Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Ed Ashworth, Head, Dept of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University gave the welcome and a brief outline of the department and current projects. Minutes from previous meeting have been approved on-line. Terrence passed a letter around from Jorge Montanez de Leon from the Fundacion Produce Coahuila, A.C. and Jose Anotnio Recio Valedes of the Apple Growers Association requesting to become cooperators in NC-140. Motion: Terrence made a motion that we accept the cooperators from Mexico, Greg Lang second. Motion passed unanimously. Future Meetings 2006 New Jersey, Win Cowgill will Chair and Host 2007 Colorado Ron Godin will Chair and Host 2008 Mexico Terrence Robinson will Chair and Raffell Parria will Host. 2009 Minnesota Emily Hoover will Chair and Host. Ongoing plantings and publication progress 1998 pear  Mielke; Terrence will speak to Steve Castagnoli, extension agent at Hood River about progress and report. 1994 apple  Marini; Paul said the semi-dwarf publication had been accepted and the dwarf publication was submitted earlier this month. 1998 apple  Robinson; proposed terminating at the end of 2006 1999 apple  Autio; participants are to follow posted protocol. 2001 peach  Reighard, data due Feb. 1, 2006 for 5 year report, will email protocol. 2002 peach  Johnson, participants are to follow posted protocol. 2002 pears  Mielke; Terrence will speak to Steve Castonova, extension agent at Hood River about progress and report. 2002 apples  Autio, 5 year minimum to keep trial and have meaningful data. 2003 apples  Marini: Report emailed to group. Presentation Dave Doud, a fourth generation orchardist gave a presentation on his familys orchard history. Standing Committee Reports Apple  Terrance Robinson chair Apple physiology trial: Discussed protocols, protocols on website, 2006 first crop load. Want to look at cropload/fruit size across sites. Apple replant trial: examining genotype differences to determine susceptibility to apple replant disease. 2004 Pear  Terrance reported he has 3 rootstocks in this trial. 2005 Pear  Bartlett and Bosc trial. History of NC-140  Win and Terrance will write with help from Paul and Ron Perry and will contact older members for input. Possibly publish in HortScience. 2002 Peach physiology  Scott presented data from 2nd year. Re-write Committee report: Wes reported they will use two steps to redevelop objectives and justification, due Sept. 15, 2006. Final proposal due Dec. 15, 2006. Objectives: We must consider needs of nursery industry? Genaro will contact apple nurserymen and Greg R. will contact peach nurserymen. Awards Committee  Emily, USDA annual honor award, need suggestions. Website Communication Committee: discussed the need to have APS pubs that pertain to NC-140 as PDF files on the NC-140 website. Sub-committees: Apple: no new planting planned until possibly 2007. Cherry: 2006 physiology trial 2007 variety trial 2008 rootstock trial (dwarf and semi-dwarf and use G5 as control). Report from the Administrative Advisor Dr. Wendy Wintersteen called and discussed via speakerphone: 1. Mid-term review of NC-140 and title change (Wendy to send). 2. Need for participants to document collaborative research 3. Awards committee 4. Apple Technology road map: a. Minor changes: consult Tom Buick, CREES Hort Director b. Title change for project Motion: Bob Anderson made a motion that NC-140 contact individual states that do not have representatives for NC-140 and were participating to appoint representatives (ID, VA & OR), we need to pursue through AES directors, Emily seconded. Motion was approved unanimously. Future Plans: Peach: Greg R. will have a list of available rootstocks at the 2006 meeting for 2009 planting. Pear: Bob Anderson is retiring and we need to to find a new person to head. Plum: Bob Anderson is retiring and we need to to find a new person to head. Respectively submitted, Ron Godin

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

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