Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Please see annual meeting minutes, available on the NC-140 web-site: http://www.nc140.org/ .

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 some conclude in 2006, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. Currently there are 17 multi-state coordinated plantings from which data are being collected. These comprise seven apple, four cherry, three peach and three pear plantings. A brief summary of each as follows:

 

1998 Apple (Coordinated by Terence Robinson, NY). 

      T. Robinson told the group that 2006 would be the final year for this study.  He requested final data be sent to him by March 1, 2007 and that the death of trees in the study be explained where possible.

 

1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA).

      1999-Apple  Annual report and a data collection protocol for 2007 were distributed by W. Autio.  Cooperators were asked to measure tree leaning (as degrees from vertical) in the Semi-dwarf trial.  These data should be reported for 2006 as well as 2007.  The 2006 data should be sent to Wes by Jan. 15, 2007.

      In the dwarf rootstock trial, rootstock did not affect fruit yield or yield efficiency for Fuji, but did so for McIntosh.  Rootstock did affect fruit size in Fuji, but not McIntosh in 2005.  Root suckering was much more prominent with Fuji as the scion cultivar than with McIntosh as the scion.  Interactions of rootstock and site were significant for trunk crossectional area (TCA), cumulative fruit yield/tree, cumulative yield efficiency, and average fruit weight; interactions for survival were not analyzed but are expected to be the most notable.

      In the semidwarf trial, data for Fuji were available only from three states, compared to seven states for McIntosh.  Semidwarfing rootstocks did affect fruit yield for both Fuji and McIntosh, but did not affect yield efficiency or average fruit weight for Fuji.  Semidwarfing rootstocks did affect yield efficiency, but not average fruit weight, for McIntosh.

 

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, P30135, 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.

      A 5-year report was distributed by G. Reighard; cooperators were asked to check their data & report errors to him ASAP.  A paper will be submitted in January, 2007 to the Journal of Am. Pom. Soc.  All data for 2006 should be sent to him by Feb. 1, 2007.  

 

2002 Cresthaven/Redhaven Peach Rootstock (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA).

      Eight different peach rootstocks were planted at 18 different sites in 2002; the scion was either Redhaven or Cresthaven.  Much variability was found among the different sites with regard to production yield.  Adesto 101, MRS 2/5, Penta and Cadaman all had slightly larger fruit weight than the Lovell control; VVA-1 and Pumiselect had slightly smaller fruit weight, and VSV-1 had the smallest fruit weight in the trial.  All the rootstocks had more suckering than the control rootstock (Lovell, 0.4/tree); Cadaman had the least and VSV-1 the most suckers/tree (2.6 and 17.5, respectively).  Only Cadaman (94%) survived as well as the control rootstock, Lovell (93%); Pumiselect had the worst survival rate (64%).

      S. Johnson reminded participants that it is time to prepare the 5-year report and asked participants to measure canopy height & spread, to explain why any tree failed, and to note any obvious reason for suckering (winter damage to the scion, incompatibility with scion, genetic issues, etc.).  Data is to be submitted to him by Jan. 15, 2007.

 

2002 Cresthaven Peach Physiology (coordinated by S. Johnson, CA).

      Cresthaven/Lovell trees were planted in eight locations in 2002; five of the locations collected data in 2004 and 2005, and six locations collected data in 2006.  The purpose of the study was to determine environmental factors affecting harvest date, fruit weight, and soluble solids content.  Considerable variation was found in all parameters measured.  Preliminary evaluations indicated strong relationships between some of the parameters; average fruit weight increased with days between bloom and harvest, but average fruit weight and soluble solids content decreased with average temperature for the 60 days after bloom.  Also, the days from bloom to harvest decreased with the average temperature for 60 days after bloom.  Further work is planned to confirm these relationships.

 

2002 Buckeye Gala Apple (coordinated by W. Autio, MA).

      This report presents data from the 2005 (fourth) 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 Supporter & M.26 NAKB. The smallest trees were on B.9 Europe and B.9 Treco. After four 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.  In 2005, M.9 Burgmer 756 resulted in larger fruit than did B.9 Europe; the largest fruit was from trees on M.9 Burgmer 756 and the smallest from trees on P.14.  No differences were found in fruit size for trees on B.9 strains, the M.26 strains, and the other M.9 strains of rootstock.  Of particular interest are the JM, the PiAu, and the CG rootstocks.  After four seasons, G.41, 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.

      This year completes 5 years for this trial and additional data on tree height, spread, and burrknots should be collected according to the protocol.  Cooperators were asked by T. Robinson to carefully review the data for each tree on JM1, JM2, JM7, CG.3007, G.935, and P.14 to determine if there are any super-dwarfing trees (all should be semidwarfing or semivigorous); there appears to be some mislabeling for some of these.  Once data are corrected for mistaken rootstocks, they should be sent to W. Autio by Jan. 1, 2007 with a note explaining which trees were identified with the wrong rootstock.

 

2002 Cameo apple trial (coordinated by J. Clements, ME & W. Cowgill, NJ)

      A semi-formal NC-140 planting of Cameo apple on three dwarfing rootstocks (G.16, M.9-337, and B.9) was established in 2002 in Massachusetts and New Jersey.  All trees are trickle irrigated and trained to a vertical axis.  Annual measurements of trunk circumference, tree height & spread (2006 only), suckering, fruit yield (beginning 2003), and fruit size (NJ only 2004-2005) have been made.  The study is projected to continue for another five growing seasons.  A 5-year summary of the trial will be published this winter (2006-07).

 

2002 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)

      The study was planted in CA, OR, WA, and WV and is not a uniform trial.  Each state had different varieties and rootstocks.  There has been no coordination of data yet, but Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.

 

2003 Golden Delicious Physiology (coordinated by R. Marini, VA).

      In 2006 all sites had good tree survival (at least 80%); survival was not influenced by site or rootstock.  The interaction of site * rootstock was significant for TCA, but TCA was affected significantly by rootstock only at IA, MA, ME, NJ, and ONT; at all those locations, trees on T337 had the smallest trunks.  In 2006 crop load was adjusted to specific levels for each tree; fruit was harvested at only eight sites, but yield was reported only for six locations.  Both site and rootstock affected yield, but the interaction was not significant.  In general, G16 produced the most fruit and had the highest yields; NJ harvested the most fruit.  Crops were quite light, so average fruit weight was not considered to be very meaningful.  The largest fruit were reported for UT.

      R. Marini distributed a report for 2006 and protocol for 2007.  Sites that were not able to impose different croploads in 2006 due to light bloom and set should impose the range on croploads on their trees in 2007.  Sites that imposed different croploads in 2006 should measure return bloom on each tree according to the specified protocol and then thin all of the trees to a low cropload (3 fruits/cm² TCA) soon after bloom.  All 2006 data still outstanding should be forwarded to R. Marini by Mar. 1, 2007.

 

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. TCA was significantly influenced by rootstock at all locations.  All locations except AR and possibly KY had good tree survival. Rootstock G.16 had the poorest survival.  Number of fruit / tree and yield varied with site and with rootstock.

 

2004 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)

      Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.  The study was planted in OR, NY, and NS and is a uniform trial.

 

2005 Pear Trial - (no coordinator)

      Steve Castognoli (OR) has agreed to take over coordination of data and will bring a report next year.  The trial was planted in OR, WA, and NY.

 

1998 Cherry (coordinated by G. Lang, MI)

      Sweet cherry   the eastern and western sweet cherry studies will be terminated at the end of this year (2006).  All data for the western study should be sent to Frank Kappel by Jan. 15, 2007, and all data for the eastern study should be sent to Greg Lang by the same date.

      Tart cherry   the eastern tart cherry study will continue for one more year (until the end of 2007).  All data for 2006 should be sent to Greg Lang by Jan. 15, 2007.

 

2006 Apple Replant Study (coordinated by T. Robinson, NY)

      This trial was planted in 10 locations and includes 12 rootstocks.  T. Robinson distributed the protocol for 2007 and requested that cooperators measure total lateral shoot growth on all trees (the earlier protocol only requested shoot length of five laterals) to enable calculation of total shoot growth per tree.  Trees are to be left unpruned or minimally pruned; however, if leader growth is more than 1 m, then the leader can be headed by 1/3.  The protocol was amended (by agreement) to allow cropping of the trees in the second year, but they should be thinned to no more than five fruits/cm² TCA.  Final data for 2006 is to be sent to T. Robinson by March 1, 2007.

2006 Cherry Physiology Study (coordinated by G. Lang, MI)

      This trial, planted in four locations (CA, MI, NY, & WA), has Rainer on Gi.5 and will study the effect of management (pruning & thinning) on fruit size in four distinct climates.  Other locations were also interested, but trees could only be found for four locations.  Trees for additional sites will be planted in 2007 or 2008.  A protocol will be developed for 2007 and distributed to participants. 

 

Objective 2: To assess and improve asexual propagation techniques of pome and stone fruit rootstocks.

      New York State, in cooperation with the USDA, continues to work on techniques for the improved propagation of apple.

      NJ was to investigate improving softwood and hardwood tissue cutting techniques (contact Joe Gofredda).

 

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.

 

Field Tour

Win Cowgill led an excellent and interesting tour of his plots at the Snyder Research Farm. The tour also included an overview and exhibit of equipment used in the Sprayer Application Technology Training workshops presented by John Grande, Director of the Snyder Research & Extension Farm.

 

COMMITTEE  REPORTS:

Rewrite Committee  -- Current project to expire September 2007. Wes Autio, Chair. The new proposal must be uploaded to NIMMS website by Dec. 1, 2006. The name for the project has been revised per suggestions in the midterm review; the new name is  Economic and Environmental Sustainability and Fruit Tree Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use.

      Any changes need to be forwarded to Wes by Nov. 15, 2006. Changes suggested by meeting participants included:

1. Addition of plum rootstock work to Objective

2. Addition of propagation work to Objective

3. Inclusion of work by USDA cooperating scientist under planned work, especially in Objectives 1  3.

      The new proposal draft (with the above changes) was agreed to by meeting participants and the committee chair and participants were commended unanimously for their work.

 

Administrative Advisor Report

      Dr. Wendy Weatherspoon-administrator advisor reported to the group via conference call and discussed the new NC-140 proposal. She made several suggestions earlier to the Rewrite Committee Chair, Wes Autio, that included strengthening the impact section. She outlined the procedures for review and approval of the new proposal once it is submitted.

 

Future Plans   WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR

      Existing plantings will be maintained and data collection will continue according to protocols developed by the respective technical committees. Planting coordinators will analyze and summarize data from the various sites for each coordinated planting, and will lead in writing 5 year progress reports and 10 year final reports for publication. Technical committees will develop schedules of new promising rootstocks that merit broad testing, then prepare for trees to be propagated for future plantings. 

 

Apple Planting Committee Report (T. Robinson, Ch.)

      Plans were made to proceed with propagation of a smaller rootstock planting in 2009 (six new rootstocks, primarily new Russian stocks and four controls) with Honeycrisp and Auvil Early Fuji as the scions.  Those who want to plant this trial must commit before Feb.1, 2007 (those not at the meeting must contact T. Robinson before that date and indicate which scion variety they want).  W. Autio will coordinate the data for this trial.

      Plans also were made to proceed with propagation of a larger rootstock planting in 2010 (15 new rootstocks, primarily new Geneva and Malling stocks and four controls) with Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious as the scions.  Those who waht to plant this trial must commit before Feb. 1, 2008 (those not at the meeting must contact T. Robinson before that date and indicate which scion variety they want).

 

Cherry Committee Report (G. Lang, Ch.)

      The 1998 tart cherry trial will end in 2007 (tenth season).

      The trees from the 1998 sweet cherry trial that ended in 2006 will be used for a study to determine the interaction of pruning and rootstock on fruit size.  A new rootstock trial being planned to look at interactions between dwarfing rootstocks and management; proposed stocks would include Gi.5, Gi.6, Edabriz and Wi72.

      A second new rootstock trial also is being looked at for the PiKu stocks, Gi.12 and the best stocks from the 1998 trial.  No date for planting this trial has been set yet.

 

Peach Committee Report (G. Reighard, Ch.)

      A 2009 planting with 10 new rootstocks (to include Kuban86, Tetra, UC-Davis clones and, if possible, Zaiger clones) is being planned.

 

Pear Committee Report (S. Castagnoli, Ch.)

      The Pear Committee restructured itself to have two coordinators: an accession/acquisition coordinator (still to be identified) and a trial/data coordinator (S. Castagnoli, OR, agreed to serve for the European pears) for each trial.  The group will work on both European and Asian pears (coordinator for Asian pears still to be identified).  Inclusion of Asian pears is hoped to attract new cooperators in the future.

      A new European trial is being planned for 2009.  Potential cooperators include BC, CHIH, MA, MD, NJ, NS, NY, ONT, OR, WA, & CO.  Scion cultivars will vary with location; OR & WA will use Anjou, CA will use Bartlett, and eastern locations will use Blakes Pride.  The trial will be propagated at Adams County Nursery or Fowler Nursery.

 

Plum and Apricot Committees  did not meet, looking for a new cooperators to take the lead. 

Refereed Journal articles: 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, 2005. Performance of Fuji and McIntosh apple trees after 5 years as affected by several dwarf rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 59(4):202-214. Autio, W., T. Robinson, 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. 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 rootstock trial. J. Amer. Pom. Soc. 59(4):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. Fuji and McIntosh apple tree performance after 5 years as affected by several dwarfing rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59: 202-214. 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. Fuji and McIntosh apple tree performance after 5 years as affected by several semidwarfing rootstocks in the 1999 NC-140 Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 59:192-201. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. G.16 versus M.9 in the 1998 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):7-8. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. New CG rootstocks, G.16, and Supporter 1, 2, and 3 versus M.9 and M.26 EMLA in the 1999 NC-140 Dwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):9-10. Autio, W.R., J.M. Clements, and J. Krupa. 2006. CG.4814, CG.7707, G.30, and Supporter 4 versus M.26 EMLA and M.7 EMLA in the 1999 NC-140 Semidwarf Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):12-13. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2006. B.9, M.9, and M.26 strains and new Polish and PiAu rootstocks in the 2002 NC-140 Apple Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):14-15. Autio, W.R. and J. Krupa. 2006. Several new dwarfing rootstocks compared to Lovell in the 2002 NC-140 Peach Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):16-17. Autio, W.R., J. Krupa, and J.M. Clements. 2006. A comparison of Vineland Apple Rootstocks and M.26 EMLA in the 1996 McIntosh Rootstock Trials. Fruit Notes 71(1):5-6. Clements, J.M and W.R. Autio. 2006. G.16 versus M.9 and B.9 in the 2002 Massachusetts-New Jersey Cameo Rootstock Trial. Fruit Notes 71(1):11. Fazio, G., Aldwinckle, H.S., McQuinn, R.P. and Robinson, T.L. 2006. Differential susceptibility to fire blight in commercial and experimental apple rootstock cultivars. Acta Hort. 704:527-530 Gut, L.J., P.H. McGhee and R.L. Perry. 2005 Soil mounding as a control for Dogwood borer in apple. HortScience 40(7):2066-2070. Lang, G.A. 2006. Cherry rootstock. Pp. 1109-1110 in Clark, J.R. and C.E. Finn. Register of New Fruit and Nut Cultivars: List 43. HortScience 41(5):1101-1133. LoGiudice, N., Aldwinckle, H.S., Robinson, T.L. and Fazio, G. 2006. The nature of resistance of the ´B.9´ apple rootstock to fire blight. Acta Hort. 704:515-520. 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. Privé, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, T. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala on four semi-dwarf rootstocks: A ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 semi-dwarf rootstock trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 60:58-68. Marini, R.P., J.L. Anderson, W.R. Autio, B.H. Barritt, J.A. Cline, W.P. Cowgill, Jr., R.M. Crassweller, P.A. Domoto, D.C. Ferree, J. Garner, A. Gaus, G.M. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, M.M. Kushad, E. Mielke, C.A. Mullins, M. Parker, R.L. Perry, J.P. Privé, G.L. Reighard, T. Robinson, C.R. Rom, T.R. Roper, J.R. Schupp, E. Stover, and R. Unrath. 2006. Performance of Gala apple on 18 dwarf rootstocks: Ten-year summary of the 1994 NC-140 Dwarf Rootstock Trial. Journal of the American Pomological Society 60:69-83. Moran, R.E. 2006. Growth and yield improvement of newly planted Honeycrisp apple trees with preplant soil amendments and rootstocks. HortScience 41:983 (abstract). Pernice, F., L. Solari, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Comparison of growth potentials of epicormic shoots of nectarine trees grown on size-controlling and vigorous rootstocks. J. Hort. Sci. and Biotechnology 81:211-218. Reighard, G.L., T. Beckman, R. Belding, B. Black, J. Cline, W. Cowgill, R. Godin, M. Kaps, T. Lindstrom, D. Ouellette, L. Stein, K. Taylor, C. Walsh, M. Whiting and T. Robinson. 2006. Performance of Prunus Rootstocks in the 2001 NC-140 Peach Trial. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):327-333. Robinson, T.L. 2006. Interaction of fertilization, rootstock and irrigation on growth, thinning efficiency, yield and fruit quality of 'Empire' apple. Acta Hort. 721:41-48. 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. 713:311-320. Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying, and R.L. Andersen. 2006. Performance of dwarfing cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):113-122. Robinson, T.L., G. Fazio, H.S. Aldwinckle, S.A. Hoying, and N. Russo. 2006. Field performance of Geneva® apple rootstocks in the USA. Sodininkyste Ir Darzinninkyste. 25 (3):181-191. Robinson, T., L. Anderson, A/ Azarenko, B. Barritt, G. Brown, J. Cline, R. Crassweller, P. Domoto, C. Embree, A. Fennell, D. Ferree, E. Garcia, A. Gaus, G. Greene, C. Hampson, P. Hirst, E. Hoover, S. Johnson, M. Kushad, R. Marini, R. Moran, C. Johnson, M. Parker, G. Reighard, R. Perry, J.P. Privé, C. Rom, T. Roper, J. Schupp, M. Warmund, W. Autio, W. Cowgill, K. Taylor, D. Wolfe. 2004. Performance Of Cornell-Geneva Rootstocks in Multi-Location NC-140 Rootstock Trials Across North America. Acta Hort. 658:241-245. Solari, L.I. and T.M. DeJong. 2006. The effect of root pressurization on water relations, shoot growth, and leaf gas exchanges of peach (Prunus persica) trees on rootstocks with differing growth potential and hydraulic conductance. J. Experimental Botany 57:1981-1989. Solari, L.I., S. Johnson, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Relationship of water status to vegetative growth and leaf gas exchange of peach (Prunus persica) trees on different rootstocks. Tree Physiology 26:1333-1341. Solari, L.I., S. Johnson, and T.M. DeJong. 2006. Hydraulic conductance characteristics of peach (Prunus persica) trees on different rootstocks are related to biomass production and distribution. Tree Physiology 26:1343-1350. Song, G.-Q. and Sink, K.C. 2006. Transformation of Montmorency sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and Gisela 6 (P. cerasus H P. canescens) cherry rootstock mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plant Cell Reports 25:117-23. Non-Refereed Journal Articles: 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. 2006. Pest management guidelines for commercial tree-fruit production 2006. Cornell University, Ithaca NY Andersen, R.L., J. Freer and T.L., Robinson. 2006. Plum Rootstocks Trials At Geneva: A Progress Report. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(1):27-28 Autio, W.R. and R.P. Marini. 2005. NC-140 Trial coordination, data analysis, and results summary. Compact Fruit Tree 38(3):26-27. 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. 2006. Comparison of several semi dwarf rootstocks with Fuji and McIntosh as cultivars: 1999 NC140 semi dwarf apple rootstock trials. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):24-27. 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. 2006. Comparison of several dwarf rootstocks with Fuji and McIntosh as cultivars: 1999 NC140 semi dwarf apple rootstock trials. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):28-32. Carroll, J.E., T.L. Robinson, D.I. Breth, S.A. Hoying, A.N. Lakso, A.M. Agnello, A.J. Landers, J.P. Nyrop, W.H. Reissig, R.W. Straub, M.J. Fargione, P.D. Curtis, D.A. Rosenberger, K.A. Iungerman, L. Cheng, I. A. Merwin, C.B. Watkins. 2006. New York integrated fruit production protocol for apples. New York Food and Life Sciences Bulletin 158, Cornell University, Geneva, NY Cheng, L., T.L. Robinson. 2006. Zonal chlorosis of Honeycrisp leaves: Causes and Implications. Compact Fruit Tree 39(1):28-29. Lang, G. 2006. Will VCHERRY be the sharpest pruning tool in your shed? Compact Fruit Tree 39(2):7-9. 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. Compact Fruit Tree 39(2):22-23 Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2006. High-density peach training systems for NY fruit growers. Proc. of the 2006 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. p 32-35. Robinson, T.L., S.A. Hoying and R.L. Andersen. 2006. The integrated system of growing high quality sweet cherries in the east. Compact Fruit Tree 39(3):6-10. Robinson. T.L., S.A. Hoying and G.L. Reginato. 2006. The Tall Spindle apple planting system. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(2)21-28. Russo, N.L., T. Robinson, G. Fazio and H. Aldwinckle. 2006. Rootstock blight in apple. NY Fruit Quarterly 14(3):11-15. 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.). Lopez-Cuevas, S. and T.L. Robinson 2006. Effect of crop load, irrigation, and fertilization on yield and postharvest bitter pit incidence of 'Honeycrisp' Apple. HortScience 41: 1030 (Abstr.) Osborne, J.L. and T.L. Robinson 2006. Chemical blossom thinning on Prunus in New York. HortScience 41: 995 (Abstr.) Reginato, G.H., T.L. Robinson and V. Garcia de Cortazar. 2006. Predicted crop value for a cling peach and three nectarines of different harvest seasons as a function of crop load. HortScience 41: 995 (Abstr.) Robinson, T.L. 2006. Optimum fruit size and yield to maximize crop value of Gala apple. HortScience 41: 982 (Abstr.) Robinson, T.L. 2006. The evolution towards more competitive apple orchard systems in the USA. 27th International Horticulture Congress Program p73 Robinson, T.L. 2006. Effect of pruning, fertilization, chemical thinning and irrigation on Gala apple fruit size, color and crop value. 27th International Horticulture Congress Abstracts p106. Robinson, T.L., R.L. Andersen and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Performance of dwarfing cherry rootstocks in the Northeastern United States. International scientific conference on fruit tree rootstocks for temperate zone: Biological, ecological and technological aspects, Abstracts p.28. Robinson, T.L., G. Fazio, H.S. Aldwinckle, and S.A. Hoying. 2006. Field performance of Geneva® apple rootstocks in the USA. International scientific conference on fruit tree rootstocks for temperate zone: Biological, ecological and technological aspects, Abstracts p.38. Robinson T.L. 2006. Optimum fruit size and yield to maximize crop value. 2006 Great Lakes Fruit Workers Meeting. Abstracts pp.19-20. 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. Domoto, P. 2006. Iowa planting of the 2003 NC-140 dwarf apple rootstock trial. Hort. Res. Sta. Ann. Prog. Rept.  2005, ISRF05-36:43-44. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 1998 Sweet Cherry Rootstock Trial. pages 23-24 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2001 Peach Rootstock Trial. pages 25-26 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Godin, R. 2006. NC-140 Fruit Tree Rootstock Trials 2005 Reports. 2002 Peach Rootstock Trial. page 27 in: Caspari, H. W. (Editor). Western Colorado Research Center 2005 Annual Report. 2007. Technical Report TR06-06. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. 38 pp. Extension publications: Domoto, P. 2006. Apple rootstock research update. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference. Jan. 27 2006, Marshalltown, IA. (Attendance 90). Domoto, P. 2006. Apple rootstock research and training systems. Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Field Day. Jun. 19, 2006, ISU Horticulture Farm, Ames, IA. (Attendance 70). Kosola, K.R. 2006. Options for managing apple replant disease. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, 1/10/06, Oconomowoc, WI. Lokaj, G, 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. 2007. "New Jersey Commercial Tree Fruit Production Guide." Rutgers Cooperative Extension Bulletin E001. Moran, R. 2006. Horticultural Requirements of Apple Trees. Waterville, ME, March 28, 2006. Newell, M. J. 2006. NC140 Peach Rootstock Update. Presented at: 2006 Annual Bay Area Fruit Meeting, Queenstown, MD (attn. 40). Stasiak, M.J. 2006. Apple rootstocks for Wisconsin. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference, 1/10/06, Oconomowoc, WI. 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.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. 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.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. 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. Kosola, K.R., J.H. Gilman, B.A.A. Workmaster, J.S. Busse. 200X. Sampling damage to tree fine roots: comparing air excavation and hydropneumatic elutriation. Submitted to HortScience. 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. Song, G-Q., G.A. Lang, S.V. Dolgov, and K.C. Sink. 2006. Cherries. in R. Scorza and T.C. Hall (eds.), The transgenics: encyclopedia of biotech plants, Vol. 5, Blackwell Publishing (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. Extension Presentations: Annual Peach Growers Meeting, Malden, Missouri. February 23, 2005. Presented a grower update the rootstock trials in MO. New Jersey Extension Meetings and Field Days included the following: "North Jersey Fruit Meeting, March 2006; Broadway, NJ. 82 attendees (growers). "North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, April, 2006; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ. 42 attendees (growers). "North Jersey Horticultural Research Twilight Mtg., September, 2006; Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ. 78 attendees (organic and conventional growers). "South Jersey Field Day and Tour, August 2006; RAREC, Upper-Deerfield, NJ. 160 attendees (growers, industry and Extension personnel). Other Outreach Activities: Lang, G. & Flore, J. (Symposium organizers). 2006. The 2006 Art Mitchell Symposium: Tree Growth and Development in Modern Cherry Production, held 19-21 January 2006 at the MSU Northwest Horticultural Research Station, Traverse City, MI. Participants included growers and more than 45 invited speakers, panelists, and moderators from nine countries. Grants: Moran, R., and D. Zhang. 2006. Cold Temperature Tolerance of Apple Rootstocks. Prepared for the Maine Ag. Center. Received $1500. Moran, R., and D. Zhang. 2006. Cold Temperature Tolerance of Apple Rootstocks. Prepared for the New England Tree Fruit Research Committee. Requested and received $570.