NC_OLD140: IMPROVING ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN TREE-FRUIT PRODUCTION THROUGH CHANGES IN ROOTSTOCK USE
Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [02/11/2008] [01/28/2009] [12/21/2009] [12/23/2010] [11/23/2011]
Date of Annual Report: 02/11/2008
Report Information:
Participants:
- Terence Robinson, Cornell University Chair, Chair of apple subcommittee Brent Black, Utah State University Secretary Greg Lange, Michigan State University, Chair of cherry subcommittee Darius Kviklys, Lithuania chair of European rootstock research group Thor Lindstrom, Utah State University Ramesh Pokharel, Colorado State University Mike Newell, University of Maryland Rachel Elkins, University of California Todd Einhorn, Oregon State University Rafael Parra, INIFAP, Chihuahua, Mexico Co-host Genarro Fazio, USDA-ARS, Geneva NY Matt Stasiak, University of Wisconsin Win Cowgill, Rutgers Elina Coniva, Auburn University, Alabama Charlie Embree, Nova Scotia, Canada Rafeal Hernandez, INIFAP, Queretaro, Mexico Pablo Cruz, Chapingo, Mexico Valdemar Gonzalez, Coahuila, Mexico Paul Demoto, Iowa State University Steve Hoying, Cornell University Doug Archbold, University of Kentucky Greg Reighard, Clemson University chair of Peach subcommittee Wes Autio, University of Massachusetts apple trial coordinator Adriana Telias, University of Minnesota standing in for Emily Hoover, vice-chair Rafael Parras associate from Chihuahua INIFAP. Mike Parker, North Carolina State University Mosbah Kushad, University of Illinois Jon Clements, University of Massachusetts Rootstock breeder from China Valerie Vanreen, guest of Rachel Elkins Leo Dominguez, Cornell University Peter Hirst, Purdue University Carlos Chavez, University of Chihuahua co-host
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
the 2007 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Approval of agenda: The agenda was then put forward for approval and was approved with some modifications, which included the following new discussion items: (1) Tree spacing computer model, (2)Greg Reighards state report was moved to Monday to accommodate his travel arrangements, (3) Win Cowgill asked for time to discuss his paper on the history of NC-140. The amended agenda was then approved.New Memberships: Elina Coneva of Alabama was approved as a new member to the group. Her membership was approved unanimously. Terence discussed the process for accepting new members. Membership is limited to North America. Changes in member state official representatives included: Todd Einhorn now representing Oregon, Doug Archbold as representative of Kentucky, and Matt Stassiak as the Wisconsin representative. The new representatives were encouraged to check the NIMS system to ensure that they were listed as the official representative. Other changes included Tom Beckman of USDA would take over as the Georgia representative.
Washington State University still does not have official representation. Greg Lang will contact Matt Whiting to clarify his status in NIMS. Genarro will follow up with Kate Evans, the new apple breeder at WSU to invite her to join.
Reporting: We are now completing the first year on the new project plan. This includes a new title and new objectives. These new objectives should be considered in 08 and future reporting. Win and Jon will add these objectives and titles to the website.
Future meeting sites and leadership: 2009, Minnesota, hosted by Emily Hoover 2010, Utah, hosted by Brent Black 2011, Michigan, hosted by Greg Lang. This would be in conjunction with the Great Lakes Fruit workers meeting. A motion for Michigan to host the 2011 meeting was made, seconded and approved unanimously.
Official Advis or: Bill Randle, Ohio State University, was not present and did not send any report.
Genarro pointed out that CSREES is transitioning to NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) over the next year.
Peter Hirst suggested a discussion of SCRI (Specialty Crop Research Initiative) funding and how NC-140 might cooperate to pursue this funding. 300 grant proposals submitted in the first round, 170 reviewed, 10-12 funded (all large grants). After some discussion on SCRI and how NC-140 projects might fit in, it was decided that Mosbah would hold some discussions and report back on Tuesday. Ongoing cooperative plantings: " Wes Autio 99 Apple planting. Wes put out a request for additional data to besubmitted for final reporting. Deadline for 2008 data is January 15, 2009. Wes also suggested that a second paper may need to be written to discuss tree mortality and the various causes at the different sites. Terence suggested that blackheart evaluations be carried out at colder sites, including MA, NY, MN, ON, VT, MI, KY?. Wes spelled out a protocol for evaluating blackheart. This protocol has been used previously in the 1994 trial, and will be redistributed.
" Greg Reighard 01 Peach planting. Greg is busy rewriting the final report which he hopes to send out by the end of the month. In it he will prepare a data table summarizing each site. Although this will lengthen the manuscript, it makes it more readily accessible by fruit growers. He submitted an ISHS paper on the project. Bailey was the most yield efficient across sites. Controller 5 was the best of the California stocks, and is in the new
" Scott Johnson 02 Peach planting. Scott is not present. Greg reported that the paper is essentially written. The physiology trial was written for the ISHS. The group discussed writing up the full paper for APS. Terence suggested that it should be written up for APS.
" Wes Autio 02 apple. Call for data for 2008. Root suckers, yield, fruit weight and trunk circumference. Next season will be the standard data set. Trials with excessive tree loss should continue to collect data for the overall experiment. Findings: B9 treco and B9 Europe are clearly different. Supporter 4 similar to M26.
" Jon Clements regional Cameo trial 2002. B9 smallest tree with greatest yield efficiency. Fruit size differences between sites. What are the causes? Degree days in first 40 days determine fruit size.
" Peach physiology study with low crop load to determine fruit size potential. Peter said that in apple cell division is set. Length of time determines fruit size. Quick cell division period leaves more time for cell enlargement. Scott Johnson reported the opposite for peaches. Terence suggested an NC-140 project to explore temperature effects on fruit size. Tree nutrition could be an ignored factor.
" Pears 2002 Leadership vacuum. Steve Castagnoli took leadership in organizing plantings, but no data analysis and summary. Rachel and Todd are working together to gather past data. Rachel is taking the lead on organizing the data. Todd will work on analyzing the data. Todd will then be taking the lead for pears. 2002 planting is past due for a preliminary report and coming up on the 10 year final. 2004-05 plantings are coming up on the first progress report due.
" Apples 2003 Rich Marini (not present). Rootstock and physiology paper drafts were circulated previous to the meeting. Suggestions for future physiology requested. More fruit size potential studies. Some sites may need multiple resting years for high crop load trees to completely recover. Finish 09 2nd crop year. Then consider the next objective. Wes suggested analyzing the low crop load treatments along with on-site weather data for determining fruit size potential.
" 2006 Apple Replant Terence Robinson. Not all sites showing strong replant effect. No effect at Terences site based on fumigated vs. unfumigated. Terence proposed using 50% growth difference between fumigated and unfumigated. Bioassay didnt show consistent results to the field. Mike Parker seeing big effect. Ramesh suggested that moisture level and land preparation during fumigation likely had a major effect. 08 data need to be submitted by March 09. Shoot growth data to be based on 20 shoots per tree, including the leader. Dan Ward is analyzing data to determine subsampling efficiency. Use chemical thinning in the coming year, followed by hand thinning. Mike and Genarro thought that 50% differences were too severe, and that perhaps 20% cutoff might be more reasonable.
" 2006 Cherry Physiology Greg Lang. Will be working with Terence and Matt Whiting. Need to determine 08 growth and determine 09 crop loads. Four locations: MI, WA, NY, CA.
" 2009 Peach Trial Greg Reighard. Fourteen cooperators currently, three more interested, but trees may not be available for all interested parties. Not all new rootstocks that Greg had hoped to get ended up in this trial. Some programs are reluctant to release new rootstocks for NC-140 testing. Tree spacing may need to be different at northern vs. southern locations. Conclusion: northern locations (MA, CO, NY, UT, MO?) = 4m × 5m; Southern locations = 5m × 6m.
" 2009 Physiology Trial Greg Reighard reported for Scott. Some are taking the physiology trial but not the rootstock trial. Need 8 trees per cultivar per site.
Scheduling for next year: Conflicts include ISHS cherry symposium 12-26 of November, Great Lakes Fruit workers, and NE1020. Emily proposed Nov. 2-3 or the following week. Southern climates would like to stay out of October as apple harvest is continuing. Nov. 2-3 would work better.
Scheduling for 2010: Conflicts: Nov. 16-19 is ISHS Pear symposium. Meet at Kaysville or in Santaquin. Terence proposed meeting in Santaquin with a day trip to Kaysville.
Committee planning of new plantings
" Cherry sub-committee Greg Lang:
o New high density trial for sweets: G3, G5, G6, three training systems KGB, tall spindle, UFO. Scion cultivar differ by state: WA, MI (Benton); OR (Bing); NY (Regina); NS (Skeena), extra set of Skeena. Sleeping eye vs. nursery finished trees. Colorado might be interested in extra trees.
o New tart cherry high density plantings in UT and MI. Not coordinated at this point. Over the row harvesting or side-row harvesting of high density plantings. Montmorency on Mahaleb, G3, and G5 at multiple row spacings in Utah. MI will have Mahaleb, G3, G5 and G6, and own-rooted Montmorency on tall spindle and parallel V. Training systems are tall spindle, KGB and parallel V. John Cline is also interested in tarts and will take extra trees.
o Greg is coordinating a proposal to IFTA to cover tree costs.
o New possible cherry rootstock trial? Nobody has stepped forward to take the lead on this. There are some new rootstocks available, and some of Amy Iezzonis may be available for trial. Amys program is shooting for higher precocity, but lower productivity than Giselas. Timeline for a new planting would be 2011 to 2012.
" Pears sub-committee Rachel Elkins. New rootstocks from the Horner series are being propagated for grower trials. New rootstocks may also be available from France and England. There are new Quince rootstocks from Poland. Todd is starting to evaluate quince material for relative cold hardiness. Terence said that a pear person needs to take the lead in importing material. Genarro suggested that Joseph Postman take the lead in importing new rootstocks for Pear. Action items include: (1) getting data from existing trials for 5-year reports with a report on the 2002 trial completed by the next NC-140; (2) Get new material imported and propagated for trial. Mike Newell also proposed a multi-state asian pear cultivar trial. He is looking at a list of 10 cultivars.
" Apple sub-committee. New planting for 2010. Not enough trees to go around. 8 trees per rootstock per site. 31 rootstocks including new Russian and Geneva stocks and controls. Some of the trees are semi-dwarfing. PiAu clones should be dropped as they are too large. Two varieties, Honeycrisp and Fuji. 4 reps with two trees per rep, or 8 single-tree reps? Wes preference was for 8 replications. Where trees are short do we short trees per site, or short sites? The conclusion was to try and give all rootstocks to all sites, and short trees per site. Spacing was a question.
o Spacing. Terence proposed 1.5 x 4 m with tall spindle. Southern sites felt that this didnt work well for them. Conclusion was to differ spacing for northern and southern locations. Northern sites use Honeycrisp on 1.2 x 4.0m tall spindle. Southern locations use Fuji on 2.0 x 4.5 M vertical axe. Support leader to 10.
o What do we do with semi-dwarf less precocious rootstocks? Brent Black proposed semi-dwarf freestanding, firebight resistant rootstocks for a separate trial for homeowners. Terence suggested that a similar trial would be useful for the processing industry. NY, NC, NS, AL, PA?
" Plums Terence is gathering data and will have a draft of the last planting.
" SCRI committee proposed a lunchtime discussion and report back. After some discussion groups during lunch, a committee was appointed to pursue possible NC-140 coordinated proposals to SCRI. The committee included Mosbah Kushad, Peter Hirst, Wes Autio, Genarro Fazio and possibly Greg Lang.
" Technology committee.
o State reports are to be uploaded in the members-only section. Need to put updated proposal on home page, with current project plan.
o Tree spacing calculator was also discussed. Need varieties alphabetized, warm vs. cold climate adjustments perhaps under a pull down menu listing states.
State reports: State reports were provided by each participant. Adjournment: At the completion of state reports the meeting temporarily recessed to allow for souvenir shopping in downtown Cuauhtémoc. After souvenir shopping was completed an informal quorum of participants gathered at the Rancho Viejo restaurant and voted over dinner to adjourn, after the requisite motion for the chair-elect to write letters of thanks to the supervisors of the three meeting organizers/hosts (Terence Robinson, Carlos Chavez and Rafael Parra).
Accomplishments:
Objective 1. To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit trees characteristics grown under different management systems and environmental conditions.Several multi-state coordinated trials were concluded in late 2007 or in 2008, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. These include:
" 1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh apple rootstock trial which compares 21 apple rootstocks at 17 locations in North America. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009.
" 2001 Peach trial of 14 Prunus rootstocks. A paper was submitted to ISHS in 2008. The final report is near completion, and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom.Soc. in 2009. The report will include a data table summarizing each site, making it more readily accessible to fruit growers. Bailey was the most yield-efficient rootstock across the sites, and Controller 5 was the best of the California rootstocks.
" 2002 Peach trial of three peach varieties on eight roostocks. The final report is near completion and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in early 2009.
" 2002 Cresthaven peach physiology trial, comparing the effect of location in North America on harvest date, fruit weight, and soluble solids content. A paper was submitted to ISHS in 2008. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009.
Numerous projects are still ongoing. These include:
" 2002 Gala apple rootstock trial compares 20 apple rootstocks at 10 locations in North America. A 5-year report was published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society.
" 2002 Cameo apple rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 2 locations in the eastern USA. A five year report abstract was published in 2008.
" 2002 Pear rootstock trial compares 7 rootstocks at 4 locations in the North America. A gap in leadership for this trial has postponed publication of a 5-year progress report. A report is being prepared and will be submitted for publication in 2009.
" 2003 Golden Delicious apple rootstock and physiology trials compares 23 rootstocks at 14 locations. A progress report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in 2009.
" 2004 Pear rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 3 locations in North America. A 5-year report will be submitted for publication in 2009.
" 2005 Pear rootstock trial compares 7 rootstocks with Bartlett and 3 rootstocks with Bosc.
" 2006 Gala apple replant trial compares 12 rootstocks at 10 locations in fumigated and unfumigated soil at each site.
" 2006 Cherry physiology trial compares the yield and fruit size of a dwarfing cherry rootstock at 4 locations in North America.
Objective 2. To develop and improve rootstocks for temperate-zone fruit trees with breeding and genetic engineering, to improve propagation techniques for rootstocks, and to acquire new rootstocks from worldwide sources.
" Development of new rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to develop and test new rootstocks. Two tests with Honeycrisp and Fuji are helping to identify new elite clones. It is expected that four new semi-dwarfing rootstocks will be released in 2009.
" Propagation of apple rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to work on techniques to improve propagation of apple rootstocks primarily difficult-to-root Geneva rootstocks such as G41. These include planting density, plant orientation, tissue culture, early-season shading, and growth regulators. Results of these experiments will be summarized in 2009.
Objective 3. To study the genetics and developmental physiology of rootstock/scion interactions in temperate-zone fruit trees.
" In NY, a joint trial is being done on the mapping of root architecture traits on the genome. A population of unscreened seedling is being evaluated for root morphological characters which will allow mapping of root architecture characteristics.
" An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. A breeding program in Michigan has developed a new series of tart cherry rootstocks which will be evaluated in the next NC-140 cherry rootstock trial. Breeding programs in California and Georgia are developing new peach rootstocks.
Objective 4. To better understand the response to and impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on scion/rootstock combinations in temperate-zone fruit trees.
" Apple rootstock tolerance to soil pH is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to low and high soil pH. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2010.
" Apple rootstock tolerance to replant disease is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to replant disease in both sandy and clay soils. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2009.
" Cold Hardiness Testing of New Apple Rootstocks continues in ME. G.5935 had greater root tissue cold hardiness than M.26 EMLA, based on shoot growth following exposure to freezing temperatures to a low of -16 °C. Changes in rootstock selection can increase yield and tree survival leading to greater profitability. Knowledge of correct tree spacing can prevent economic losses. Impacts will be measured as changes in the industry and will be documented through grower surveys.
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 sub-committees for 4 fruit commodities (apple, cherry, peach, and pear) have developed plans for future multi-state coordinated plantings which will support project objectives. Apple Sub-Committee (T. Robinson, Chair) Plans were finalized to proceed with a multi-state apple rootstock trial to be planted in 2010. The trial will consist of 31 rootstocks, including new Russian and Geneva rootstocks, with Honeycrisp and Fuji as the scions. The trial will be planted at 21 locations in North America. T. Robinson (NY) will organize the trial and W. Autio (MA) will coordinate the data.
Cherry Sub-Committee (G. Lang, Chair) Plans were developed for a high-density sweet cherry trial to be planted in 2010. This trial will evaluate three dwarfing rootstocks and three training systems. The trial will be planted in WA, MI, OR, NY, and NS, with cultivars differing by state. Plans were also developed for two independent 2010 plantings of high-density tart cherries in UT and MI for mechanical harvest. The UT trial will evaluate three rootstocks at multiple row spacings with Montmorency as the scion. The MI trial will evaluate four rootstocks and own-rooted Montmorency with three training systems. G. Lang (MI) will organize the trials and coordinate the data. Plans were initiated for a new rootstock trial to be planted in 2011 or 2012.A coordinator for this trial has not yet been identified.
Peach Sub-Committee (G. Reighard, Chair) Plans were finalized for the 2009 trial of 15 rootstocks with Redhaven as the scion. Currently there will be 14 planting locations throughout North America, and 3 more are interested in participating. A limited number of trees may limit the number of planting locations. Plans were also finalized for the 2009 physiology trial. G. Reighard (SC) will organize the trial and coordinate the data.
Pear Sub-Committee (R. Elkins, Chair) New quince materials from Poland are being evaluated for relative cold-hardiness to be used in 2011 high-density planting. Plans were developed for a 2012 planting using new rootstocks from the Horner series. New rootstocks from France and England may also be included. R. Elkins (CA) and S. Castagnoli (OR) will organize the trials and coordinate the data. Plans were initiated for a multi-state asian pear cultivar trial. A coordinator for this trial has not yet been identified.
Plum Sub-Committee (T. Robinson, Chair) Data is being gathered, and a draft of the last planting is being prepared.
SCRI Committee A committee was appointed to pursue possible NC-140 coordinated proposals to SCRI. The committee included M. Kushad (IL), P. Hirst (IN), W. Autio (MA), G. Fazio (NY)and possibly G. Lang (MI).
Technology Committee State reports are to be uploaded in the members-only section of the NC-140 website. Updated project proposal has been posted on NC-140 home page. Tree spacing calculator needs fine-tuning http://www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/m/). Alphabetization of varieties would improve ease of use. A drop-down menu of site-specific climate would further aid in calculation of proper spacing.
Outreach/Extension Activities
Website The project website at http://www.nc140.org/ serves as an important information portal for information developed by this project. The website is hosted and maintained by W. Cowgill (NJ) and J. Clements (MA). Articles, photographs and research reports, along with annual meeting minutes and annual project reports are archived throughout the year.
Grower Meetings and Field Days Each year several members of the NC-140 project make presentations to fruit grower audiences on the results of this project. Similarly, in each cooperating state the coordinated field trials are used as venues to present information from this project to fruit growers at field days. A sample of the presentations given and field days held in 2008 are:
" The 2007 Wisconsin Summer Apple Field day was held at the Peninsular Ag. Research Station where these plantings are located and were among the reasons for hosting the field day at that location. 100 growers attended and had the opportunity to look at the plantings and ask questions.
" Representatives from the Massachusetts program presented fruit tree rootstock information at over 20 grower meetings and field days throughout 2007. The attendance at these events ranged from 10 to 350.
" Two presentations on the NC-140 rootstock research were made during field days at the Kaysville Research farm in Utah during 2008. The first included Agriculture Experiment Station employees from neighboring states. The second was attended by commercial growers from both Utah and Idaho.
" A field day was held in July, 2008 at Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, ME to highlight NC-140 research.
" The Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day was held on June 30, 2008 at the ISU Horticulture Research Station in Ames, IA. The NC-140 2003 apple rootstock trial was featured. 50 people attended.
" A presentation entitled Apple rootstocks and training systems was given at the Iowa Master Gardener Summer Session on July 12, 2008 at the ISU Horticulture Research Station in Ames, IA. Attendance was 60.
" North Jersey Fruit Meeting, March 2008; Broadway, NJ, 74 growers in attendance.
" North Jersey Twilight Fruit Meeting, April, 2008; Rutgers Snyder Farm, Pittstown, NJ, 44 growers in attendance.
" South Jersey Field Day and Tour, August 2008; RAREC, Upper-Deerfield, NJ. 85 attendees including growers, industry and extension personnel.
" North Jersey Twilight Horticultural Research Meeting, Rutgers Snyder Farm, September, 2008; sponsored by RCE and NJ NOFA. 66 growers participated.
Impact Statements:
Date of Annual Report: 01/28/2009
Report Information:
Participants:
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
Accomplishments:
Accomplishments and Impacts: Objective 1. To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit tree characteristics grown under different management systems and environmental conditions. Several multi-state coordinated trials were concluded in late 2007 or in 2008, and data from these plantings have either been published or are being prepared for publication. These include:" 1998 Sweet cherry trial that compares Bing on 15 rootstocks at six western sites and Hedelfinger on 10 rootstocks at five eastern sites. The final report for the Bing trial has been drafted and the final report for the Hedellfinger trial is in preparation. Both will be submitted for publication in 2009. " 1998 Tart cherry trial that compares Montmorency on 11 rootstocks at five sites. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in 2009. " 1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh apple rootstock trial which compares 21 apple rootstocks at 17 locations in North America. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009. " 2001 Peach trial of 14 Prunus rootstocks. A paper was submitted to ISHS in 2008. The final report is near completion, and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009. The report will include a data table summarizing each site, making it more readily accessible to fruit growers. Bailey was the most yield-efficient rootstock across the sites, and Controller 5 was the best of the California rootstocks. " 2002 Peach trial of three peach varieties on eight rootstocks. The final report is near completion and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in early 2009. " 2002 Cresthaven peach physiology trial, comparing the effect of location in North America on harvest date, fruit weight, and soluble solids content. A paper was submitted to ISHS in 2008. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009.
Numerous projects are still ongoing. These include: " 2002 Gala apple rootstock trial compares 20 apple rootstocks at 10 locations in North America. A 5-year report was published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society. " 2002 Cameo apple rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 2 locations in the Eastern US. A five-year report abstract was published in 2008. " 2002 pear rootstock trial compares 7 rootstocks at 4 locations in the North America. A gap in leadership for this trial has postponed publication of a 5-year progress report. A report is being prepared and will be submitted for publication in 2009. " 2003 Golden Delicious apple rootstock and physiology trials compares 23 rootstocks at 14 locations in North America. A progress report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in 2009. " 2004 pear rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 3 locations in North America. A 5-year report will be submitted for publication in 2009. " 2005 pear rootstock trial compares 7 rootstocks with Bartlett and 3 rootstocks with Bosc. " 2006 Gala apple replant trial compares 12 rootstocks at 10 North America locations in fumigated and unfumigated soil at each site. " 2006 cherry physiology trial compares the yield and fruit size of a dwarfing cherry rootstock at 4 locations in North America. " Objective 2. To develop and improve rootstocks for temperate-zone fruit trees with breeding and genetic engineering, to improve propagation techniques for rootstocks, and to acquire new rootstocks from worldwide sources. " Development of new rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to develop and test new rootstocks. Two tests with Honeycrisp and Fuji are helping to identify new elite clones. It is expected that four new semi-dwarfing rootstocks will be released in 2009. " Propagation of apple rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to work on techniques to improve propagation of apple rootstocks primarily difficult-to-root Geneva rootstocks such as G41. These include planting density, plant orientation, tissue culture, early-season shading, and growth regulators. Results of these experiments will be summarized in 2009.
Objective 3. To study the genetics and developmental physiology of rootstock/scion interactions in temperate-zone fruit trees. " In NY, a joint trial is being done on the mapping of root architecture traits on the genome. A population of unscreened seedlings is being evaluated for root morphological characters which will allow mapping of root architecture characteristics. " An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing 12 new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. A breeding program in Michigan has developed a new series of tart cherry rootstocks which will be evaluated in the next NC-140 cherry rootstock trial. Breeding programs in CA and GA are developing new peach rootstocks. Objective 4. To better understand the response to and impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on scion/rootstock combinations in temperate-zone fruit trees. " Apple rootstock tolerance to soil pH is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to low and high soil pH. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2010. " Apple rootstock tolerance to replant disease is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to replant disease in both sandy and clay soils. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2009. " Cold hardiness testing of new apple rootstocks continues in ME. G.5935 had greater root tissue cold hardiness than M.26 EMLA, based on shoot growth following exposure to freezing temperatures to a low of -16°C. Changes in rootstock selection can increase yield and tree survival leading to greater profitability. Knowledge of correct tree spacing can prevent economic losses. Impacts will be measured as changes in the industry and will be documented through grower surveys.
Impact Statements:
- It is expected that four new semi-dwarfing rootstocks will be released in 2009.
Date of Annual Report: 12/21/2009
Report Information:
Participants:
- Last Name Archbold Douglas University of Kentucky KY darchbol@uky.edu Autio Wesley University of Massachusetts MA autio@pssci.umass.edu Clements Jon UMass Amherst Extension MA clements@umext.umass.edu Coneva Elina Auburn University AL edc0001@auburn.edu Cowgill Win Rutgers University/NJAES NJ cowgill@njaes.rutgers.edu Domoto Paul Iowa State University IA domoto@iastate.edu Eienhorn Todd Oregon State University OR Todd.Einhorn@oregonstate.edu Elkins Rachel U of CA Coop. Extension CA rbelkins@ucdavis.edu Embree Charlie Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada NS charlie.embree@agr.gc.ca Fazio Gennaro USDA ARS / Cornell University NY gf35@cornell.edu Hampson Cheryl Agriculture Canada BC cheryl.hampson@agr.gc.ca Hirst Peter Purdue University IN hirst@purdue.edu Hoover Emily UMN MN hoove001@umn.edu Hoying Stephen Cornell University NY sah19@cornell.edu Johnson Scott UC Davis CA sjohnson@uckac.edu Kushad Mosbah University of Illionis IL kushad@illinois.edu Lang Greg Michigan State University MI langg@msu.edu Lindstrom Thor Utah State University UT thor.lindstrom@usu.edu Marini Richard Penn State University PA rpm12@psu.edu Moran Renae University of Maine ME rmoran@umext.maine.edu Parker Michael NCSU NC mike_parker@ncsu.edu Parra-Quezada Rafael INIFAP NM parraquez@prodigy.net.mx Pokharel Ramesh Colorado State university CO rameshp@colostate.edu Pruski Kris NSAC NS kpruski@nsac.ca Racsko Jozsef The Ohio State University OH racsko.1@osu.edu Randle Bill Ohio State University OH randle.15@osu.edu Reighard Greg Clemson University SC grghrd@clemson.edu Robinson Terence Cornell University NY tlr1@cornell.edu Rom Curt University of Arkansas AR crom@uark.edu Stasiak Matt Univ. WI-Madison WI mstasiak@wisc.edu Walsh Christopher University of Maryland MD cswalsh@umd.edu
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
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 sub-committees for 4 fruit commodities (apple, cherry, peach, and pear) have developed plans for future multi-state coordinated plantings which will support project objectives.Apple Sub-Committee (T. Robinson, Chair) Plans were finalized to proceed with a multi-state apple rootstock trial to be planted in 2010. The trial will consist of 31 rootstocks, including new Russian and Geneva rootstocks, with Honeycrisp and Fuji as the scions. The trial will be planted at 21 locations in North America. T. Robinson (NY) will organize the trial and W. Autio (MA) will coordinate the data.
Cherry Sub-Committee (G. Lang, Chair) Plans were developed for a high-density sweet cherry trial to be planted in 2010. This trial will evaluate three dwarfing rootstocks and three training systems. The trial will be planted in WA, MI, OR, NY, and NS, with cultivars differing by state. Two independent 2010 plantings of high-density tart cherries will be planted in UT and MI for mechanical harvest. The UT trial will evaluate three rootstocks at multiple row spacings with Montmorency as the scion. The MI trial will evaluate four rootstocks and own rooted Montmorency with three training systems. G. Lang (MI) will organize the trials and coordinate the data.
Peach Sub-Committee (G. Reighard, Chair) Protocols were discussed for managing the 2009 peach rootstock and physiology trials. Reighard (SC) will organize the trial and coordinate the data.
Pear Sub-Committee (T. Einhorn, Chair) Plans were developed for a 2012 pear rootstock x training x spacing planting at four locations: NY, OR, (possibly a WA site) and CA. Scion selection will vary, based upon regional interests, and will be budded on OHxF 87, OHxF 69, and Pyro 2-33. Spacing and training systems will facilitate moderate to high-density designs. T. Einhorn (OR) will organize the trial, and coordinate the data.
Accomplishments:
Objective 1. To evaluate the influence of rootstocks on temperate-zone fruit trees characteristics grown under different management systems and environmental conditions. Status of concluded projects: " 1999 Dwarf and Semi-dwarf Fuji/McIntosh apple rootstock trial which compares 21 apple rootstocks at 17 locations in North America. Final reports are in preparation and will be submitted to the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. " 2001 Peach trial of 14 Prunus rootstocks. The final report is near completion, and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. The report will include a data table summarizing each site, making it more readily accessible to fruit growers. " 2002 Peach trial of three peach varieties on eight roostocks. A report was published in Fruit Notes. " 2002 Cresthaven peach physiology trial, comparing the effect of location in North America on harvest date, fruit weight, and soluble solids content. The final report is in preparation and will be submitted for publication in the J. Amer. Pom. Soc. in 2009.Ongoing projects: " 2002 Gala apple rootstock trial compares 20 apple rootstocks at 10 locations in North America. A five year summary was prepared and published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society. " 2002 Cameo apple rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 2 locations in the eastern USA. " 2002 Pear rootstock trial compares 7 rootstocks at 4 locations in the North America. " 2003 Golden Delicious apple rootstock and physiology trials compares 23 rootstocks at 14 locations. A five-year summary was published in the Journal of the American Pomological Society during 2009. " 2004 Pear rootstock trial compares 3 rootstocks at 3 locations in North America. " 2005 Pear rootstock trial compares 3 to 8 rootstocks with Bartlett and 7 rootstocks with Bosc at 6 locations in North America. " 2006 Gala apple replant trial compares 12 rootstocks at 10 locations in fumigated and unfumigated soil at each site. " 2006 Cherry physiology trial compares the yield and fruit size of a dwarfing cherry rootstock at 4 locations in North America. " 2009 Peach rootstock trial compares 18 rootstocks at 14 locations in 12 states was planted. A companion study on crop load physiology was also planted in 2009.
Objective 2. To develop and improve rootstocks for temperate-zone fruit trees with breeding and genetic engineering, to improve propagation techniques for rootstocks, and to acquire new rootstocks from worldwide sources. " Development of new rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to develop and test new rootstocks. Two tests with Honeycrisp and Fuji are helping to identify new elite clones. " Propagation of apple rootstocks: New York State, in cooperation with the USDA continues to work on techniques to improve propagation of apple rootstocks primarily difficult-to-root Geneva rootstocks such as G41. These include planting density, plant orientation, tissue culture, early-season shading, and growth regulators.
Objective 3. To study the genetics and developmental physiology of rootstock/scion interactions in temperate-zone fruit trees. " In NY, a joint trial is being done on the mapping of root architecture traits on the genome. A population of unscreened seedling is being evaluated for root morphological characters which will allow mapping of root architecture characteristics. " An ongoing breeding program in Arkansas is testing twelve new apple and 44 new peach rootstock selections. " A breeding program in Michigan has developed a new series of tart cherry rootstocks which will be evaluated in the next NC-140 cherry rootstock trial. " Breeding programs in California and Georgia are developing new peach rootstocks.
Objective 4. To better understand the response to and impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses on scion/rootstock combinations in temperate-zone fruit trees. " Apple rootstock tolerance to soil pH is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to low and high soil pH. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2010. " Apple rootstock tolerance to replant disease is being evaluated in NY. A field trial in pots of Golden Delicious on 30 Geneva rootstocks is being conducted for tolerance to replant disease in both sandy and clay soils. This trial began in spring, 2008. Tree growth and root growth will be evaluated in 2009. " Cold Hardiness Testing of New Apple Rootstocks continues in ME. G.5935 had greater root tissue cold hardiness than M.26 EMLA, based on shoot growth following exposure to freezing temperatures to a low of -16 °C.
Impact Statements:
- Results from NC-140 research continue to direct the commercialization of tree fruit rootstocks.
- The group website (www.nc140.org) is becoming an important source for information on new rootstocks, with 44,600 site visits during the reporting year.
- Collaborative research under this group led to 8 refereed research publications, 30 non-refereed publications and numerous Extension presentations that reached fruit growers throughout North America.
Date of Annual Report: 12/23/2010
Report Information:
Participants:
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
Full report attached as meeting minutes file.NC140 materials may also be accessed at www.nc140.org.
URL: Copy of minutes
Accomplishments:
Impact Statements:
Date of Annual Report: 11/23/2011
Report Information:
Participants:
Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
Please see attached minutes file. The annual report file was uploaded as the attachment for the Publications section.NC140 materials may also be accessed at www.nc140.org.
URL: Copy of minutes
Accomplishments: