Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes of Annual Meeting

Secretary: Jason Londo

Host and Chair: Terence Bradshaw

November 6, 2026

Administrative business:

• Meeting agenda and minutes from 2024 meeting were approved by consensus.
• New members were invited to introduce themselves:

Srijana Thapa Magar is interested in joining from the University of Georgia.

              Evan Lentz,  University of Connecticut

              Mehdi Sharifi, University of British Columbia

              Liz Garifalo, will be taking over for Jon Clements at UMass.

Todd Einhorn is temporarily taking over for Greg Lang in Michigan Greg’s replacement is hired.

New members were implicitly accepted given no disagreement, and no disagreement was offered.

• Brial Lawrence and Greg Peck proposed 2026 meeting in New York. The last meeting in Geneva was 2019. The meeting would be hosted in New York with a tour to Ithaca orchards and facilities.  Great Lakes Fruit Workers meeting will also be in Geneva in 2026, possibly match them up to encourage participation. The proposal was approved by consensus.
• Astrid Volder offered to host 2027 meeting in Davis, CA. The group indicated support but put off final approval to 2026 meeting.
• Administrative advisor Troy Runge offered a brief overview of the multistate project concept. Discussion included rules around fund availability and usability (depends on the state) and expected timeline changes due to changes in the federal government and its priorities. The NC-140 project is due for renewal by 12/1/2026. The group discussed plans, timelines, and general strategies for writing the renewal proposal.

 NC-140 website:

• Jon Clements has managed the project website for 15–20 years. The current system allows file downloads but not co-editing, and the site serves as the official repository for reports and meeting archives. As personnel retire, the group needs to decide how maintenance and administrative roles will transition. Participants raised questions about continuity, backup roles, and cleaning outdated participant lists, noting that updates are the responsibility of each site.
• Accessibility and data availability: The website links to the NIMSS database. Only a few members currently have access privileges to the main website. The group discussed whether org or the Extension Foundation might provide long-term hosting or infrastructure support, with some suggestion that support for that program is not guaranteed.
• Win Cowgill recommended adding hyperlinks to the publication list so users can directly access referenced papers. Several members suggested incorporating these communication and access issues into the project rewrite.

Related publication note: Kurt Rom announced a forthcoming HortScience special issue on tree-fruit rootstocks, aligned with the project’s 50-year milestone.

Summary of project trials:

2015 Organic Apple Rootstock Trial (coordinated by Terence Bradshaw)

• Trial overview and progress
  Terence Bradshaw reported on the ‘Modi’ scab-resistant organic apple rootstock trial. Across sites, G.890 showed the highest cumulative yield. Data synthesis and manuscript preparation are underway.
• Analyses and collaboration
  Greg Peck noted virus testing and joint nutrient analyses with Gennaro Fazio during 2023–2024. He asked about rootstock × site interactions, which Bradshaw confirmed will be analyzed in the coming months as the paper is finalized.
• Publication and scope
  Jon Clements mentioned the prior five-year publication and asked how states that exited the trial would be cited. Bradshaw clarified that the paper will include only the sites that maintained the trial through completion, noting significant impacts from fire blight and frost in New York. Biennial bearing indices were calculated by site and rootstock, with Vermont showing the lowest values.
• Management and site updates
  Bradshaw confirmed hand thinning to single clusters for crop-load management. Peck added that trees at Ithaca and Geneva will be removed in 2025.

 2017 Peach Rootstock Trial (coord. Ioannis Minas, not present)

• Project status and communication
  Greg Reighard reported that the trial was delayed by one year. A five-year draft manuscript is in progress and largely complete, though communication between the original ten cooperators and project coordinators has been limited. It remains uncertain whether a ten-year follow-up paper will be produced.
• Coordination and project structure
  Stephano emphasized the need to rebalance participation across fruit crops and suggested appointing a new coordinator if sufficient interest exists for continued peach trials. Becky Wiepz asked about technical roles, questioning whether coordination occurs by crop or individual trial. Stephano clarified that each crop has both a chair and a trial coordinator.
• Governance and future planning
  Terence Bradshaw noted that the coordinator role is formal, while the crop-chair role may not be, prompting discussion about clarifying or revising these organizational mechanisms in the upcoming project rewrite.

 2017 Tart Cherry Rootstock Trial (coord. Jimmy Larson)

• Study progress and timeline
  Jim Larson (Utah State University) reported the project is in its ninth year, with the primary goal being completion and publication. The group agreed to continue one more season, extending to a full ten-year dataset.
• Site performance and data quality
  Becky Wiepz noted that nearly all ‘Claire’ trees were lost except one. Todd Einhorn reported limited data from Michigan due to crop losses, while Brian Lawrence (Cornell) observed good harvests in recent years. Larson confirmed that about 80% of sites remain in acceptable condition.
• Design and harvest considerations
  Wiepz raised a question about continuing harvest from middle trees when border trees are lost, noting that has been current practice. Larson agreed but emphasized the need to document design limitations and include a live/dead plot map in the final report. Wiepz and Larson discussed that in high-density plantings, the loss of border trees may have minimal yield impact.

 2017 Sweet Cherry Systems x Rootstock (coord. Brent black, not present)

• Nobody has much information on the trial at the meeting.

2019 Apple Rootstock Trial (coord. Todd Einhorn)

• Project progress and data management
  Todd Einhorn reported that data for the five-year report has been requested and partially received from cooperators. The compiled dataset has been transferred to a statistician at Michigan State University, and the goal is to complete the manuscript before the next annual meeting. The trial continues to perform well in Michigan.
• Rootstock performance and site issues
  Stefano Musacchi asked about color reversion on New Zealand rootstocks, noting that his site has observed this problem. Shan Kumar reported complete tree loss on NZ1 and cold damage to M.9 rootstocks during the 2022–2023 winter, including visible cracking in the affected trees.

 2023 Cider Apple Rootstock Trial (coord. Greg Peck)

• Trial design and materials
  Greg Peck reported on the 2023 cider apple rootstock trial using the cultivar Porter’s Perfection, which has shown a fused-fruit phenotype. Eight rootstocks are under evaluation (G.11, G.213, G.41, G.484, G.202, G.969, G.219, G.890). Some sites did not receive G.484. Losses occurred at Montana and Ohio sites, and there were issues in Idaho and Nova Scotia.
• Tree performance and establishment
  Tree growth aligns closely with expected dwarfing capacities. Material propagated by tissue culture was first grown in Ellepots, then field-planted rather than shipped in Ellepots. Massachusetts trees showed high variability due to a double shipment. All 2024 data have been received; 2025 data are pending from some sites.
• Training, pruning, and thinning
  To accommodate wider spacing, trees are trained tall. Peck recommended pruning to a 3–4 inch stub and removing two to three large branches per tree without tying. Einhorn noted pruning should vary by cultivar vigor, but Peck will maintain a standard stub length until performance is better understood.
  Wiepz asked about thinning plans; Peck reported that thinning has been manual and suggested a standard target of nine fruit per cm² trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA). Wiepz indicated Kentucky will combine chemical and hand thinning depending on labor availability. Peck noted Porter’s Perfection is only moderately biennial.
• Harvest protocol and data collection
  Fruit are harvested at ≥ 80 % starch index (rating ≥ 6). Ground-harvested fruit are included if usable (not June drop). Crop load is calculated as harvested fruit plus drops, using average fruit weight. All sites will measure total yield per three-tree plot, not per individual tree, and will count all fruit rather than estimating from averages.
• Juice sampling and analysis
  Juice samples have been received from Michigan, Washington, and soon Massachusetts. Fruit for juicing should be sound, tree-harvested, and processed by tree panel. Samples (15 mL screw-top tubes) are to be frozen and shipped overnight. Sites use EC1118 yeast for fermentations. Peck recommended maintaining consistent juicing protocols; the Cornell group will centrifuge samples. Brian Arnoldussen asked whether cider samples should be pooled or by replicate; Peck confirmed each panel replicate is needed for statistical power.
• Data reporting and coordination
  All 2025 data are due January 15, including harvest dates. Peck will curate data annually and return compiled datasets to collaborators for review. Terence Bradshaw and Tom Kon commended the management and coordination.
• Site observations and disease management
  Bradshaw asked about branch breakage; Arnoldussen reported light bloom in Kentucky, and Wiepz noted severe fire blight limiting shoot growth. Peck confirmed copper applications (Cueva) are being used across trials to manage fire blight and will formalize a written protocol.
• Rootstock effect on polycarpy
  Peck concluded that preliminary data show no strong influence of rootstock on the polycarpy (fused-fruit) trait.

 2025 Peach Rootstock × Training Trial (coord. unsure, Brett Arnoldussen suggested)

• Status and feasibility
  Greg Reighard reported the project has not launched. Tree readiness is uncertain. A smaller replacement project was discussed.
• Timeline and participation
  Earliest realistic start is 2029. Participation is unclear. If a new lead steps up, a protocol can be shared.
• Design options
  Tom Kon asked whether to revert from a systems trial to a traditional NC140 rootstock trial. Reighard noted few new U.S. rootstocks but many in Europe. A compact set under ten rootstocks is possible, with about five truly new versus prior studies and a range of vigor classes. Many candidates are proprietary.
• Action items
  Brett Arnoldussen requested a list of new candidate rootstocks. Reighard to circulate a list.

 2028 Sweet and Tart Cherry Rootstock Trial (coord. Kelsey Galimba)

• Trial overview and scope
  Kelsey Galimba reported the design of a new multi-state cherry rootstock trial including both sweet and tart cherries, featuring ten rootstocks spanning a wide dwarfing range and sourced from multiple breeding programs.
• Tart cherry component
  Participating states include Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York, using Montmorency as the scion. Trials will employ commercial shaking harvest methods with open-center or central-leader training systems. Greg Peck offered access to a shaker for collaborative use.
• Sweet cherry component
  Sites include Oregon, Washington, New York, Wisconsin, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, and British Columbia. The study will be divided into two vigor categories: high-vigor (Skeena) and low-vigor (Santina).
• Experimental design and training systems
  A randomized complete block design will be used, with six replicates of four trees each. Data will be collected from the two center trees per plot. High-vigor trees will be trained to a steep leader system, while low-vigor trees will follow a tall spindle system.
• Coordination and communication
  Galimba will prepare the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) and full project protocol. Collaboration and document sharing will be managed through Google Drive, as recommended by Terence Bradshaw.
• Pruning guidance
  In response to Mehdi Sharif’s question, Galimba confirmed pruning will follow vigor-based training distinctions described above.

 2026 Apricot Rootstock Trial (coord. Kathryn Carter)

• Feasibility and grower interest
  Kathryn Carter reported significant cold injury in apricot over recent years, leading to minimal grower interest and limited feasibility for establishing new trials. She expressed willingness to assist but cannot lead or host plots in Ontario.
• Material availability
  Rootstock selection is currently constrained by the loss of a key nursery source, and no trees are in the propagation or planting pipeline.
• Group discussion and outlook
  Terence Bradshaw asked whether any trees were available or if other members were interested in continuing the effort; none volunteered. Bradshaw suggested revisiting the topic in breakout working groups.
  Greg Reighard noted that apricots require highly specific sites and that commercial production is limited in most states due to recurring frost injury. Bradshaw added that pricing constraints further reduce interest. Greg Reighard emphasized that the U.S. apricot industry is primarily processing-based, not constrained by rootstock, and concentrated in California, where no new rootstock work is being sought.
• Conclusion
  The group agreed there is currently insufficient grower support, plant material, or regional suitability to initiate the 2026 apricot rootstock trial.

 2027 Apple Rootstock Trial (coord. Tom Kon)

• Project scope and materials
  Tom Kon reported on progress toward the 2027 Royal Red Honeycrisp apple rootstock trial, which will include fifteen sites and sixteen rootstocks. The trial is awaiting sufficient tree numbers before launch, with shortages for NY18, NY13, and NY14.
• Allocation and site distribution
  Todd Einhorn proposed distributing limited tree stock according to market size, while Greg Peck suggested stratification by climate would provide stronger comparative value.
• Experimental design discussion
  Kon raised questions regarding statistical design, debating between randomized complete block (RCBD) and completely randomized (CRD) structures. Terence Bradshaw noted that blocking by tree size is problematic since block uniformity cannot be maintained over time, while Becky Wiepz cautioned that CRD designs can complicate post-trial treatments.
• Training and spacing
  Proposed training system is tall spindle, with 3 × 11 ft or 3 × 12 ft row spacing. The group discussed whether to allow natural growth or enforce training to system standards. Shan Kumar recommended dividing rootstocks into two vigor groups, each with different spacing and forced training to maintain consistency. Consensus leaned toward this two-vigor structure, with broad agreement on circular plot discussions. Kon confirmed that a statistician will assist in finalizing the design.
• Soil and environmental data
  Kon asked whether soil testing should be standardized. The group agreed basic soil data (organic matter and pH) would be valuable, though full harmonization is difficult given differing state methods. Kon also raised irrigation and environmental monitoring; Peck described prior coordination with Sierra Gold Nursery to obtain tree-size data for randomization. Kumar emphasized that consistent irrigation requires soil sensors, while Einhorn preferred using evapotranspiration (ET) estimates based on local weather data. Peter Hirst noted that management differences can confound interpretation and may not justify exhaustive monitoring.
• Additional considerations
  Sara Serra asked about soil fumigation; discussion indicated no clear consensus, suggesting this remains a local management decision.

 State Reports:

The group chose to minimize long discussion of state reports, but rather allowed up to five minutes’ discussion per state to cover issues observed. General themes extracted from state reports included:

• Arkansas: Researchers expressed interest in collaborating on cultivar development for scion cultivars, specifically disease-resistant and late-blooming types. Interested parties were invited to make contact.
• British Columbia: Researchers observed differences in rootstock effects on photosynthetic rate and are investigating heat stress responses. A high-pressure flow meter will be added next season. An MTA for tissue culture has been established.
• California: There are no trials currently in California, but the state plans to participate in upcoming cherry trials. Costs at the experimental station remain high. Researchers noted root-to-root competition and internal rot and weakness originating from the root system. Clonal rootstocks have shallower root angles compared with seed-propagated trees.
• Georgia: A new peach rootstock, P2, was released this winter. It is resistant to Armillaria and comparable to Guardian, with slightly reduced vigor. Cold hardiness is not yet known.
• Indiana: Researchers reported progress on apple mapping populations that have already been genetically typed. Crosses were made for fruit size, but the population segregates for many phenotypes. The team crossed extremes of fruit size and ended up with significant variation. ‘Prairie Fire’ was used as both male and female parent in the seventh and twentieth crosses, producing large-fruited scions.
• Massachusetts: Growers have observed unusual phenotypes on the cultivar Porter’s Perfection, including leaf curling and browning. Tests came back positive for bitter rot, and some comments suggested the symptoms may be related to Phomopsis.
• Michigan: The state plans to discontinue the pear trial because its program does not focus on pear research.
• New Mexico:890 continues to show the best performance, particularly in sandy soils.
• New York: Six to seven rootstocks are being tested for Porter’s Perfection. Two trials are examining rootstocks under different spacing arrangements. A Granny Smith rootstock trial is performing well. The 2022 Bartlett pear trial is showing differences in rootstock performance, although there was significant tree death early in the study. Performance appears to have stabilized after the initial losses.
• North Carolina: Significant losses were reported for NZ1 and M.9 rootstocks in apple trials.
• Oregon: Two small local trials are underway. One involves pear on Quince Ailene, and another focuses on cherry rootstocks with sweet cherry. Researchers are also investigating heat stress.
• Pennsylvania: The state experienced one of the coolest falls in recent years, resulting in good fruit color. Frost and freeze resistance tests with Buckeye Gala showed that M.9 had the best survival, while G.969 had the lowest. B.10 performed well as a low biennial-bearing rootstock. For peach trials, it was a good year with low losses.
• Vermont: The industry has is divided between mostly smaller direct-retail growers who often produce on older freestanding central leader trees and five major growers who are adopting high-density orchard designs.
• Washington: Pear rootstock selections are moving into phase 2, with replicated plantings established at WSU.

Working groups: The general meeting was adjourned until the following day. The group broke up into self-selected crop working groups (Apple, Pear, Peach/Apricot, Cherry, Physiology, Breeding ) to discuss present and future research activities.

November 7, 2025

The general meeting was called to order at 8:30 am.

Terence Bradshaw opened up the morning by outlining the rewrite process for project renewal and reviewed past objectives.

• Discussion on new objectives included adding juice quality to measured parameters; collapsing objective 4 into objective 3 since it has been very challenging to work with nurseries; maintaining objective 5 for modeling work; and inclusion of soil health as a program measurement, which was added to objective 1.

• Draft adjustments were accepted in a framework of 4 objectives. Outside of wording nuance, the structure matches previous objectives with the previous objective 4 absorbed into the other objectives. The final agreed-upon objectives for the project renewal are:

• To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on vegetative and reproductive growth and development of temperate-zone fruit trees, orchard productivity and labor efficiency, fruit/juice/cider quality, and sustainable soil and orchard management practices across diverse pedoclimatic regions.
• To develop and/or acquire genetically-improved temperate-zone fruit tree rootstocks from global breeding and selection efforts.
• To investigate the influence of rootstocks and rootstock production on physiological processes and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, e.g., plant nutrition, water uptake, carbohydrate relations, and soil health.
• To integrate and disseminate research-based information and decision support tools that facilitate successful stakeholder adoption of rootstock technologies.

• Timeline of the rewrite:
  • March 15^th: First draft sent to rewrite committee
  • July 1 Complete draft sent to NC140 participants for revisions
  • Sept 1 Draft compiled
  • Sept 15 Issues and Justification section submitted
  • Nov 10 Final review at annual meeting
  • Dec 1 Complete revisions and submit

• Rewrite committee:
  • Chair of rewrite: Terry Bradshaw
  • Astrid offered to take on Statement of Issues and Justification, Shan as secondary
  • Meaghan offered to take on related, current, and previous work, Becky as secondary
  • Jason offered to take on Measurement of Progress and Results, Renae as secondary
  • Brent offered to take on Outreach Plan, Funding, Organization, possibly Ashley as secondary.

• Objective crop leaders:
• Greg Peck, Lee, Tom – Apple
• Kelsey, Lee, Jimmy – Cherry
• Brent, Win, Greg R – Peach/Apricot
• Jessica, Kelsey – Pear
• Gennaro, Kate, Jeekin, Ksenia – Rootstocks
• Astrid, Shan – Physiology

• The group agreed to use the Google drive set up for this meeting as the storage site for rewrite materials. Request was made  to include references as comment bubbles in document so that TB can harmonize the format for the whole document.

Final discussion:

The group discussed the process for proposing and initiating new trials. It was agreed to handle these through the crop subcommittees.

• Ongoing discussion about the peach trial issues with low communication among participants and there is disagreement about how to move forward. Group moved to appoint Brent A as the coordinator of a new Peach trial.  There was a motion from the group to move forward and it was agreed. There was concern about whether trees had already been ordered for the stalled trial, Greg Reighard confirmed that no trees had been ordered as recent as six weeks ago as he contacted the nursery directly.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 am to prepare for the field tour.

The NC-140 meeting held November 6-7, 2025 convened members from 20 U.S. state and two Canadian provinces to further research activity on this  longstanding project. Attendees discussed and acted on project operations and procedures; deliberated on current and future trials; and planned to rewrite for the project that will be required for a 2026 submission.

Short-term outcomes: The meeting generated consensus on key initiatives, fostering a conducive environment for continued collaboration and progress within the NC140 community.

Outputs:

• Discussion and planning of four future multi-state project trials spanning various fruit types and research focuses.
• Updates on ongoing trials, including the 'Porter's Perfection' cider apple trial and the 2025 Peach rootstock X training system trial, among others.
• Field tour of two orchards and one postharvest processor which highlighted the diversity of apple production in Vermont, including intensive production for wholesale markets using modern orchard systems; direct-retail production on productive, seventy year-old legacy trees on semistandard rootstocks; and postharvest (hard) cider processing and sales.

Publications

1. Books
2. Refereed Journal Articles

Baldassi C., Roeder S., Serra S. and Musacchi S. 2025. Rootstock and crop load affect maturity and quality of 'Honeycrisp' apples under Washington State growing conditions. Scientia Hort. Volume 343, 2025, 114068, ISSN 0304-4238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114068

Blatt, S. 2025. Effect of apple rootstock on Hoplocampa testudinea (Klug) host choice and larval performance. International Journal of Plant Biology 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16010030

Cline, J. A., W. Autio, J. Clements, W. Cowgill, R. Crassweller, T. Einhorn, P. Francescatto, L. Gonzalez Nieto, E. Hoover, G. Lang, J. Lordan, R. Moran, M. Muehlbauer, S. Musacchi , Dr. R. Parra Quezada, J. Schupp, S. Serra, S. Sherif, T. Robinson, R. Wiepz, J. Zandstra. Performance of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple Trees on Several Size-Controlling Rootstocks in the 2014 NC-140 Rootstock Trial after Ten Years. Journal of the American Pomological Society 79(3): 82-1102025. https://doi.org/10.71318/zfq46c93

Fazio G, Peck G, Robinson T. 2025. Apple rootstocks affect mineral nutrient uptake in organic orchards. Acta Hortic. (1432):71–78. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.10

Adams R.R., G. Fazio, H.S. Aldwinckle and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Plant growth regulators increase the rooting of apple rootstocks grown in stoolbeds. J. Amer. Pom. Society. 79(3): 63-81 2025. https://doi.org/10.71318/

Al Farqani, A., Fazio, G., Cheng, L. and Robinson, T.L. 2025. Effects of soil pH on growth, early fruiting and mineral nutrient profile of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees grafted on eight rootstocks, Scientia Horticulturae, 342, 2025, 114029, ISSN 0304-4238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114029.   

Al Shoffe, Y., Robinson ,T., Fazio, G., Follett, E., Clark, M., Luby, J., Bedford, D., Kalcsits, L., Peck, G. 2025. ‘Honeycrisp’: The challenge of the apple crunch revolution. Fruit Research 5: https://doi.org/10.48130/frures-0025-0030

Cline, J.A., W. Autio, J. Clements, W. Cowgill, R. Crassweller, T. Einhorn, E. Fallahi, P. Francescatto, L. Gonzalez Nieto, E. Hoover, G. Lang, J. Lordan, R. Moran, M. Muehlbauer, S. Musacchi, J. Schupp, M. Stasiak, R. Parra Quezada, T. Robinson, S. Serra, S. Sherif, R. Wiepz, J. Zandstra. 2025. Performance of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple Trees on Several Size-Controlling Rootstocks in the 2014 NC-140 Rootstock Trial after Ten Years. Journal of the American Pomological Society 79:(3): 82-109 2025. https://doi.org/10.71318/zfq46c93

Dominguez, L.I. and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Effects of tree lateral branch number and angle on early growth and yield of a high-density apple planting. HortTechnology 35(2), 191-201. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05571-24

Dominguez, L.I. and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Effects of biostimulants and plastic mulch on early growth and yield of high-density apple planting with 5 cultivars. HortTechnology 35(4), 420-430. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05643-25

Fazio, G., G. Peck, T. Robinson^. 2025. Apple rootstocks affect mineral nutrient uptake in organic orchards. Acta Hortic. 1432, 71-78 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.10 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.10

Fazio, G., D. Kviklys, M.A. Grusak, T. Robinson. 2025. Soil pH and apple rootstock genotype affect apple tree growth and absorption of mineral nutrients. Acta Hortic. 1432, 79-86 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.11 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.11

González, L., Huber, A., Gao, R., Casagrande, E., Cheng, L., Stroock, A.D., Lakso, A.N. and Robinson, T.L. 2025. A stem water potential model to manage irrigation of apple trees. Acta Hortic. 1425, 33-38 DOI:  https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1425.5  

Gonzalez-Nieto, L., Einhorn, T., Kon, T., Musacchi, S., Serra, S., and Robinson, T.L. 2025. Effect of crop load on fruit size, fruit color and yield of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples grown at four locations in the US.  Scientia Hort. (in press)

Kumar. S., R. El-Hawaz, Z. Li, J. Lawson, S. Parris, F. Kangben, L. Carneal, J. Hopkins, J. Nylor-Adelberg, J. Adelberg, G. Reighard, K. Gasic, C. R. Carr III, and C. A. Saski. 2025. Optimized Auxin and Cytokinin Interactions Enable Direct Somatic Embryogenesis in the Peach Rootstock ‘Guardian®’ From Immature Cotyledons. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 26(17), 8698. 21 p. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178698

Lawrence, B. G. Fazio, L. Gonzalez Nieto and T.L. Robinson.2025. Rootstock effect on horticultural performance and fruit quality is not uniform across five commercial apple cultivars in western NY. Front. Plant Sci.16:1552625. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1552625.

Lawrence B.T., L. Gonzales Nieto, T. Robinson. 2025. Comparison of foliar calcium products to reduce bitter pit incidence in Western New York. Acta Hortic. 1432, 139-144 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.19 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2025.1432.19.

1. 
   Non Refereed Technical Articles

Buck, K., L. Gonzalez, T. Robinson and J.P. Londo. 2025. Apple Dwarfing Rootstock Cold Hardiness: Comparing Performance of The Geneva® Series Rootstocks in Cold and Mild Winter Conditions. Fruit Quarterly 32(3): 4-9.

Gonzalez Nieto, L., P. Francescatto and T.L. Robinson 2025. Thinning efficacy of the new chemical thinner Brevis in New York state. Fruit Quarterly 32(2): 3-7.

Jiang, Y., Y. Lin, O. Bates, B.T. Lawrence, T. Bates and T.L. Robinson. 2025.  Affordable RTK GPS Solutions for Precision Management of Perennial Crops. Fruit Quarterly 32(3): 28-31.

Lawrence, B.T., Y. Jiang, and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Technologies in the box for precision orchard management: 2-Year update on crop load monitoring and mapping. Fruit Quarterly 32(2): 28-32.

Muehlbauer, M., Magron, R., and Cowgill, W. 2025. 2024 NC140 NJ Hard Cider/Rootstock Trial Update with ‘Porters Perfection’ Cultivar. Horticultural News. Volume 105. Number 3.

Robinson, T.L., L. González Nieto, P. Francescatto and B. Carra. 2025. The Use of ReTain to Improve Fruit Set of Apples. Fruit Quarterly 32(3): 10-13.

2025. Poster Presentations
      Krishna Kumar, S., Brown, L., Schupp, J., and M. Schupp. 2025. NC-140 Peach Rootstock Update. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conf. Hershey, PA. 28 Jan 2025- 30 Jan 2025.
2026. Extension Publications and Popular Articles

Kumar, K., S., Brown, L., Schupp, J., and M. Schupp. 2025. NC-140 Apple and Peach Rootstock Update. PA Fruit News. February Issue. State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania

Robinson, T.L., Miranda Sazo, M. and Kahlke, C. 2025. Harvest Date Prediction & The Use of Plant Growth Regulators Near Harvest. Lake Ontario Fruit Newsletter-Fruit Notes. Vol 25 Issue 6 p. 8-9, Aug 14, 2025.

Miranda Sazo, M., Kahlke, C. and Robinson, T. 2025 The Use of Reflective Materials and Other Technologies for Improving Fruit Color on High Value Apple Cultivars in WNY. Lake Ontario Fruit Newsletter-Fruit Notes. Vol 25 Issue 6 p. 10-11, Aug 14, 2025.

“3D Mapping of Almond Root Systems: A Groundbreaking Study at UC Davis“ from: California Almonds website. Accessed 2025/12/22.  https://www.almonds.org/almond-industry/industry-news/3d-mapping-almond-root-systems-groundbreaking-study-uc-davis

1. Other Creative Works (ex. Electronic)
   2025 Photo Album of trees in the 2023 NC-140 Porter’s Perfection cider apple planting at the UMass Orchard, Belchertown, MA: https://www.flickr.com/gp/jmcextman/3p92J4k01h

NC-140 Regional Rootstock Research Project Website, http://www.nc140.org

eXtension Apples Community of Practice, https://apples.extension.org

g. Scientific & Outreach Oral Presentations (relative to NC 140 activities)

Oral Scientific Presentations with published Abstract:

Evans KM (2025) Plant breeding from a pome fruit perspective. University of Hawaii at Manoa Brewbaker Lecture in Plant Science, Manoa, HI. Feb 2025

Evans KM (2025) – Pome fruit breeding in Washington State. 4th International Symposium of Fire blight on Rosaceous Plants, Richland, WA. June 2025

González Nieto, L., T.L. Robinson,  E. Torres, G.Àvila, C. Gonzalez Noguer, L. Asin, J. Bonany and J. Carbó. 2025. Review of Crop load Management in Apples with PGR’s under American Northeast and Spain conditions-Part 1, Flowering. International symposium on Plant Growth Regulators in Chicago IL. (Abstr.)

Hillmann, L, T. Sharkey, T. Einhorn, T. Robinson, T. Kon, S. Musacchi, S. Serra, L. Gonzalez Nieto, J. Larson. 2025. Physiology of apple fruit set and abscission: Effect of flower position and growth on fruitlet carbohydrate status and predicted fruit set. International symposium on Orchard Systems, Rootstocks and Physiology in Napier NZ. (Abstr.)

Larson, J., T. Kon T. Robinson, T. Einhorn, L. Gonzalez Nieto, L. Hillman. 2025. Development of a reflectance spectroscopy model to predict chemical thinner efficacy in the Eastern United States. International symposium on Orchard Systems, Rootstocks and Physiology in Napier NZ. (Abstr.)

Lawrence, B. L. Gonzales Nieto, J. Lordan, P. Francescatto, G. Reginato, T. Robinson. 2025. Performance of five high-density apple orchard systems in relation to light interception, light conversion efficiency, partitioning index, and crop load based on light interception. International symposium on Orchard Systems, Rootstocks and Physiology in Napier NZ. (Abstr.)

Lawrence, B.T. and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Horticultural performance of sweet and tart cherries on different rootstocks in western New York. International symposium on Cherry in Richland, WA. (Abstr.)

Lawrence, B.T., L. Gonzalez Nieto, C. Kahlke and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Using ethephon, ACC, and NAA to improve return bloom of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples in Western New York. International symposium on Plant Growth Regulators in Chicago IL. (Abstr.)

Lawrence, B.T., Yu, J. and Robinson, T.L. 2025. Improving apple crop load management using digital tools: matching data collection with accurate treatment application. HortScience 60(9) Supplement p312 (Abstr.) July 29, 2025

Musacchi S. (2025). Factors Involved in Rootstock Selection. Seminar Department of Horticulture, March 18, 2025, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Seminar.

Musacchi S. (2025). Apple production in Washington and trends in tree training systems for apples, Pears, and Cherries. HORTGROW SEMINAR March 28, 2025, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Seminar.

Reginato, G., V. Beyá-Marshall, T. Robinson.2025. Using PAR interception and crop load to compare fruit tree yield performance. International symposium on Orchard Systems, Rootstocks and Physiology in Napier NZ. (Abstr.)

Oral Presentations for Growers:

Blatt, S. 2025. NC140 Buckeye Gala planting. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association Orchard Field Tour, 7 August. Attendance ~200.

Lawrence, B., Miranda Sazo, M. Yu., J. and Robinson, T.L. 2025. Accuracy of two variable rate sprayers for single-tree treatment of chemical thinners. WNY Fruit Growers Conference Feb 3, 2025, 200 people 1 hour.

Lawrence, B., Gonzalez Nieto, L., Francescatto, P. and Robinson, T.L. 2025. Color improvement of ‘Honeycrisp’ with the use of sprayable products and reflective fabric. WNY Fruit Growers Conference Feb 3, 2025, 200 people 1 hour.

Lawrence, B. and T.L. Robinson. 2025. Calcium Sprays for Bitter Pit Management. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 20, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Muehlbauer, M., Magron, R., and Cowgill, W.. The 2023 Porters Perfection plot was included/presented in several farm tours. August 2025  Snyder Research Farm Open House.

Musacchi S, 2025. NC140 Gala rootstocks trial field day, Sunrise farm, July 24, 2025.

Musacchi S, 2025. Apple rootstocks field day, Sunrise farm, August 13, 2025.

Musacchi S. (2025). Rootstock decisions for Washington growers. Columbia Basin Tree Fruit Club. September 18, 2025. Seminar

Parker, M.L. January 2025.  North Carolina Peach Growers Society. Commercial grower audience. Attendance 65.

Parker, M.L. February 2025.  Western District Apple School, Commercial grower audience. Attendance 110.

Parker, M.L. February 2025.  Brushy Mt Area Fruit School, Attendance 35.

Parker, M.L. June 2025.  Sandhills Peach Research Tour.  Attendance 100.

Parker, M.L. August 2025.   Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station Apple Field Day.  Attendance 225.

Peck, G. 2025. Multiple strategies are needed to control weeds in organic apple orchards in a humid climate. 2025 Hudson Valley Weed Management Mulch Demonstration. 25 Jun. Attendees: 11.

Peck, G. et al. Soil Health/Fruit/Hard Cider PWT Tour of Lansing and Ithaca Farms. 11 Jul 2025. Attendees 25.

Peck, G. 2025. Mechanical harvesting for cider apple orchards. Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series. 31 Jan. Attendees: 66.

Reighard, G.L.  and J.C. Melgar. 2025.  Chemical and Mechanical Thinning Options for Peach: Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference. Savannah, GA. Jan. 11, 2025.

Reighard, G. 2024. Trends in commercial peach rootstocks. Idaho State Horticultural Society Convention. Nampa, Idaho. November 14, 2024.

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Progress on Precision Crop Load Management of Apples WNY Fruit Growers Conference Feb 4, 2025, 200 people 1 hour.

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Precision Irrigation in NY State using Microtensiometers WNY Fruit Growers Conference Feb 4, 2025, 200 people 1 hour.

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Precision Irrigation in NY State using Microtensiometers ENY Fruit Growers Conference Feb 25, 2025, 200 people 1 hour.

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Soil Genesis and its Implications for Honeycrisp Growing in NYS and other Regions in the Northeast. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 19, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2025. New Preplant Soil Preparation and Maintenance Recommendations to Increase Soil pH for Maximum Honeycrisp Tree Performance. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 19, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Honeycrisp Crop Load Management: 1. Pruning  2. Chemical Bloom and Fruitlet Thinning  3. Hand Thinning. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 19, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2025. In-Season Management of Bitter Pit by Precision Irrigation. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 19, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Crop Load Management of NY1 (SnapDragon). 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 20, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. and Cheng, L. 2025. Fertilization of NY1 (SnapDragon). 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 20, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2025. Crop Load Management of Evercrisp. 2025 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School Workshop “Honeycrisp & Other High Value Apple Cultivars” March 20, 2025. 150 people. 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2024. Thinning recommendations at bloom, petal fall, 12mm and 18mm for 2025. Webinar series for NY State apple growers. 6 webinars in May and June 2025.  500 people 45 minutes

Robinson, T.L. 2024. Precision Crop Load Management using digital tools. WNY Fruit Field Day. July 30, 2025. 200 people 1 hour

Weipz, R. Fruit programs 2025 season outreach. Door County Learning in Retirement – 5/14/25 – 20 attendees; Orchard and Vineyard Field Day – 7/11/25 – 21 attendees; UW Administration Tour – 8/8/25 – 9 attendees.

1. Fund leveraging (relative to NC 140 activities)
   

Black, Stock, Pace and Beddes, 2022-2025. Understanding and Alleviating Heat Stress in Tart Cherry: Adapting Utah Fruit Production to Climate Change. Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Specialty Crop Block Grant. $66,474

Black, Einhorn, Torres-Rua, Basso, Murray, Rothwell, Yost and Cardon. 2021-2025. Improving the economic and environmental sustainability of tart cherry production through precision management. USDA, Specialty Crop Research Initiative $1,969,318

Bradshaw, T. Evaluating systems components for orchard and vineyard crops in Vermont. Vermont Agriculture Experiment Station Hatch Grants Program, Oct 2020 -Sep 2025. $106,792. PI: T. Bradshaw

Evans, K. and Teh, S-L.(2022-2025) Pear rootstock breeding. Fresh and Processed Pear Committee Research. $303,018.

Evans, K. (2025-2028): Pear rootstock breeding. Fresh and Processed Pear Committee Research. PI: Kate Evans. $320,215

Krishna Kumar, S. State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania - Rootstock and cultivar evaluations - $14,334. 04/01/2025-03/31/2026.

Muehlbauer, M. New Jersey Horticultural Society Grant Fund. Maintenance of the 2023 Hard Cider Porters Perfection NC-140 Rootstock Trial. $6,000

Parker, M.L. NC Legislature/Special Bill funding for apple research - $6,000.

Peck, G.M. 2025-2027 USDA-NIFA-Multistate Funding. Improving Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Tree-fruit Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use (Accelerating the Planting of Cider Apple Orchards Through a Coordinated Multi-State Rootstock Project: Phase III). $59,962.

Reighard, G.  2025.  Guardian® rootstock seed sales revenue.  South Carolina Foundation Seed.  $277,700 (projected).

Robinson, T.L. Orchard management systems and rootstocks for improved yield and fruit quality – NY Apple Research and Development Program. $50,000.

Robinson, T.L.  Apple Rootstocks Cold Hardiness – Federal Formula Funds. $30,000.

Robinson, T.L.  Evaluation of Geneva Rootstocks – IFTA. $10,000.

Peck, G.M. 2022-2025 USDA-NIFA-Multistate Funding. Improving Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Tree-fruit Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use (Accelerating the Planting of Cider Apple Orchards Through a Coordinated Multi-State Rootstock Project: Phase II). $89,015.

Torres-Rua, Safre, Barker and Black. 2023-2025. Remote sensing of evapotranspiration to conserve irrigation water in tart cherry. USU Extension Water Initiative Grants $74,012.

Wiepz, R. Wisconsin Cherry Board funding for maintenance of the 2017 NC140 Tart Cherry High Density Rootstock and Irrigation Trials. $2,000.

Xu, H. April 2021- March 2024. Clean technologies for improved apple rootstock microbiome. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. $39,000 CAD.

Xu, H. April 2024 - March 2028. Crop load management in apple. $80,000 CAD