Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Impact Nuggets

• 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. Some radical canopy architectures are proving to be both yield-efficient and labor-efficient.

• Stooling or layering beds are still the main method for propagation of apple rootstocks. Research performed at Geneva to improve rooting of Geneva rootstocks has resulted in the application prohexadione calcium sprays by several U.S. nurseries. In addition, commercial stool beds established by planting tissue culture material in a double row configuration have increased productivity of new beds and quality of liners available to the industry. A significant portion of apple rootstocks in 2016 was produced with in-vitro methods and by cuttings. While more expensive than propagation beds, these methods induced more primary roots and increased transplant survival and vigor.

• In a collaborative project including Utah State University, Cornell and USDA, researchers found that some apple scions with G.41 rootstock form brittle graft unions, regardless of grafting method. The brittleness is associated with high rigidity, but is not associated with any detectable change in hydraulic resistance across the union. BA applications directly to the graft union increased break strength. Apogee similarly increased strength, but also reduced scion growth.

• For stone fruit, Controller 9 and Controller 6 rootstocks are receiving increased attention for peach and nectarine plantings in California.  Several large acreage plots have been planted and nurseries are having difficulty satisfying the demand for trees.  There is increased interest in growing “pedestrian” orchards that can be managed without ladders.

New Facilities and Equipment

A new house was constructed for graduate students and visiting scientists at the Fruit Research and Education Center, Biglerville, PA, with funding ($250,000) from the State Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania. The University of Maine purchased a FLIR E5 infrared camera, ΔA Meter, Truroni Campbell weather station instruments for relative humidity, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture for apple rootstock research. In Michigan, orchard covering systems were tested to protect high density sweet cherry trees from frost, rain, wind, hail, birds, and some diseases. An over-the-row mechanical harvester was tested for high density tart cherry production. Battery-powered handheld pruners and hedgers were used to impose dormant and summer pruning treatments in cherries.  Approximately two acres of orchard was established in 2016 at the University of Guelph, Simcoe Research Station. This included a new peach rootstock experiment, a new hard cider orchard, and orchard for future plant physiology research. In Utah a GPS-based trailer mounted ceptometer has been assembled for mapping light interception in tart cherry orchards. This will be used to compare pruning and training strategies in both conventional and high density plantings.

Unique Project Related Findings

On the alkaline soils of Utah, peach trees on Krymsk1, Krymsk 86, Mirobac, Br. Hybrid 5 and Penta had greener leaves than trees on Lovell.  Of the 16 peach rootstocks in a Georgia trial, only Guardian and Controller 8 have no tree mortality. In Illinois and Massachusetts, Prunus Americana had very high numbers of root suckers. In Missouri, peach trees on the plum rootstock, Penta, bloomed earlier than trees on the other rootstocks.  In South Carolina Rootpac 20 (Densipac) and Rootpac 40 (Nanopac), from the Spanish Company Agromillora Iberica, were planted in 2 locations and after 3 years, trees are dying due to Pseudomonas syringae.

In an apple demonstration trial planted in northern Maine (zone 3) in 2014, trees on G.30, G.11, G.202 and V.1 lacked sufficient hardiness to survive early spring freezing temperatures (-29 C). In Michigan ‘Honeycrisp’ trees on PiAu51-1, B.70-20-20 and B.70-20-21 had the most bitterpit, whereas trees on G.935, G.4003, G.214 and B.9 had low levels of bitterpit. In Minnesota, ‘Honeycrisp’ yields were negatively related to the severity of zonal chlorosis, but trees on CG.5067 had high chlorosis and high yield. In New York, trees of the nonvigorous cultivar ‘SnapDragon’ CG.5257 had the highest yields and also had a spreading growth habit.

Five new dwarfing rootstocks from the Michigan cherry rootstock program are being propagated for the 2017 NC140 coordinated trial. In British Columbia, the UFO training system for sweet cherry had the highest yield and renewal pruning and spur pruning have been used to balance tree vigor and maintain fruit size. In New York, pear yields were negatively related to tree spacing and trees on OHxF69 planted at 3’ between trees and trained as Tall Spindle had the highest yields. In California, Horner-4 pear rootstock has performed uniquely well. Despite its vigor and resulting potential size it is very precocious and productive and it is being tested under a wider range of conditions, such as heavier, wetter soils.

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:

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)

2017 peach rootstock Trial (Greg Reighard)

2017 Sweet cherry Rootstock trial (Greg lang)

2017 Tart cherry Rootstock Trial (Greg Lang)

2018 Apple Rootstock Trial (Stephano Musacchi)

2018 Apricot Rootstock Trial (Gregg Lang)

2019 Pear Rootstock Trial (Todd Einhorn)

Future plantings for all crops for 2018 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 seven growing seasons, largest trees were on B.70-20-20 and B.64-194; 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.67-5-32 (Fuji).  Most cumulatively yield efficient trees were on G.11 and G.4003 for Honeycrisp and on B.9, G.935N, and CG.5087 for Fuji.  The largest fruit on average were from trees on B.64-194 for Honeycrisp and from trees on G.41N for Fuji.   Trees on PiAu 9-90 had the highest chlorosis in BC and trees on B.73-150 had the lowest chlorosis. 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. After two seasons, trees on G.41 and G.202 had larger trunks than trees on G.16 and G.222.

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. The focus of canopy management is to optimize light distribution and minimize shade, promote balanced cropping and renew the structural fruiting sites. 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. Trees were mechanically harvested in 2016. 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 2005 pear Rootstock Trial was terminated in 2014 and results were published in ACTA Hort. However the trees in California are being used for crop load adjustment experiments and only trees on 708-36 and Pyrodwarf had larger fruit following fruit thinning after June drop.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. For Bartlett and Bosc, trees on OHxF87 were smaller than on OHxF69. Trunks of bi-ais trees were half the size of single axis trees. For Anjou, but not the other cultivars, tree size was positively related to in-row spacing.  Yields of fourth-leaf trees were low at all sites (0.8 kg/tree) and not consistently affected by the any one of the factors evaluated. 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)

The first five years of data for the 2009 peach Rootstock Trial were summarized and a draft of a manuscript will be completed in January 2017.  After seven years, 13 sites remain in the trial. Tree survival was highest for peach seedling rootstocks at all lcoations, whereas survival of non-peach species and hybrid rootstocks was poor to fair at five locations. Imperial California had the lowest survival. Prunus Americana seedlings produced large numbers of root suckers.

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, especially Guardian®.  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 advantages to using clonal interspecific Prunus hybrids for peach production under current cultural practices. The clonal P. persica rootstocks ‘Controller 8’ and ‘Controller 7’ are the most promising of the size-controlling rootstocks tested. 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 (NY, 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. At a given crop density, Cresthaven fruit weight was lower for KY and NY than for MD, SC and ID. For Redhaven, fruit weight was related linearly to crop density and curvilinearly to growing degree days. An additional year of data is needed to develop models.

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

A new breeding program was initiated in June 2015 at Washington State University to develop dwarfing precocious pear rootstocks.  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 a 2017 NC140 coordinated trial evaluation as well as trials with selected scientists and growers. In 2016, the apple rootstock breeding program at Geneva, N.Y. released G.213 rootstock in Brazil and the U.S. This rootstock produces a tree similar in size to M.9 Nic29 with good yield efficiency, resistance to fire blight and wooly apple aphids and some tolerance to replant disease. In Brazil this rootstock increases bud break in low chill environments. In the nursery it induces more feathers that other commercial rootstocks. In the stool bed the shanks are straight but may possess some spines if the bed receives too much fertilizer and has not been planted in high density. As part of the recently funded Root 2 Fruit SCRI project, NC140 members are initiating research involving DNA sequencing to evaluate rootstocks for nutrient uptake capacity and tolerance to biotic stresses. The second year of a multistate/agency genomics project to genotype the entire NCGR Corvallis pear germplasm collection was completed. The effort is detailed at http://ucanr.edu/sites/peargenomics/. PGRN members collaborated on a multistate/agency (UC, WSU, OSU, USDA Kearneysville, USDA-NCGR Corvallis) SCRI pre-proposal to coordinate and develop a pear rootstock improvement program (submitted November 2016). Target traits are size control, fire blight and Armillaria resistance, and iron chlorosis.

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 (Gi13 and Gi17), from Germany known as the WeiGi series as well as potential apricot rootstocks. 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. Some of the When brittle apple cultivars are budded onto some of the Geneva rootstocks, nurseries and orchardists have lost trees to breakage at the union. Using laser ablation tomography PA researchers found that weak and strong combinations both contained areas of poor xylem differentiation at the graft union. Researchers in UT found that application of plant growth regulators to the graft union of nursery trees increased break strength of trees.

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

Biotic stresses. Tree nutrition influences tree growth and fruit quality. Bitter pit severity of HomeyCrisp was recorded at by several locations. At MN bitter pit was severe, but was not influenced by rootstock.  In MI trees on G.41 had the greatest bitter pit, whereas trees on V.1, and M.9T337 had little bitter pit. In ID trees on B.20-20-21, G.11 and CG.5087 had high leaf N, whereas trees on B.64-194 and B.70-20-20 had high leaf K. Bitter pit will be evaluated by more collaborators in 2017. The majority of trees on P. persica, but not Prunus hybrids and other Prunus species of rootstocks, survived in GA. 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 survived poorly in SC, but no rootstocks of 100% P. persica have died.  Soil fumigation may be beneficial for apple trees planted in replant sites in NC or the best alternative would be to use alternative rootstocks, such as G.30 or G.210 rather than 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) and grown in the greenhouse to study uptake of calcium and nitrogen in WA. Isotope tracers, whole plant mass balance uptake and distribution models will be combined with metabolomics and genomic profiling.

Abiotic stresses. In British Columbia, cherry rootstocks and training systems had little effect on stomatal conductance, but Gi3 and Gi5 had lower midday stem water potential than Gi6 trees on four of eight sampling dates. Gi3 was more susceptible to colonization with root lesion nematodes than Gi5 and Gi6 trees. No bacterial canker was observed. In Nova Scotia, water relations were assessed in both 2010 Honeycrisp and 2010 Sweet Cherry rootstock trials. Sweet cherry showed water stress initially and 3 weeks prior to harvest; Gi3 had higher values than Gi5 and Gi6. At the start of harvest TSA trees were more water stressed than UFO trees. Following harvest, when rainfall was well below the monthly average for August and September, Gi3 was most water stressed. Honeycrisp trees were measured 10 weeks before harvest and into the harvest season. HoneyCrisp water relation were affected little by rootstock in 2016

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 continued to make 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. For 2016 eApples content constituted 1.1% of all views on eXtension. 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.

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. The majority of the stipend will be used to provide scholarships to graduate students to attend the 2017 NC-140 meeting in North Carolina and make short research presentations. This is an important activity to train the next generation of pomologists by providing an opportunity for graduate students to learn about multi-state projects, specifically the NC-140, and to tour research plantings. 

2015-16 Published Written Works

 Books

Crassweller, R.M., T.A. Baugher, R.P. Marini, and J.R. Schupp. 2016. P.1-89. In: G. Krawczyk (ed.) Penn State Tree Fruit production Guide for 2016-2017.  Penn State Extension AGRS-045.

2016 Integrated Orchard Management Guide for Commercial apples in the Southeast. Edited by J. Walgenbach. NC Cooperative Extension Service, Raleigh. AG-572. 88 pp.

Refereed Journal Articles

Chavez, D.J., T.G. Beckman, and J.X. Chaparro. 2016. Identifying the North American plum species phylogenetic signal using nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast DNA markers. Journal American Society Horticultural Science 141: In press.

Fazio, G., T.L. Robinson, and H.S. Aldwinckle, 2015. The Geneva apple rootstock breeding program. Plant Breeding Reviews 39:379-424.

Geng, F., R. Moran, M. Day, W. Halteman and D. Zhang. 2016. Increasing shoot elongation and proliferation of ‘G.30’ and ‘G.41’ apple by chilling explants and plant growth regulators. HortScience 51:899-904.

Law, T.L. and G.A. Lang. 2016. Planting angle and meristem management influence sweet cherry canopy development in the “Upright Fruiting Offshoots” training system. HortScience 51:1010-1015. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/51/8/1010.full

Lang, G.A. 2016. Cherry rootstock. pp. 631 in: Gasic, K. and J.E. Preece. Register of New Fruit and Nut Cultivars: List 48. HortScience 51:620-652. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/51/6/620.full

Marini, R.P., W.R. Autio, B. Black, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.C. Crassweller, C. Hampson, M.M. Kushad, R. Moran, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, D. Wolfe. 2016. Time Required for Classifying Rootstock Vigor in Multi-location Rootstock Trials. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 70(2):82-91.

Shin, S., P. Zheng, G. Fazio, M. Mazzola, D. Main, and Y. Zhu, 2016. Transcriptome changes specifically associated with apple (Malus domestica) root defense response during Pythium ultimum infection. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 94:16-26.

Tworkoski, T., G. Fazio, and D.M. Glenn, 2016. Apple rootstock resistance to drought. Scientia Horticulturae 204:70-78. 24

Tworkoski, T. and G. Fazio, 2016. Hormone and growth interactions of scions and sizecontrolling rootstocks of young apple trees. Plant Growth Regulation.

Ayala, M. and G.A. Lang. 2015. 13C-Photoassimilate partitioning in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) during early spring. Ciencia e Investigacion Agraria 42:191-203. http://www.rcia.uc.cl/index.php/rcia/article/view/1508

Marini, R.P., W.R. Autio, B. Black, J. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.C. Crassweller, C. Hampson, M.M. Kushad, R. Moran, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, D. Wolfe. 2016. Time Required for Classifying Rootstock Vigor in Multi-location Rootstock Trials. Journal American Pomological Society. 70(2):82-91.

Symposium Proceedings

Fazio, G., Lordan, J., Francescatto, P., Cheng, L., Wallis, A., Grusak, M.A., Robinson, T.L.,Honeycrisp Apple Fruit Nutrient Concentration Affected By Apple Rootstocks, XI International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. ISHS, Bologna, Italy.

Lang, GA, Blatt, S, Forge, T, Lordan, J, Neilsen, D, Reig, G and Robinson, T. 2016. Integrating sweet cherry canopy architectures and rootstocks in difference environments: the NC-140 trial results from Michigan, New York, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. ISHS Orchard Systems Symposium, Bologna, Italy. August 2016.

Reighard, G.L. 2016. Rootstock performance in the 2009 NC-140 peach trial across 11 States. ISHS 11th International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. August 28 – Sept. 2, 2016. Bologna, Italy.

Fisk, C., C. Tu, D. Ritchie, M. Parker and G. Reighard. 2016. Rootstock effect on soil ecology in a young peach orchard. ISHS 11th International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. August 28 – Sept. 2, 2016. Bologna, Italy.

Parker, M., D. Ritchie, G. Reighard, B.Clark and R. Marceau. 2016. Peach rootstock differences in tree survival from bacterial canker in the Southeastern United States. ISHS 11th International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. August 28 – Sept. 2, 2016. Bologna, Italy.

Reighard, G., D.J. Chavez, et al. 2016. Rootstock performance in the 2009 NC-140 peach trial across 11 states. XI International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Comparison of Intensive Sweet Cherry Tree Architectures to Optimize Fruit Quality and Labor Efficiencies. 2nd International Stone Fruit Conference, Netherlands, May, 2016

Lang, G.A. et al. 2016. The NC140 Trial Results from Michigan, New York, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. ISHS Canopy Systems, Rootstocks, and Environmental Physiology Symposium, Bologna, Italy, Aug. 28-Sept 2.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Integrating Canopy Architectures and Rootstock Traits to Optimize Fruit Production in Different Environments. ISHS Canopy Systems, Rootstocks, and Environmental Physiology Symposium, Bologna, Italy, Aug. 28-Sept 2.

Lang, G. A. 2016. Experiences with New Sweet Cherry Training Systems. Tubitak Cherry Research Conference, Samsun, Turkey, Sept.   Lordan, J., Fazio, G., Francescatto, P., Robinson, T.L., 2016. Effects of Apple (Malus ×domestica) Rootstocks on Vigor and Yield Scion Response, XI International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. ISHS, Bologna, Italy.

Poster Presentations

Popular Articles

Autio, W.R., J.S. Krupa, J.M. Clements, and W.P. Cowgill Jr. 2016. Evaluation of peach rootstocks: 2009 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial through seven growing seasons. Fruit Notes 81(3):1-3. http://horticulturalnews.org/96-3/Cover813.html

Autio, W.R., J.S. Krupa, J.M. Clements, and W.P. Cowgill Jr. 2016. Evaluation of peach rootstocks: 2009 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial through seven growing seasons. Horicultural News 96(3):1-3. http://horticulturalnews.org/96-3/Cover96-3.html

Autio, W.R. 2016. Rootstock Trial through seven growing seasons. Fruit Notes 81(3):1-3. http://horticulturalnews.org/96-3/Cover813.html

Crassweller, R. and D. Smith. 2016. Honeycrisp rootstock trial early results. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):36-38.

Crassweller, R. and D. Smith 2016. 2015 Results of apple training system trials. Pennsylvania Fruit News 96(1):39-41.

Crassweller, R. and D. Smith. 2016 Nutritional analysis of new apple cultivars in high density plantings. Pennsylvania Fruit News. 96(2):21-22

Schupp, J. 2016. Prune mature trees to improve light distribution. Fruit Growers News 55(1):8-9

Baugher, Jarvinen, Dugan, and Schupp. 2016. Can a Rules-Based Apple Pruning System Improve Labor Efficiency without Affecting Orchard Productivity? PA Fruit News 96 (2):16-17.

Fazio, G., L. Cheng, M.A. Grusak, and T.L. Robinson, 2015. Apple rootstocks influence mineral nutrient concentration of leaves and fruit. New York Fruit Quarterly 25:11-15.

Hein, T. 2016. Smaller sweet cherry trees. Fruit and Vegetable Magazine, (in press).

Blatt, S. and D. Neilsen. 2016. Putting the cherry on top. AgrInfo, Issue 6, October 2016. http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-us/publications/agri-info-newsletter/?id=1419351635969

Lang, G.A. 2016. Evaluating sweet cherry training systems for precision orchards. American Fruit Grower 136(1):26-27.

Lang, G. 2016. Una mirada a los sistemas de cobertura de cerezo en el mundo. Redagricola 80:34-38.

Tepe, E., E. Hoover, et al., 2016. extension.org/apples

Tepe, E., E. Hoover, et al., 2016. Commercial Fruit Extension (fruit.cfans.umn.edu)

Tepe E. and E. Hoover, 2016. Growing Fruit in the Northern Garden (available free on iBooks)

Warmund, M. 2016. The dangers of drought on fruit crops. M) Environment and Garden newsletter. June 2016. http://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/archive/2016/v22n6.pdf.

Warmund, M. 2016. Split Pits in Peaches. Environment and Garden newsletter. July 2016. http://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/archive/2016/v22n7.pdf.

Wolfe, D., D. Archbold, J. Johnston, and G. Travis. 2016. Rootstock Effects on Apple and Peach Tree Growth and Yield. Fruit and Vegetable Crops 2015 Research Report. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Station publication. PR-688:9-12. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/PR/PR706/PR706.pdf

Peck, G. and K. Yoder. 2016. 2015 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: Continued Investigations into New Rootstocks, Cultivars, and Training Systems for Virginia. Virginia Fruit 97(1):7-11. (Apr 2016).

Thompson, A. and G. Peck. 2015. 2014 Progress Report to the Virginia Apple Research Program: Fine-tuning fertilizer recommendations for young apple trees in high-density plantings. Virginia Fruit 97(1):12-18 (Apr 2016).

Other Creative Works

Basedow, M., R. Crassweller, J. Schupp and T. Baugher. 2016. Bench Grafting https://youtu.be/ADIIcQGwAWA

Basedow, M., J. Schupp, R. Crassweller, and T. Baugher. 2016. Bark Grafting. https://youtu.be/MQFuJGngs.3M

Lang, G.A. 2016. Cherry training systems – from traditional to transformative? American Fruit Grower 136(11):15-16. http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/stone-fruit/cherry-trainingsystems-from-traditional-to-transformative/

Lang, G.A. 2016. Take a close look at the Tall Spindle Axe. American Fruit Grower 136(8):18-http://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/stone-fruit/take-a-closer-look-at-the-tall-spindle-axetraining-system/

Blatt, S. 2016. CBC News: Nova Scotia researchers growing dwarf cherry trees. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/dwarf-cherry-trees-growing-1.3687577.  

Crassweller, R., L. Kime, and J. Harper. 2016. Agricultural Alternatives: Apple Production. Publication UA428. (complete revision) also on internet at http://extension.psu.edu/business/ag-alternatives/horticulture/fruits/apple-production

North Carolina State University produced 2 videos on apple rootstocks and higher density training systems.

Scientific and Outreach Oral Presentations

Adams, S. and B. Black 27 Jan 2016. “Apple and Peach Rootstock Update.” A presentation at the Northern Utah Fruit Meeting. Brigham City, UT (50 attendees).

Adams, S. and B. Black. 18 February 2016. “Nursery Tree and Rootstock Considerations.” A presentation in the Small Acreage Tree Fruit Basics session at the Utah Urban and Small Farms Conference, West Jordan, UT (45 attendees)

Black, B. and T. Roper. 28 June 2016. NC-140 plantings were featured at the Kaysville Fruit and Vegetable Field day. The tree fruit sessions had over 60 participants.

Autio, W.R. 2016. Update and tour of the current NC-140 trials at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard. Massachusetts Fruit Growers’ Association  Annual Summer Meeting, July 13, 2016.

Beckman, T. 2016. Post-release performance of MP-29, an interspecific plum-peach hybrid rootstock for peach. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Aug. 2016, Atlanta, GA.

Blatt, S. 2016. Odds and Ends: Rootstocks, bugs and sterility. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association Annual Convention, Greenwich, NS, 28 January 2016. Oral presentation to members of the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI tree fruit industry.

Blatt, S. 2016. Update on NC-140 Rootstock trials: Honeycrisp, Sweet Cherry and Modi. Oral presentation of my research results to members of the NS, NB and PEI tree fruit industry. Field Orchard Tour hosted by the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association, August 2016.

Casamali, B., M. Van Iersel, and D.J. Chavez. 2016. Irrigation and fertilization rates for young peach trees [Prunus persica L. (Batsch)]. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Aug. 2016, Atlanta, GA.

Cline, J. A. and D. Plotkowski. 2016. Industry Apple Tailgate Tour of the 2014 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Planting and 2015 European Cider Planting. August 15, 2016. University of Guelph, Simcoe.

Cochran, D.R. 2016.‘Honeycrisp’ apple rootstock trial update. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Annual Conference, Ankeny, IA, January 29, 2016.

Cochran, D.R. 2016. NC-140 ‘Honeycrisp’ rootstock trial update 2016. Iowa State University Fruit and Vegetable Growers Field Day, Horticulture Research Farm, IA, August 15, 2016.

Cochran, D.R. 2016. Establishing an Orchard. Iowa Small Farms Conference, Scheman Continuing Education Building, Ames, IA, February 13, 2016.

Conlan, E., J. Liu, D.J. Chavez, O. Lindstrom, and M.A. Olmstead. 2016. Peach critical bud temperatures for different phenological bud stages. Annual Meeting of the Florida State Horticulture Society.

Crassweller, R. M. 2016. Cherry Rootstock Update. Presented at Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Conference 2/4/16. Hershey, PA.

Elkin, R. 2016.  Rootstocks and orchard systems for European pears; 2014 Sacramento River District PearResearchMeeti(February3, 2016) and 2016 North Coast Pear Research Meeting, Feb. 9, 2016. http://www.calpear.com/research/.

Marini, R.P. 2016. Two Decades of NC140 Trial Results. 2016 IFTA Pre-Conference Intensive Workshop. Grand Rapids, MI. Feb. 6, 2016.

Fallahi, E. 2015. NC-140 Fuji/Rootstock Report. Annual Conference of the Idaho State Horticultural Society, Nampa, Idaho. Nov. 12-13, 2015

Fallahi, E. 2016. Training on Growing Apples on Different Rootstocks. Idaho apple growers March tour. March 8, 2016

Fallahi, E. 2016. Performance of Apple Rootstocks under Intermountain West Conditions. University of Idaho Pomology Program Fruit Field Day. Sept. 16, 2016.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Evolution of Precision Orchard Production Systems. International Fruit Tree Association annual conference, Grand Rapids, MI, Feb. 7-10.

Lang, G.A. 2016. The Fruiting Wall Orchard: Tree Training Results for Sweet Cherries, Nectarines, Apricots, and Plums. ASHS annual conference, Atlanta, GA, Aug. 8-11.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Sweet Cherry Orchard Designs: The Force Awakens, NW Orchard and Vineyard Show, Traverse City, MI; Jan. 12-13.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Update on Apple Rootstock Research at MSU, SW Hort Days, Benton Harbor, MI; Feb 4.

Lang, G. 2016. High Density Training Systems and Protected Production of Sweet Cherries, MSU Clarksville Research Center Field Day, Clarksville, MI, June 22.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Sistemas Intensivos de Producción de Cerezas: Manejo Sustenable. 7th Region Extension (Curico, Chile), Oct. 18-19.

Liu, J., A. Malladi, O. Lindstrom, E. Smith, M. Olmstead, and D.J. Chavez. 2016. Revisiting cold hardiness of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] in Georgia. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Aug. 2016, Atlanta, GA.

Liu, J., A. Malladi, O. Lindstrom, E. Smith, M. Olmstead, and D.J. Chavez. 2016. Differential thermal analyses in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science. Aug. 2016, Atlanta, GA.  [poster]

Lordan, J., Robinson, T.L., Blatt, S., Francescatto, P., Embree, C., 2016b. Performance of pear rootstocks in North America, ASHS Annual Conference. ASHS, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Moran, R., B. Peterson, G. Fazio, and J. Cline. 2016. Seasonal and genotypic variation in cold temperature tolerance of apple rootstocks. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Horticultural Science Conference. Atlanta, GA. Aug. 2016.

Moran, R. 2015. Pruning and Training Apple Trees. Summary of training systems including the use of size-controlling rootstocks for apple. Ehmej, Bcharre, and Jbeil, Lebanon, ME. Oct. 22 - Nov.3, 2015.

Moran, R. 2016. Highmoor Farm Tree Fruit Research Summary. Maine Ag. Trades Show, Augusta, ME, January 14, 2016.

Parker, M.L. January 2016. Peach Production Orchard Tour and Workshop with an emphasis on peach rootstocks and subsequent management. Attendance 50.

Parker, M.L. January 2016. North Carolina Peach Growers Society. Carthage, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 85.

Parker, M.L. February 2016. Western District Apple School, Hendersonville, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 110.

Parker, M.L. February 2016. Maximizing Orchard Productivity in the Brushy Mts., Wilkesboro, NC. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 40.

Reighard, G.L. 2016. Krymsk® and other stone fruit rootstocks. Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Niagara Falls, Ontario, February 16, 2016.

Reighard, G.L. 2016. Peach rootstocks for efficient orchard training and production systems. IFTA 59th Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. February 8, 2016.

Reighard, G.L. 2016. Nitrogen nutrition and bacterial canker association on replant sites. SE Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Savannah, GA. Jan. 9, 2016.

Thompson A. and G.M. Peck. Fine tuning fertilizer recommendations for young apple trees in high-density plantings. Cumberland Shenandoah Fruit Workers Meeting. 2015.

Peck, G.M. and A.A. Thompson. Soil microbial mediation of mineral uptake by apple rootstock. American Society for Horticulture Science General Meeting. 2016.

Wolfe, D. 2016. Apple and peach rootstock trials in Kentucky. UKREC Horticulture Field Day. June, 25, 2016.

Shengrui Yao. 2016.  Fruit research update at NMSU Alcalde Center (with 2015 organic apple rootstock trial included). Presented at the New Mexico Fruit Growers Annual Workshop on March 4, 2016.

Yoder, K. 13 Aug 2016. Open House at the Alson H. Smith, Jr. AREC: Tour of the Horticulture and Pathology plantings. Winchester, VA. General public. Attendance: 65.

 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 2015/2016, funding and matching funds reported by members amounted to $1,590,140 plus $38,000 in-kind support from primarily commodity groups, state and competitive grant sources.

Autio, W, R Marini, J Cline, G Reighard, G Lang, and T Einhorn. 2016. NC-140 Rootstock Research Trial Coordinators. International Fruit Tree Association. $10,000.

Cline, J. 2016. Canadian Horticultural Council. $30,000

Cochran, D.R. 2016. Dwarfing Rootstocks. Iowa Dept. of Agri. and Land Stewardship Specialty Crop Block Grant. $1,700 in-kind for land and equipment usage plus $11,000.

Elkins, R. 2016. Rootstocks, Orchard Systems, and Cultivars for European Pears. California Pear Advisory Board. $17,973.

Falllahi, E. 2016. Evaluation of leaf minerals and fruit quality attributes of mature ‘Aztec’ Fuji trees on different rootstocks, tree girdling, and canopy designs. Block Grant, Idaho State Department of Agriculture $53,500.

Fallahi, E. 2016. Support in kind for agricultural chemicals from Wilbur Ellis Company, University of Idaho. $6,000.

Fallahi, E. 2015. Labor and equipment (in-kind) from Idaho fruit industry for operation of various apple rootstock projects. Idaho Fruit Industry.  $6,800.00

Cheng et al., 2016. Accelerating the Development, Evaluation, and Adoption of New Apple Rootstock Technologies to Improve Apple Grower Profitability and Sustainability. USDA-SCRISREP. $4,281,618.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Competitive Orchards 2020: Integrating Tree Fruit Cropping Physiology, Canopy Architectures, Climate Modification Technologies, and Pest Management Strategies.  Project GREEEN. $38,800.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Preserving ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple Quality and Profitability. Project GREEEN. $36,500.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Apple Rootstock Evaluations. Michigan Apple Committee. $15,251.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Bitter Pit in ‘Honeycrisp’. Michigan Apple Committee. $12,703.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Sweet Cherry Orchard Designs. Michigan Cherry Committee. $10,000.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Trellised Protected Orchard Systems. International Fruit Tree Association. $9,000.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Fruiting Wall Orchard Systems for Stone Fruits. International Fruit Tree Association. $4,000.

Lang, G.A. 2016. Fruiting Wall and High Tunnel Stone Fruit Production. Michigan State Horticultural Society. $8,124.

Lang, G.A. 2016. (in-kind). Michigan Tree Fruit Commission; $24,500 nursery tree purchases, plot preparation and establishment, irrigation installation, deer fence for new cherry trials.

Lang, G.A. 2016. (in-kind). Michigan Tree Fruit Commission; $124,000 mechanized orchard platforms for orchard research at Northwest Michigan and Clarksville Research Centers.

Lang, G.A. 2016. (in-kind).  Al-Mar Orchards, Flushing, MI; Land use and maintenance for apple rootstock trial. $2,500

Lang, G.A. 2016. (in-kind). Rasch Orchards, Sparta, MI; Land use and maintenance for apple rootstock trial. $2,500

Parker, M.L. NC Legislature/Special Bill funding for apple research - $9,000.

Wolfe, D. 2013-2017. New peach/nectarine cultivar planting. Cumberland Valley Nursery. $1000.

Wolfe, D. 2014-2017. Technical Staffing from Kentucky Agricultural Development Board / Kentucky Horticulture Council grant. Infrastructure for Kentucky Horticulture.  $53,645

New York. 2016. - Evaluation of the Cornell-Geneva Apple Rootstocks and Other Promising Apple Rootstocks. - Sponsored by International Fruit Tree Association ($10,000).

New York. 2016. High-Density Planting Systems and Rootstocks for Sweet Cherries in the East. - Sponsored by International Fruit Tree Association ($9,000).

New York. 2106. Orchard management systems for improved yield and fruit quality – Sponsored by Apple Research and Development Program ($68,000).

Reighard, G. 2016. Guardian® seed sales. South Carolina Foundation Seed. $214,000.

Reighard, G. 2016. “Screening peach rootstocks for adaptability, productivity, and tolerance to Armillaria and bacterial canker”. South Carolina Peach Council research grant. $4,000.

Saski, Gasic, Reighard, et al. 2016. Genomics of Armillaria resistant Prunus genotypes. Wells Fargo Grant $150,000.

Robinson, T. and B. Black. 2015-2016. Scion – rootstock interactions and their effect on graft union break strength of apple. International Fruit Tree Association. $10,000.

Black, B. 2014-2017. A Comparison of Water Relations and WUE Among Fruit Tree Rootstocks. Utah Dept. Ag. & Food, Specialty Crop Block Grant. $31,029.

Shengrui Yao, Robert Heyduck and Steve Guldan. 2014-2017. Organic apple high density planting in New Mexico. Specialty Crop Block Grant through NM Department of Agriculture.  $27,242.

Song, J, Forge, T, Blatt, S, Neilsen D, Forney, C and Burgher-MacLellan, K. 2015-2018 (3 years). Costs of supporting the apple and cherry rootstock trials covered by AAFC’s A-base funding, project J-001036.001: ‘Developing more resilient tree fruit production systems from the ground up: Rootstocks with enhanced tolerance to emerging biotic threats to orchard health”.

Yoder, K.S. 2016-2017. New Rootstocks, Cultivars, and Training Systems for Virginia, project support for 2016. Virginia Apple Research Program. $6,125.

Yoder, K.S. 2016-2017. Apple rootstock susceptibility to Tomato Ring Spot Virus (TmRSV) and latent viruses. Virginia Apple Research Program. $9,500.

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.

Peck, G.M. and K.S. Yoder. 2014-2016. Advancing Organic Apple Production in Virginia. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Specialty Crop Block Grant. $38,166.

Yoder, K.S. and G.M. Peck. 2014-2016. Susceptibility of new apple rootstocks to Tomato Ringspot Virus (TmRSV). Virginia Agricultural Council. $2,000.

Peck, G.M. 2015-2016. Integrated Approaches for Reducing Synthetic Fertilizer Inputs in Apple Orchards. Virginia Agricultural Council. $21,683.

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.

Stefano Musacchi, Karen Lewis, Karina Gallardo, Tom Auvil. 2014-2017. WA 38 Rootstock and Systems Trial. Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC)  Total Budget: 242,519 US$ personal budget: $133,495.

Kate Evans and Amit Dhingra. 2015-2018. Developing the foundation for U.S. pear rootstock breeding. PNW Pear Bureau.Budget: $273,253.

Stefano Musacchi, Lee Kalcsits, Desmond Layne and Karina Gallardo. 2015-2018. Cosmic Crisp^TM: Training system and orchard management to optimize vigor control and quality. Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Total budget $249,191. Personal budget: $104,865.

Stasiak, M. 2016. Door & Kewaunee Co. commercial fruit research and outreach support to cover apple rootstock planting maintenance. $5,000.

Stasiak, M. and Atucha. 2016. Wisconsin Apple Growers Association funding for evaluation of NC140 apple rootstocks in Wisconsin. $3,225.

Crassweller, R.  J. Schupp, D. Smith. 2016. Apple Rootstock and Cultivar Evaluations. (continuing) 50%. SHAP Research CommitteeRMC = $11,635, Total budget = $18,932.

Crassweller, R. and D. Smith. 2016. SHAP Second Generation Apple System Trials. Endowment Committee. Year 9 of 10. RMC = 100%, Total budget = $7,000

Crassweller, R.M. and D. E. Smith. 2016. New Apple Rootstocks’ Influence on Mineral Composition of Leaves and Fruit. SARE On-farm Research/Partnership Project $14,562