using-mid-atlantic-processing-fruit-in-hard-cider-production-an-analysis-of-tannin-content-titratable-acidity-levels-ph-and-soluble-solids-content March 12,2015

Wolfe, D. D. Archbold, J. Johnston, and G. Travis. 2015. Rootstock Effects on Apple and Peach Tree Growth and Yield. Fruit and Vegetable Crops 2014 Research Report. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Station publication. PR-688:8-9. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/PR/PR688/PR688.pdf

Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations.

Beckman, T.G. “Performance of MP-29 Rootstock in Grower Trials”. Presented at the SE Prof. Fruit Workers Meeting. Oct. 6-8, 2015, Montgomery, AL.

Black, Brent. 2015. 2009 Redhaven planting (South Shore Farms).  Annual winter tour (21 Jan. 2015) of the Utah State Horticulture Association (USHA). 

Black, Brent. 2015. A progress report of apple and cherry rootstock trials. Annual USHA winter meetings (22 Jan. 2015). 

Black, Brent. 2015. Cherry rootstocks in the 2010 high density tart planting USHA summer tour (30 June 2015).

Blatt, SE. 2015. “Rootstocks and fireblight and spotted wing… oh my!   Updates on a few things of interest.” Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association Annual Convention, Greenwich, Nova Scotia, January.

Blatt, SE. 2015.Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association Field Tour.  August 2015.  Discussion of ongoing rootstock trials and introduction of Modi trial.

Chavez, D.J. 2015. Peach Research at UGA: Listening, Learning, and Preparing for the Future. Invited guest lecture. SE Reg. Fruit & Veg. Conference. Jan. 8-11, 2015. Savannah, GA.

Chavez, D.J. and J. Cook. 2015. Effect of Progibb (gibberellic acid, GA3) and Retain (aminoethoxyvinylglycine, AVG) on peach varieties in middle Georgia. Presented at the SE Prof. Fruit Workers Meeting. Oct. 6-8, 2015, Montgomery, AL.

Cline, J. A. 2014. Use of Plant Bioregulators for Annual Bearing. Georgian Bay Orchard Tour. Ontario Apple Growers.

Cochran, D.R. 2015. NC-140 2010 Dwarf apple rootstock trial. Iowa State University Fruit and Vegetable Field Day, Hort Station. August 10, 2015, 150 attendees.

Coneva, E. 2015. Peach Rootstock Evaluation. Chilton Area Peach Production Meeting. Clanton, January 27, 2015.

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Evaluation of Fire Blight Tolerant Asian Pear Cultivars for Alabama. NACAA Annual Meeting, Sioux Falls, SD, July 13-17, 2015.

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Evaluation of Fire Blight Tolerant Asian Pear Cultivars for Alabama. AACAAS Annual Meeting, Auburn, AL, June 3-5, 2015.

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Fire Blight Tolerant Asian Pear Cultivars for Alabama. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, Jan. 8-10, 2015.

Coneva, E. Gregory L. Reighard, and J. Pitts. 2015. Assessing Peach Rootstocks in Alabama. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, Jan. 8-10, 2015.

Coneva, E. and J. Pitts. 2015. Fire Blight Resistant Apple Rootstock Trial in Alabama. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, Jan. 8-10, 2015.

Coneva, E 2015 Home and Wildlife Expo, Chilton REC, AL. “NC-140 Tree Fruit Trial Demonstration.” (Attendance 2000+), August 8, 2015.

Cowgill, W. 2014. North Jersey Fruit Meeting, Broadway, NJ, 67 growers

Cowgill, W. 2015. North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, May, 07; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ

52 growers

Cowgill, W. 2015. North Jersey Twilight Horticultural Research Meeting, Rutgers Snyder Farm, September 15, 2015– 68 growers

Einhorn, T. 2015.  The use of PGRs, root pruning and new, dwarfing rootstocks to balance vigor and production. Washington State Horticultural Association’s 111th Annual Meeting, Yakima, WA, December 9, 2015. Oral presentation to members of the Pacific Northwest fruit industry.

Einhorn, T. 2015. Practical strategies to improve management and profitability of pear orchards.

Washington State Horticultural Association’s 111h  Annual Meeting, Yakima, WA, December 9, 2015. Oral presentation to members of the Pacific Northwest fruit industry.

Einhorn, T. 2015. Management strategies to exploit stresses. WSU Fruit School, Apple and Pear Horticulture, Wenatchee, WA, November 18, 2015. Oral presentation of my research results to members of the PNW tree fruit industry. Meeting hosted by WSU Extension.

Einhorn, T. 2015. Managing growth and development of sweet cherry. IV International Seminar on Cherries, Curico, Chile, October 20, 2015. Oral presentation of my research results to members of the Chilean tree fruit industry. Meeting hosted by Patricio Espinosa, PEC.

Einhorn, T. 2015. MCAREC Field Day- Pear horticultural research. Hood River, OR, July 21,

2015. Oral presentation of my research results to members of the Oregon and WA tree fruit industry. Meeting hosted by MCAREC.

Einhorn,  T.  2015.  Using  rootstocks,  cultivars,  training  systems,  root  pruning  and  PGRs  to achieve early production in pear. 2015 Hood River Winter Horticulture Meeting, Hood River, OR, February 6, 2015. Oral presentation to members of the regional fruit industry. Meeting hosted by Steve Castagnoli, Hood River County Extension.

Einhorn, T. and Gibeaut, D.  2015. Water, PGRs and Freeze: 2014 Sweet Cherry Update.  2015

Cherry Research Review and MCAREC Update, the Dalles, OR, February 5, 2015. Oral presentation of research results to members of the regional fruit industry. Meeting hosted by MCAREC and Lynn Long, OSU Wasco County Extension.

Einhorn, T. 2015. Techniques to promote early bearing and vigor control of pear trees.   2015

North Central Washington Pear Day, Wenatchee, WA, January 21, 2015. Oral presentation of research results to over 200 members of the North Central Washington and  greater  regional  fruit  industry.  Meeting  hosted  by  Tim  Smith,  WSU  Chelan /Douglas/Okanogan County Extension.

Einhorn, T. 2015. Sweet Cherry Research Update:    Cold hardiness, Water management, and

PGRs.  2015 North Central Washington Stone Fruit Day, Wenatchee, WA, January 20,

2015. Oral presentation of research results to over 200 members of the North Central Washington and greater regional fruit industry. Meeting hosted by Tim Smith, WSU Chelan /Douglas/Okanogan County Extension.

Einhorn, T. 2015.  OSU Horticultural Update.  72nd Annual Cherry Institute, Yakima, WA, January 16, 2015. Oral presentation of research results to several hundred industry members, and regional peers.

Fallahi, E. November, 2014. NC-140 Fuji/Rootstock Progress Report. Annual conference of NC-140, Clemson, South Carolina, attendance 41.

Fallahi, E., November 20-21, 2014. NC-140 Fuji/Rootstock Report. Annual Conference of the Idaho State Horticultural Society, Nampa, Idaho; Attendance 110.

Fallahi, E. March 5, 2015. Training on Growing Apples on Different Rootstocks. Idaho apple growers. March Tour, 56 in attendance.

Fallahi, E. August, 28, 2015. Performance of Apple Rootstocks under Intermountain West Conditions. University of Idaho Pomology Program Fruit Field Day, Growers and Public audience. Attendance 980.

Hannan, J. and D.R. Cochran. 2015. NC-140 2015 Organic apple rootstock trial. Wills Family Orchard, Adel, IA. July 13, 2015, 20 attendees.

Kon, T.M. and J.R. Schupp. 2015.  Apple pollen tube growth and spur leaf injury in response to thermal shock temperature and duration. The American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA

Kon, T.M., J.R. Schupp, H.E. Winzeler, and M.A. Schupp. 2015. The effect of mechanical string thinner spindle rotation speed on apple spur bud removal. The American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA

Kon, T.M. and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Thinning apple early: risks, rewards, and alternative strategies. Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center Field Day, Biglerville, PA. 09 July.

Kon, T.M. and J.R. Schupp. 2015. Apple crop load management: is mechanical thinning effective? In-Depth Tree Fruit Meeting, Winchester, VA. 23 Apr.

Kon, T., J. Schupp, M. Schupp, and H.E. Winzeler. 2015. Investigating forced heated air treatments as a blossom thinning strategy for apple. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 28 January.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Small-Scale Cherry Production, Big Market Opportunities, Indiana

Horticultural Congress, Indianapolis, IN; Jan 21.

Lang, G.A. 2015. High Tunnel Cherries and Other Stone Fruits - Impose Your Own

Climate Change?, Indiana Horticultural Congress, Indianapolis, IN; Jan 22.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Impose Your Own Climate Change: Different Covering Strategies Affect

Stone Fruit Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality, and Diseases, SW Hort Days, Benton Harbor, MI;

Feb 5.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Stone Fruit Game-Changers: Fruiting Wall Training Systems and High

Tunnels, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Conference, Niagara Falls, ON; Feb 19.

Lang, G. 2015. Pruning High Density Sweet Cherries, MSUE Cherry Crop Load Management

& Pruning workshop, Traverse City, MI, Apr. 23.

Lang, G.A. 2015. How Studies in Plant Physiology Change Sweet Cherry Production, MSU

Science Festival, East Lansing, MI; Apr 18.

Lang, G. 2015. High Density Training Systems and Protected Production of Sweet Cherries

and Stone Fruits, MSU Clarksville Research Center Field Day, Clarksville, MI, June 23.

Lang, G.A. 2015. Advances in Management and Production of Cherries with Row Covers,

High Tunnels, and Greenhouses, IV International Cherry Seminar, Curico, Chile; Oct 20.

Miller, D.D. 2015. Apple Rootstock Trial Results in Ohio. Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers annual meeting, Jan. 19, 2015. Kalahari Convention Center, Sandusky, OH. Attendance 50.

Miller, D.D. 2015. 2010 NC-140 Rootstock Planting. Fruit Growers Marketing Association annual meeting, Aug. 25, 2015. Bachman’s Sunny Hill Fruit Farm, Carroll, OH. Attendance 60.

Parker, M.L. Keys to maximizing orchard productivity in the SE. 2015. Southeastern Apple Growers Meeting Proceedings. pp. 51-56.

Parker, et. al., 2015 Integrated orchard management guide for commercial apples in the Southeast. Edited by J. Walgenbach. NC Cooperative Extension Service, Raleigh. AG-572. 88 pp.

Parker, M.L. January 2015. Keys to Maximizing Orchard Productivity in the SE. Southeastern Apple Growers Meeting, Asheville, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 125.

Parker, M.L. January 2015. Peach Production Orchard Tour and Workshop with an emphasis on peach rootstocks and subsequent management. Attendance 55.

Parker, M.L. January 2015. North Carolina Peach Growers Society. Carthage, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 80.

Parker, M.L. February 2015. Western District Apple School, Hendersonville, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 110.

Parker, M.L. February 2015. Keys to Maximizing Orchard Productivity in the Brushy Mts., Wilkesboro, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 40.

Peck, G. 2015. Designing and Establishing a Hard Cider Orchard. Delivered at CiderCON 2015, Chicago, IL. Producer audience. Attendance: 65.

Peck, G. 10-13 Feb 2015. Winter Fruit Schools. Tall Spindle Orchard Systems in Virginia. Delivered at

five separate locations. Producer audience. Attendance: 250.

Peck, G. 25 Aug 2015. Commercial Organic Apple Production Field Day. Site Selection and Orchard

Design. Winchester, VA. Producer audience. Attendance: 50.

Peck, G. 25 Aug 2015. Commercial Organic Apple Production Field Day. Cultivar and Rootstock

Selection. Winchester, VA. Producer audience. Attendance: 50.

Rahn, Z., J. Schupp, H.E. Winzeler, and T. Kon. 2015. Fire blight resistant pear varieties: fruit quality and sensory evaluation. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. January 28.

Reighard, G.L.  2015.  Crop load management: Cultivar and thinning considerations.  SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Savannah, GA. Jan. 9, 2015.

Reighard, G.L. and G. Henderson.  2015.  Aminoethoxyvinylglycine delays maturity and increases firmness in late season peaches.  SR-ASHS, Atlanta, GA. Feb. 1, 2015.

Reighard, G.L.   2015.  Crop load management: cultivar and thinning considerations in a high chill year. Peach Update Meeting.  Edgefield, SC.  February 19, 2015. 

Reighard, G.L.  2015.  Crop load management: cultivar and thinning considerations in a high chill year.  Oconee Fruit Grower Meeting.  Walhalla, SC.  February 18, 2015.

Reighard, G.L., T. Feng, K. Gasic, F. Souza and R. Pio.  2015.  Cell division and enlargement in peach mesocarp cells affected by time of thinning.  IN: Workshop on Molecular Physiology & Genetics of Fruit Growth & Development.  August 6, 2015.  ASHS Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.

Reighard, G.L., T. Feng, and K. Gasic.  2015.  Early fruit  thinning enhances upregulation of genes for cell division and growth in peach.  Southeastern Professional Fruit Workers Conference, October 6-8, 2015.  Montgomery, Al.

Schupp, J. R. 2015. Pruning by the Numbers. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. January 27.

Schupp, J. R. 2015. Peach Pruning and Training. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. January 28.

Schupp, J. R. 2015. Peach Rootstock Trials. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. 28 January.

Schupp, J. 2015. Managing high density apple and peach plantings with advanced horticultural techniques. Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center Field Day, Biglerville, PA. 09 July.

Schupp, J., H. E. Winzeler, T. Baugher, L. Kime, T. Kon, and M. Schupp. 2015. Peach Systems Trial: 8 year summary. The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA. January 28.

Schupp, J. 2015. Growing apples of consistent size and quality. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Winter Apple School, Flat Rock, NC. 4 Feb.

Schupp, J. 2015. Does water quality affect the efficacy of NAA stop drop sprays? North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Winter Apple School, Flat Rock, NC. 4 Feb.

Schupp, J. 2015. Apple pruning demonstration. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Winter Apple School, Flat Rock, NC 5 Feb.

Schupp, J. R. 2015. Effect of water quality on Stop Drop Efficacy.  Adams County Fruit Growers Winter Fruit School, Biglerville, PA.  16 February

Schupp, J. 2015. Peach rootstocks: Current options and upcoming developments. Michigan Spring Peach Update. Benton Harbor, MI. 10 March.

Schupp, J. R. 2015. The Penn State Fruit Research Center: A university – grower interface. Nuffield Scholars. 13 March

Walsh, C. 2015. Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference.  December 2014

Walsh, C. 2015. Preliminary Results from the Gala, Pink Lady Geneva Rootstock Trial at WMREC

Walsh, C. 2015. Field-testing advanced selections from the Geneva apple rootstock breeding program 2014 Updates.

Walsh, C. 2015. Anna Wallis, Brian Butler and Chris Walsh (Attendance, 60).

Walsh, C. 2015. Western Maryland Twilight Meeting.  August 2015

Walsh, C, B. Butler, K. Peter. 2015Tour of ongoing fruit tree research.  (Attence, 70 from MD, PA, VA and WV) 

Wolfe, D. 25 June 2015. Apple and peach rootstock trials in Kentucky. UKREC Horticulture Field Day. Homeowner / grower audience. Attendance 20.

Yoder. K. 25 Aug 2015. Commercial Organic Apple Production Field Day. Disease Management.

Winchester, VA. Producer audience. Attendance: 50.