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Northern NY Agricultural Development Program 2006 Project Report

Project Leader(s):
Anita Deming, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Essex County, Westport NY, 518-962 –4810 ext 409, ald6@cornell.edu

Kevin Iungerman, Cornell University Extension Associate, NE NY Commercial Fruit Program, Ballston Spa NY, 518-885-8995, kai3@cornell.edu

Collaborator(s):
Mike Davis, Cornell University E.V. Baker Agricultural Research Farm at Willsboro, NY
Steve Lerch, Research Support Specialist 2, NYS Experiment Station, Geneva, NY

Farmer participants:

• Rob McDowell – Lake Champlain Grape Growers Association in Clinton Co
• Kathryn and Will Reinhart – Lake Champlain Grape Growers Association in Essex Co
• 22 additional farmers attended our training sessions and workshops see appendix.

Background:
This is a continuing project from May of 2005 to evaluate 25 varieties of grapes for cold hardiness. The initial planting was primarily funded by a NY Farm Viability Institute grant. This is a transition year where the grapes were to be matured in preparation for a crop in 2007. We have been using the project to teach local farmers about raising grapes and how to care for them.

Methods:
In 2006 “working seminar sessions” enabled volunteers and Cornell University researchers Steve Lerch and Kevin Iungerman to accomplish trellising, vine pruning and training, comparative berry tasting, and complete harvest clean-up – and in the process, dealt with many of the horticulture skills and crop management practices needed for vineyard operation.

This hands-on instruction also served to illustrate the relative merits of the different vines, and set the stage for dormant season evaluations of winter acclimation, survival performance, and vigor.

The Northeast Fruit Program succeeded in establishing a unique, 300-vine trial of 25 different cold-hardy-wine-grape cultivars at the Cornell E. V. Baker Agricultural Research Farm in Willsboro in 2005. This was achieved with the help of private and land-grant collaborators, and funding partners.

2006 served as a second establishment year. Growth performance and vine pruning and training practices largely mitigated initial differences; cropping was largely avoided to focus on vine maturation. A small amount of cropping was permitted for vigor control and also for identification and educational purposes.

An interim and on-going purpose of the Willsboro Trial is to foster horticulture skills and crop management practices while learning about the relative merits of the different vines. On-site educational sessions and especially “working seminar sessions” (where participating volunteers assist the Cornell researchers at different seasonal points) were the chosen instructional approaches.

In 2005, volunteers and visitors had learned about the purpose of the trial, site preparation, vine planting, trickle irrigation and early care, small sprayer use, and trellising posts and deer fence construction.

In 2006, our “working seminars” continued:

• April 13 – String up trellis wiring and complete trellis construction.
• April 28,29 – Shoot selection, positioning, training, and tying. Bud and growth stage evaluation introduction based upon Eichorn and Lorenz scheme.
• April 29 – Grape IPM Presentation and Question and Answer Session with Tim Weigle of the NY IPM Program.
• July 18 – Second shoot selection, positioning, training, and tying session. Examination for pest and disease problems.
• August 8 – Joint Apple- Grape Field Day. (Grape Timing: mid season, pre-veraison [i.e. coloration])
• September 23 – Final maturity review and examination, and grape tasting with discussion of flavor. Completed vine harvest and sanitation. Crop shared with participants. (Regular participants/workers take the excess grape crop to learn how to make wine and other grape value added products).

While timing and various standardized protocols prevent the Willsboro Trial from being a fully recognized NE 1020 site, the Formal Organizing Participants to the USDA NE 1020 Multi-state Grape Clonal Evaluation Program have invited Kevin Iungerman to maintain an auxiliary and supportive role in all developing 1020 proceedings. A component sub-group represents cool climate growing conditions and very cold winters similar to our region. These NE 1020 researchers, and the participants as a whole, will prove to be valuable resources to the Willsboro and northern NY grape efforts in the coming years. The University of VT, for instance, will be planting a NE 1020 in 2007.

Results:
Vine growth performance differences were extensive; however, these were not site, nor climate induced. Rather, initial vine variability was the presenting problem — largely as a result of procurement issues. The very uniqueness of the vines meant that a variety of different nurseries served as sources for the final vine complement at Willsboro.

Variation also was due to other factors: the differences in available planting stock (bare root or softwood cuttings); the lateness of order placement (arising from uncertainty as to support funding and the cooperative consultative process in planning the trial; and — in limited instances — the necessity of multiple planting dates. Softwood plants could not be planted with bare rootstock due to greenhouse readiness issues as well as concerns with early shipping or planting freezes. Despite these initial obstacles, the trial was put in place in record-time (comparable to similar evaluative trials). These were ongoing issues from the 2005 planting. However, this year’s good growing season saw all cultivars gain equal footing or readiness for the 2007 cropping year.

Fifteen regular volunteers assisted the researchers over the 2006 growing season, and 25 growers and guests attended the various events. Participants from Vermont, Canada, and the Capital District of NYS are regulars at the working sessions. The growers have opportunities to work and talk to seasoned veterans of viticulture research for 2 to 4 hours as they learn with hands-on experience. Growers bring samples from their vineyard to the meetings to share and discuss at the meetings as well.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impacts:
By early October, the vines had achieved relatively comparable establishment across the different replications. The trial’s overall good condition should afford a fairer comparison of winter acclimation, survival performance, and future growth and cropping comparisons over the 2006-2007 dormant period and the 2007 growing season.

Farmers report an intense learning curve that has helped them with their home plantings. We have had 3 expansions and 2 new plantings on the NY side of Lake Champlain since this project started. The farmers have been very active in helping design the research projects, implement the projects, and trying new things at home. Among the comments:

Norbert St. Pierre: I have been able to talk to State experts and to ask every question I can think of. They have helped me with pest issues, pruning and trellising issues. I have taken cuttings home and planted them in the clay soil that I have available in Crown Point and the sandy soil in Witherbee. I have made wine from several varieties without the use of sulfur.

Kathryn Reinhart: My husband and I have planted some of the varieties at home. We have started a more aggressive weed control program based on what I have seen at the Willsboro site. We are making wine now for our use and for gifts.

Rob McDowell: This has been a tremendous experience for all of us. I am surprised at how many people are interested in this project. We have had the Channel 5 news out for our workshops, people call frequently to ask questions about what is the best variety (we don’t know yet). Our membership is increasing. I really want to look at organic production.

Libby Treadwell: We have planted 300 vines in Westport on a clay slope. The bugs are a problem and we are hand picking. It is good exercise.

Outreach:
Workshops are promoted on the cce_cold_country_viticulture-L list serve, in NNY newsletters, in Glens Falls, Albany, Plattsburg, Watertown and weekly newspapers, and by word of mouth. The Valley News, the Press Republican and the Times of Ticonderoga have run articles on the research project in Willsboro. The Channel 5 WPTZ news has been to the site and reported on the project. There were 4 articles in the NE NY Small Fruit Newsletter about the grape planting and growing grapes in general.

Next steps.
2007 and the next 4 to 5 years will be the true test of the cold hardiness of the cultivars selected. A number of ambitious lab and field procedures will describe comparative survival, hardiness, vigor, and maturity indices of these grapes. The envisioned work will:

A) Conduct an examination of the extent of each wine grape cultivar’s site adaptation responses as suggested by a 2006-2007 dormant season examination of its vigor and growth habits as indicated by its 2006 wood production.

B) Conduct an examination, tabulation and summarization of various dormant season acclimation and over-wintering capability (mortality) indicators

C. Develop cultivar-specific, degree-day related, base-line information profiles regarding flowering onset, berry and cluster formation incidence, and maturity and yield component indices (via limited, sequenced weekly berry sampling and development evaluation in August and September 2007).

D. Normal research maintenance as well as pest, and vine growth condition monitoring will be carried out and these activities will be included among outreach activities.

Acknowledgments:

• Northern NY Agricultural Development Program for funding

• Cornell E. V. Baker Research Farm Willsboro for land, and labor from Mike Davis

• NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, for work and education esp Steve Lerch and Bob Pool and Hatch funding for Steve’s travel and time.

• NY Farm Viability Institute for the initial planting grant

• Lake Champlain Grape Growers Association for work done and organizing meetings.

Northern NY Agricultural Development Program 2007-08 Project Report

Improved Apple Orchard Management Systems and Rootstocks for NNY

Project Leader:
Terence Robinson, Dept. of Hort. Sciences, Cornell University, Geneva, NY

Collaborator:
Kevin Iungerman, Northeast NY Fruit Program.

Grower Cooperators:
Tom Everett, Everett Orchards, Peru NY
Donald Green III, Chazy Orchards, Chazy, NY
Seth Forrence, Forrence Orchards, Peru, NY
Mac Forrence, Forrence Orchards, Peru, NY

Background:
The Northern New York (NNY) apple industry is large: 5,000 acres with a farm gate value of $16 million. It is an important segment of NNY agriculture.

The industry has knowledgeable and progressive growers, an extensive infrastructure, and proximity to markets. However, to remain competitive in the world apple market, NNY apple growers need to improve orchard production efficiency and fruit quality.

Modern high-density orchard planting systems will help improve efficiency, yield and fruit quality and will offer growers the opportunity to plant profitable new varieties. Replanting older orchards to new high-density orchards with popular new varieties will help the long-term viability of the Northern New York apple industry.

The goal of this project was to develop and extend to growers information on modern, competitive orchard systems that incorporate new high priced varieties, disease resistant rootstocks, high planting densities for early production and partial labor mechanization to reduce costs.

Research results on high density orchards and new rootstocks conducted in other parts of NY state are not directly transferable to the colder climate of NNY. Thus this project evaluated new rootstocks and orchard systems in Clinton County utilizing on-farm orchard systems and rootstock experiments that the project leaders have already established in NNY.

In addition, new on-farm experiments were conducted in 2008 on improved chemical thinning and drop control strategies with Honeycrisp and McIntosh. The project involved the apple growers in NNY through field days, workshops and winter fruit grower meetings.

Materials and Methods:
We had previously established 4 on-farm trials in Clinton County that were used in this research project.

1. Champlain Valley 2002 Orchard Systems Trial
This replicated field plot was established at Everett Fruit Farm in Peru, NY and it compares 5 orchard system (Central Leader on MM.111, Slender Pyramid on M.26 and G.30, Vertical Axis on M.9, B.9 and G.16, Solaxe on M.9, B.9 and G.16 and Tall Spindle on M.9, B.9 and G.16). The objective of the trial was to develop realistic performance and cost data for the colder part of NY state to provide growers with practical examples of different orchard system performance and economics. Densities range from 218 trees/acre to 1307 trees/acre. Varieties include McIntosh and Honeycrisp. The experimental design is a randomized complete block split plot with 3 replications and 30 trees per experimental unit. We measured yield, fruit quality, light interception and labor input requirements for each of the various tree forms and planting densities. We will perform an economic analyses of the trial utilizing the actual packout and labor costs in 3 more years when the trial is 10 years old.

2) Everett Orchards 1999 Rootstock Trial
This replicated field plot compares 4 new rootstocks from Germany (Supporter series stocks) for survival, productivity and adaptability to the cold climate of NNY. The experimental design is a randomized complete block 8 replications and 1 tree per experimental unit. We measured yield, fruit size and survival for each of the rootstocks.

3) Chazy Orchards 2001 Semi-commercial Rootstock Trial
This replicated field plot compares 16 rootstocks (G.16, G.30, B.9, B.118, O.3, Vineland 1, Vineland 3, Supporter 4, Mark, M.9T337, M.9Nic29, M.9/MM.111, M.26, M.7, MM.106, and MM.111) for survival, productivity and adaptability to the cold climate of NNY with Honeycrisp and McIntosh as the scion varieties. The experimental design is a randomized complete block 8 replications and 10 trees per experimental unit. We measured yield, fruit size and survival for each of the rootstocks.

4) Forrence Orchards 2002 CG Rootstock Trial
This replicated field plot compares 17 new rootstocks from the Geneva apple rootstock breeding program and 8 Malling stocks from England, 2 clones of B.9 from Russia, Ott.3 from Canada, P.22 from Poland and Supporter 4 from Germany with Honeycrisp as the scion. This trial is a comparison of many of the new disease resistant rootstocks from Cornell which have substantial potential in NNY. The experimental design is a randomized complete block 10 replications and 1 tree per experimental unit. We measured yield, fruit size and survival for each of the rootstocks.

In addition, we established 3 one year thinning, return bloom management trials with Honeycrisp and a pre-harvest drop control trials with McIntosh apple in 2008.

1) Thinning of Honeycrisp (Chazy)
In 2008 we conducted a 1 year replicated field study at Chazy orchards of timing and concentration of chemical thinners to managed cropload on the new highly priced apple variety, Honeycrisp. This variety is proving to be difficult to manage and improved thinning strategies are essential to the long-term success of this variety. This study evaluated single vs. multiple sprays of NAA, NAA/Sevin and BA/Sevin on thinning efficacy of Honeycrisp. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications and 2 trees per experimental unit.

2) Thinning and Return Bloom of Honeycrisp (Chazy)
This study was begun in 2007 where a multi-factor field study of timing of chemical thinner application was laid out to evaluate return bloom in 2008. The experiment had 15 treatments of various rates and combinations of NAA, Carbaryl, and Benzyl Adenine. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications and 2 trees per experimental unit.

3) Control of pre-harvest drop with McIntosh (Chazy)
We conducted a replicated field trial where we evaluated Harvista, ReTain, and NAA in 2008 to reduce pre-harvest drop of McIntosh. The trial was conducted at Chazy Orchards in cooperation with Tre Green. The objective was to determine the effect of Retain, or Retain combined with NAA, Harvista, or Harvista combined with NAA, on preharvest drop of McIntosh apples in the Champlain Valley.

The treatments were:

1.	Untreated Control
2.	Retain 333 g/acre @ 3 weeks before harvest (Aug. 22)
3.	Retain 333 g/acre @ 2 weeks before harvest (Aug. 29)
4.	Retain 333 g/acre @ 2 weeks before harvest (Aug.29) + NAA 20ppm @2 week before harvest (Aug.29)
5.	Retain 166.4 g/acre @ 2 weeks before harvest (Aug.29) + NAA 20ppm @2 week before harvest (Aug.29)
6.	NAA 20ppm @1 week before harvest (Sept. 7)
7.	Harvista 120g ai/acre @ 1 week before harvest (Sept. 7)
8.	Harvista 120g ai/acre @ 1 week before harvest (Sept. 7) + NAA 20ppm @1 week before harvest (Sept. 7)
9.	Harvista 60g ai/acre @ 1 week before harvest (Sept. 7) + NAA 20ppm @1 week before harvest (Sept. 7)

Results – Request tables from local CCE office.

Orchard Systems Study (Table 1, Figures 1-8):
Our comparison of 5 orchard production systems has shown that the high density Tall Spindle system has been the most productive in the Champlain Valley. The Tall Spindle had the earliest production with a small crop in the second year. The M.9 trees had more yield than either B.9 or G.16. M.26, G.30 and MM.111 had no crop in the second year. In the third and fourth years there was a linear relationship of density and yield with the M.9 rootstock having greater yield than any of the other stocks. In the fifth year (2006) frost and poor pollination reduced crop significantly with McIntosh but not with Honeycrisp. However, Honeycrisp suffered from biennial bearing and had less than a full crop. B.9 rootstock was the most productive rootstock with Honeycrisp in 2006 but M.9 and G.16 were the most productive with McIntosh. In 2007 and 2008 there was a large crop with both varieties. The tall spindle system had the highest yield and with McIntosh/M.9 trees reached 1500 bushels/acre. With Honeycrisp the most productive combination was the Tall Spindle on G.16 rootstock which had a yield of 750 bushels/acre.

At the end of 7 years, there was a strong linear effect of tree planting density on cumulative yield (Table 1). As expected the trees the CL/M.111 trees had the lowest yield, followed by the Slender pyramid, Vertical Axis, SolAxe and Tall Spindle. Among rootstocks M.9 had the highest yield with McIntosh followed by B.9, G.16, G.30, M.26 and MM.111. With Honeycrisp, B.9 had the greatest yield followed by M.9, G.16, G.30, M.26 and MM.111.

Crop value was greatest with the tall spindle system in each year except 2006 when frost damage reduced crop value with the Tall Spindle more than any other system. Nevertheless, in 2007 and 2008 the tall spindle again had the greatest crop value. The Tall Spindle had the greatest cumulative crop value followed by the Vertical Axis and SolAxe which did not differ significantly, then the Slender Pyramid and lastly the Central Leader. The Tall Spindle exceeded the cumulative crop value of the Central Leader by 7.7 fold with McIntosh and 10 fold with Honeycrisp.

Honeycrisp had 2/3 the yield of McIntosh but 3.5 times the cumulative crop value as McIntosh due to higher fruit price. By the end of the 7^th year the best Honeycrisp system had accumulated $53,000 in cumulative crop value compared to only $14,000 for McIntosh. This level of returns would essentially pay for the establishment cost of the Honeycrisp block by the end of the 5^th year. It is likely to take 10 years with McIntosh.

This trial shows that much higher yields than previously achieved are possible with the Tall Spindle system at a relatively young orchard age. This dramatically changes the orchard profitability potential for new orchards in NNY State.

McIntosh Rootstock study (Table 2):
The plot has completed 10 years and had a large crop in 2008. Among dwarf rootstocks the smallest trees were on M.9T337 followed in order by, Supporter 2 Supporter 1, Supporter 3, and M.26EMLA. All of the stocks had 100% survival. The stocks with the greatest yield efficiency were M.9T337, Supporter 2, Supporter 3 and Supporter 1. This group had significantly higher yield efficiency than M.26EMLA. M.9T337 had the largest size followed by Supporter 2, M.26, Supporter 1 and Supporter 3. The later 2 rootstocks had significantly smaller fruit size then M.9. Of this group none of the new dwarfing stocks exceeded the performance of M.9. However, Supporter 2 was almost as good as M.9. Our trial did not show different winter hardiness. Only if Supporter 2 had greater winter hardiness would it be a superior rootstock to M.9.

Among semi-dwarfing rootstocks, trees on M.26EMLA were the smallest and trees on M.7EMLA and were the largest with Supporter 4 trees intermediate in size. The most efficient rootstock in the semi-dwarf plot was Supporter 4 followed by M.26 and lastly M.7. Root suckers were greatest with M.7 and lowest with M.26 and Supporter 4. This trial showed that Supporter 4 is a superior semi-dwarfing rootstock and much better than M.7. Our trial did not show different winter hardiness. However, if Supporter 4 is winter hardy it would it be a much superior rootstock to M.7.

Predicting Chemical Thinning study (Figures 9):

Carbohydrate Model Results for the Champlain Valley
We used a computer model and weather data from the weather station owned by Adam Sullivan of Sullivan Orchards in Clinton County to calculate in real time the carbohydrate status of trees in the Champlain Valley during the thinning period in late May and early June. This estimate of carbohydrate status was used to predict thinning response of apple trees in Clinton County. We presented the data in Figure 9 at the thinning meeting on Thursday May 29. After the thinning meeting there were 5 days with cloudy weather and a severe carbohydrate deficit. Saturday May 31 had a severe deficit due to very cloudy weather. Sunday and Monday June1-2 have had a mild carbohydrate deficit. From Tuesday June3-Sunday June 8 there was period of severe carbohydrate deficits due to high daytime temperatures, high night temperatures and somewhat overcast weather resulting in moderate to low sunlight levels. The carbohydrate status was very negative due to temperatures in the mid 80’s.

We interpreted the 2008 data as follows:
1. The positive carbohydrate status on Wednesday May 28 was followed by a period of mild deficits and severe deficit days which resulted in a significant response for thinners applied that week.

2. The period from Tuesday June 3- Sunday June had a severe carbohydrate deficit with high daytime temperature and high night temperatures. The sustained period of night-time temperatures above 60°F resulted in excessive thinning if full rates of chemicals were used. The model suggested reduced rates for this period

We recommended that growers use caution in thinning in 2008 and to use lower rates to avoid over-thinning.

Return Bloom of Honeycrisp study (Figure 10):
In 2007 we applied 13 chemical thinning treatments to heavy blooming Honeycrisp trees at either petal fall or at 10mm fruit size. The treatments at petal fall did too little thinning except at the highest rate of 10ppm NAA + Carbaryl. Treatments at 10mm fruit size also did too little thinning. We did not apply the high rate of 10ppm + Carbaryl at the 10mm stage for fear of removing all of the fruitlets. The next spring (2008) none of the treatments resulted in any amount of return bloom except the high rate of NAA+Carbaryl applied at Petal Fall. This result combined with other work at Geneva, lead us to conclude that Honeycrisp requires very early thinning (during bloom or at petal fall) to have sufficient return bloom the next year. In this respect it is very similar to the variety Macoun which also must be thinned early with high doses of NAA+Carbaryl.

This information was not needed in the spring of 2008 since almost all Honeycrisp orchards had a light bloom following the heavy crop in 2007. However, we expect a heavy bloom in 2009 which will require growers to thin aggressively at petal fall to avoid another biennial bearing cycle in 2010. We are scheduled to make a presentation at the Hort Expo in Syracuse to discuss this important finding with NY Honeycrisp growers.

Control of pre-harvest drop study (Table 3, Figures 11-13):
In 2008, temperatures in August and September were close to normal. As a consequence fruit drop was low in the Champlain Valley until late in the harvest season.

At Chazy orchards in the Champlain valley pre-harvest fruit drop from untreated control trees remained low until winds from Hurricane Ike in late Sept. caused significant drop. In our plot drop exceeded 20% by Sep 21 and by the end of Sept had reached 60% drop. NAA applied on Sep 8 did not statistically reduce drop at any date although there was a small numeric decrease in drop from NAA. The full rate of Harvista applied on Sept 8 (1 week before harvest) provided excellent drop control in the Champlain Valley study. The addition of NAA to Harvista did not improve its effectiveness. The half rate of Harvista combined with NAA gave similar but slightly inferior drop control as the full rate of Harvista in the Champlain Valley study. Retain reduced fruit drop whether applied on Aug 25, (3 weeks before harvest) or Sep 2 (2 weeks before harvest) however the efficacy was much better when applied 2 weeks before harvest than 3 weeks before harvest. The addition of 20ppm NAA to the Retain sprays on Sep 2 did not statistically improve the performance of Retain but there was a small numeric improvement in drop control. When a reduced rate of Retain (166g/acre) was used with NAA the efficacy in reducing drop was reduced compared to the full rate of Retain applied on the same day; however the low rate of Retain plus NAA had similar efficacy to the full rate of Retain applied on Aug 22. It appears that in the Champlain valley if Retain is applied too early its effects wear off by the time massive drop begins in late September. The best Retain (Sept 2) or Retain+NAA treatment gave similar drop control as Harvista. However, Retain alone applied Aug 25 was less effective in controlling preharvest drop. The impact of the NAA in the spray mixtures on fruit quality after storage has not yet been determined.

The results of this study indicate that Harvista applied as a dilute spray with Silwett (0.25%) using commercial airblast spray machines can provide very effective drop control of McIntosh which is perhaps the most sensitive apple variety to pre-harvest drop. However, the 2008 season was not a heavy drop year with high heat before harvest. This study needs to be continued until we experience the high drop years to fully evaluate the potential of Harvista as a control measure to prevent pre-harvest drop.

The fruit quality effects of Harvista and Retain is currently being evaluated and a final report will be prepared in mid-January.

Education and Outreach Efforts
We conducted a vigorous extension and outreach program with this project:
March 2008: winter pruning workshop in the orchard systems plot, Everett Fruit Farm, to teach tree pruning and training for high density orchards.
May 2008: chemical thinning workshop, Bob Harts fruit farm
June 2008: summer field day where the orchard systems and rootstock plots were featured
We published several articles in the NY Fruit Quarterly magazine which were sent to all tree fruit growers in the state.
December 2008: 2 presentations to fruit growers in Quebec which were available to Champlain valley apple growers.
We will make a presentation in Feb 2009 at the Statewide Hort Expo in Syracuse and later in Feb. 2009 at the Northern NY winter fruit schools on orchard modernization.

Publications in 2008 for growers from this project:
Fazio, G. and T. Robinson. 2008. Modification of nursery tree architecture by apple rootstocks – a breeding perspective. NY Fruit Quarterly 16(1): 13-16.

Robinson, T.L. 2008. Crop load management of new high-density apple orchards. NY Fruit Quarterly 16(2): 3-7.

Robinson, T.L. and A.N. Lakso. 2008. Predicting and understanding chemical thinner response in real time. Proceedings Great Lakes Fruit Workers Annual Meeting 2008:15-18.

Robinson, T.L. and A.N. Lakso. 2009. Predicting and understanding chemical thinner response in real time. Proc. of the 2009 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. p. 20-25.

Robinson, T.L. and A.N. Lakso. 2008. Predicting and understanding chemical thinner response in real time. Journée Pomicole Provinciale 2008:34-41.

Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2008. Successful high density apple orchards. Journée Pomicole Provinciale 2008:23-31.

Robinson, T.L. and S.A. Hoying. 2009. Fine points to consider when making planting system decisions. Proc. of the 2009 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. p. 5-9.

Robinson, T.L. and S. Lopez. 2009. Cropload management for consistent Honeycrisp apples. Proc. of the 2009 Empire State Fruit and Veg. Expo. p. 16-20

Robinson, T., G. Fazio and S. Hoying. 2008. Intermediate stage evaluation of Cornell-Geneva and other promising rootstocks: Progress Report. Compact Fruit Tree 41:27-32.

Robinson. T.L., S.A. Hoying, A.M. DeMarree, K.I. Iungerman and M.J. Fargione. 2007. The evolution towards more competitive apple orchard systems in New York. NY Fruit Quarterly 15(1):3-7.

 

NNYADP horticultural research supports ever-increasing consumer interest in locally-grown foods and local farms movement. Field-tested, data-based results from NNYADP projects support local food hubs development, and advance production and season extension techniques for growing everything from salad greens and tomatoes to “super fruits” and, in 2023, NNYADP research added cold-hardy nut trials. The Juneberry research nursery, established in Willsboro with NNYADP support, is the first of its kind for New York State.

Most Recent Research Results:
2024: Improving High Tunnel Production in Northern NY plus Swede Midge Management Ground Barrier Trials
2024: Evaluating the New Apple Thinning Material “Accede” Under NNY Thinning Conditions: Year 2
2024: Establishing New Commercial Fruit and Nut Crops for NNY

2023 : Alternative High Tunnel Crops for NNY Growers: Melons and Winter Greens with Enterprise Budgets
2023: Evaluating the New Apple Thinning Material “Accede” Under Northern NY Conditions
2023: Establishing New Commercial Fruit & Nut Crops for NNY: Juneberry, Honeyberry, Aronia, Elderberry, 2023: nut trials added

Enhancing and Expanding NNY “Local” Food Production; Farmer-Driven Projects Respond to Grower, Buyer Priorities

APPLES
2024: Evaluating the New Apple Thinning Material “Accede” Under NNY Thinning Conditions: Year 2
2023: Evaluating the New Apple Thinning Material “Accede” Under Northern NY Conditions
2022: Utilizing Computer Models and Additional Thinning Materials for Precise Crop Load Management in NNY Apple Orchards

Apple Disease and Pest Management:
2019:  Continued Use of RIMpro Apple Disease Models on Apple Farms in Champlain Lake Valley for Prediction of Fire Blight and Apple Scab in 2019 to Time & Reduce Pesticide Sprays
2019:  Prediction of Bitter Pit in Honeycrisp Apples Before Storage
2018: Continued Lab Detection of Fire Blight Bacterium in Susceptible Apple Rootstocks in NNY Commercial Apple Orchards Affected by 2016 Epidemic
2018: Identification & Physical Exclusion of Key Pests Using Hail Netting in NNY Apple Orchards
2017: Key Pests Report
2016: Identification and Grower Education of Key Pests in NNY Apple Orchards: Report, Appendix

Precision Orchard Management
2023: Evaluating the New Apple Thinning Material “Accede” Under Northern NY Conditions
2022: Utilizing Computer Models and Additional Thinning Materials for Precise Crop Load Management in NNY Apple Orchards
2021:  NNY Precision Apple Orchard Management: Utilizing Computer Models and Additional Thinning Materials for Precise Crop Load
2020:. Utilizing the Pollen Tube Growth Model and Fruit Growth Rate Model for Bloom Thinning in NNY Apple Orchards
Webinar: Pollen Tube Growth Model for Bloom Thinning
2019: Precision Crop Load Management to Optimize Profitability of NNY Apple Growers
2018: Precision Management & New Thinning Strategies to Optimize Profitability for NNY Apple Growers 
2017: Background and Methods, Results, Conclusions and Next Steps
2015-2016: Report
2014-2015: Precision Thinning, Irrigation & Harvest: Background and Methods, Results, Conclusions
2013-2014:  Precision Orchard Management Strategies for NNY Apple Growers
2013: NNY Apple Growers Evaluating Orchard Improvement Techniques
2012: Improved Apple Orchard Management Systems & Rootstocks in NNY
Table 1. Effect of Maxcel, NAA, PoMaxxa and ABA on Yield, Fruit Size & Fruit Quality
Figure 1. Effect of Retain and NAA or PoMaxxa on preharvest drop of McIntosh/M.26 trees
2009 Report
2008 Report

BEEKEEPING
Beekeeper Management Practices to Increase Pollinator Health and Honey Production in NNY: Report, Appendix
NNY Beekeeper Directory, 2016
Bee Pests & Pathogen Workshop Slides

 

BERRIES
2024: Establishing New Commercial Fruit and Nut Crops for NNY
2023: Establishing New Commercial Fruit & Nut Crops for NNY
2022:  Juneberry, Honeyberry, Aronia, Elderberry
2021:  Elderberry, Aronia, Honeyberry, Juneberry
2020:  Elderberry, Aronia, Honeyberry, Juneberry
2019:  Aronia, Honeyberry, Juneberry
2018:  Aronia, Honeyberry Juneberry
2016-2017 Establishing New Commercial Fruit Crops for NNY
Pest Control in Berries: 2013-14 Biological Control of Black Vine Weevil/Strawberry Root Weevil Complex in NNY Berries
2013: Strawberry Weevil Control Being Tested, October

FOOD HUB DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING
2019: New Wholesale Marketing Opportunity for NNY Growers

2016: Opportunities for Food Hub Development in NNY: Executive Summary
2015: An Analysis of Opportunities for Food Hub Development in Northern New York
2013-2014: NNY Food Hub Survey Project: Strengthening the North Country Food System Through Increased Producer Connections to Markets

North Country Regional Foods Initiative

The Potential for Edamame Production in NNY with Market Assessment, 2015

Where to Find Local Foods: Adirondack Harvest map of farm stands, farmers’ markets, CSAs , restaurants, stores, community gardens, and mail order locations

GRAPES
Evaluation of Novel Cold-Hardy Grape Varieties for Production in NNY: 2016 Report, 2015 Report
2010: Fruit Chemistry Trends at Willsboro Cold-Hardy Grape Trial
2010: NNY Wine Grapes: Cropping, Vigor Management, Wines
Article: Cold-Hardy Grapes, Growing Magazine, June 2010
2009: Better Wine Grape Quality using Combined Vine Training and Canopy Management, Lamoy, NESARE
2009: Cold Hardy Grapes: Cropping, Vigor Management, Wines
2005-08: Willsboro Cold-Hardy Wine Grape Trail Promising Vines
2008: Cold Hardy Willsboro Wine Grape Cultivar Trial: Stage 1
Cold Hardy Willsboro Wine Grape Cultivar Trial: Stage 3
Cold Hardy Willsboro Wine Grape Cultivar Trial: Stage 3 Addendum
2006: Cold Hardy Grapevine Trials: Essex County
Cold Hardy Grapevine Trials: Jefferson County
2006: Organic Grapevine Management, NNY

HIGH TUNNEL CROPS
2024: Improving High Tunnel Production in Northern NY plus Swede Midge Management Ground Barrier Trials
2023: Alternative High Tunnel Crops for NNY Growers: Melons and Winter Greens with Enterprise Budgets
2015: Season Extension with Basil, Ginger, Summer Lettuce, Turmeric
2014: Season Extension with Non-Traditional High Tunnel Crops
2014: Leaf Mold on High Tunnel Tomatoes Fact Sheet, NNY
2010: Season Extension with NNY High Tunnels
2009: Season Extension with High TunnelsImproving High Tunnel Production in Northern NY plus Swede Midge Management Ground Barrier Trials
2008: Season Extension with NNY High Tunnels

MALTING BARLEY
Malting Barley Variety Evaluation for Production in NNY, 2019

NUT CROPS for NNY
2024: Establishing New Commercial Fruit and Nut Crops for NNY: Chestnuts added
2023: Hazelnut Trials:  Establishing New Commercial Fruit & Nut Crops for NNY

ORGANIC CROPS
Organic Sunflowers, Flax & Beans: New Crops for NNY? 2006
Potato leafhopper impact on organic potato production

PEST MANAGEMENT
Integrated Pest Management
Leek Moth

VEGETABLES: click here for project results and links
Blight, Cover Crops, Crop Establishment, Disease, Fertigation, Foliar Testing, Season Extension
Winter Greens Production & Marketing Potential for NNY

VEGETABLE COVER CROPS
2015: Inter-Row Cover Crops for Plasticulture Vegetables
Appendix 1: NNYADP Plasticulture Vegetables Cover Crop Study 2014 Crop Plan
Appendix 2: 2014 Sweet Onion Cover Crop Trial
Appendix 3: Cover Crop to Weed Ratio with Outliers Removed
Photos

2016 Report

 

 

 

 

 

Northern New York Agricultural Development Program Livestock Marketing Project 2006
See bottom of page for updated resource links, 2016

Project Leader: Bernadette Logozar, CCE Franklin County, 518-483-7403

Building Your Brand by Nancy Giddens

Northern NY Agricultural Development Program 2007-2008 Project Report

Determination of infectivity of Fascioloides magna in Northern New York cattle herds

Project Leader:
Michael J. Baker, PhD. Sr. Extension Associate, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University.

Collaborator(s):
Dr. Laura Raymond, DVM, Watertown Animal Hospital
John Campany, Croghan Meat Company, Croghan
Brent Buchanan, CCE St. Lawrence County
Ron Kuck, CCE Jefferson County
Michele Ledoux, CCE Lewis County

Cooperating Producers:
Don Holman, Jefferson County

Background:
There is growing interest in increasing the use of grasslands to improve animal performance and profitability. Grasslands can be used to improve the profitability of products for the commodity market such as stocker cattle or specialty markets, like the grass finished market.

Additionally, the dairy industry utilizes pasture to supply a portion of the nutrients required by their cattle.

Much of the pasture land in NNY is land not suitable for crop production due to low fertility, slope and drainage. Wet areas are often part of the pasture system and are breeding grounds for several internal parasites. The large liver fluke (Fascioloides magna), also known as the deer fluke, has been found in the livers of slaughter cattle in two NNY plants. According to USDA regulations when a fluke is found in the liver, it is condemned. While the value of liver is not a large part of income to the producer, heavy infestations can result in impaired animal performance. This affects growth rate in younger cattle and may impede reproductive efficiency in the cow herd.

Deer flukes are common in other regions of the US, however the presence in our region has not before been documented. Unlike internal parasites common to this region, detection is not possible with fecal egg counts. Examination of the liver at slaughter is the best means to confirm the deer fluke infestation. The commonly used anthelmintics used in control of internal parasites have been shown to have limited effectiveness in controlling the deer fluke. Timing of treatment and changes in pasture management are the only known control.

Therefore if grasslands are to be used more intensively in NNY, especially those in wet areas, knowledge of the presence of liver flukes and resulting control measures need to be known.

Methods:
Cooperative Extension Educators in each of the 6 NNY counties identified packing plants, both custom and USDA facilities and contacted them regarding their interest in participating in the study. A data entry sheet was developed to inventory and describe the cattle slaughtered and the number of livers condemned. Digital cameras were provided to each of the participating plants. Participating plants were to record the number of condemned livers and if fluke infection was suspected, then samples of the liver were to be collected.

Dr. Laura Raymond, DVM was hired to teach plant personnel how to fill out the data entry sheet, look for flukes, collect and preserve liver samples if flukes were suspected, and photograph the specimen. Data and specimen collection occurred from April 2008 through December 2008. Specimens were sent to the Cornell Diagnostic Lab for confirmation of presences of Fascioloides magna (F. magna).

Results:
Sample collection occurred from April through December 2008. The plants were located in Lewis, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties; two were USDA inspected and three were custom plants.

Of the 16 cattle sampled 4 were female; 12 were male. The average age of the cattle sampled was 3.2 years; five head were 2 years of age or less. As the population of cattle in the region is predominantly of dairy breeding, it follows that 69% of the cattle sampled were Holstein or Ayshire. The body condition score of the cattle averaged 3.6 indicating that the majority of the cattle were in good condition.

Plants A & B cited USDA log books for number of cattle slaughtered. Plant B also used a USDA log book to determine the number of livers condemned for fluke infestation. All other data from the plants was estimated by the plant owner and/or USDA inspector.

The total number of cattle slaughtered during the collection period was approximately 1,425. The protocol stated that samples would be collected from all condemned livers.

Plant A only collected 4 samples from approximately 35% of the livers condemned for flukes. Of these four samples one was positive for F. magna; the remaining three samples contained black pigment which, according to the Diagnostic Lab, is indicative of the presence of F. magna.

Plant B collected samples on 6 of the 11 condemned livers. All six were positive for F. magna.

Of the 200 cattle slaughtered by Plant C, only one liver contained a fluke which was positively identified as F. magna.

The last two plants reported no flukes in livers during the sampling period.

If only the confirmed cases of F. magna were used, the rate of infection was just under 1% of the cattle slaughtered in the five plants. While there are several species of liver flukes, only F. magna was positively identified. According to the literature, the other two species of flukes do not have a range in habitat that includes northern New York. Therefore it is probably a reasonable assumption that if a liver is condemned for flukes, it is most likely due to F. magna. Based on this assumption, average infectivity rate was 25%, with a range of 0% – 35%.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impacts:
The cattle that were infected with F. magna were generally older than two years of age and in relatively good body condition. Most authors feel that cattle can withstand up to moderate levels of infection with little impact on animal performance, yet the data found in the literature is inconclusive.

The data from this survey would indicate that based on body condition score, cattle were not being adversely affected by fluke infestation. Most of the cattle in this survey were young dairy bulls (< 4 years old), which is probably more a function of the type of cattle slaughtered in Plant B than a description of the cattle most susceptible to infection. However, many of these bulls came from a dairy heifer raising operation which included a significant period of time grazing in swampy areas. With the allegedly high level of infection in Plant A, a more thorough characterization of the cattle in this plant might be more enlightening.

Based on the literature control of F. magna involves removing the intermediate host (snail) or definitive host (white-tailed deer) or reducing cattle exposure to these hosts. Given that most pastures consist of swampy areas in ideal deer habitat, these controls may not be practical. Limited success with anthelmintics has been reported in the literature; however the products are not labeled for control of F. magna in cattle. The products are albendazole (Valbazen® Suspension) and clorsulon (CURATREM^®). Producers suspicious of fluke infection should work with their herd veterinarian to determine management options for prevention and control.

Outreach:
A Power Point presentation was given Essex, Clinton, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties in July, 2008 and in Essex, St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties in November, 2008. The presentation reviewed the project, results and discussed prevention and treatment options for the large liver fluke.

Next steps.
What needs to be better understood is why the one plant had such a high degree of condemned livers due to flukes. The USDA inspector in that plant was interested in this study and perhaps a more controlled data collection system could be designed. This may locate a geographical area or type of cattle that are particularly prone to F. magna infestation.

Reports and/or articles in which project results have been published.
“Deer parasite found in North Country beef cattle” Watertown Daily Times. January 14, 2009. http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090114/NEWS03/301149970

“Beef-cattle parasite found in local area” The Press Republican. January 18, 2009. http://www.pressrepublican.com/archivesearch/local_story_018001706.html

“Beef cattle parasite found in Northern New York. The Post Standard. January 13, 2009. http://blog.syracuse.com/farms/2009/01/beef_cattle_parasite_found_in.html

For More Information:
Dr. Michael J. Baker, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Beef Specialist
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, 607-255-5923, mjb28@cornell.edu