NEW YORK NEWS VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

JANUARY 20,2011

Cornell University Berry Team

Upcoming Berry Events: January 27, 2011. Empire State Fruit and Vegeta- NYBN Celebrates 10th Anniversary With New Look ble EXPO Berry Session. Details follow on page 15 of this issue. elcome to the 10th A Look Back In History Today NY Berry News has January 31 – February 3, 2011. Mid-Atlantic Anniversary edition of Fruit and Vegetable Convention at the Hershey Lodge W New York Berry NY Berry News began with in Hershey, PA. For more information visit News. We‘re celebrating with a release of its first issue on www.mafvc.org. new look and new content! March 18, 2002.. Dr. William (Bill) Turechek, new tree fruit February 8-11, 2011. 7th North American Straw- Please note along with the new and small fruit pathologist at berry Symposium and joint North American Straw- look for the newsletter, we also Cornell‘s NYS Agricultural Ex- berry Growers Association Meeting. Tampa, Florida. have a new web site and url: periment Station was NYBN‘s Program and details follow below. For more informa- designer and editor. Designed tion: Kevin Schooley, 613-258-4587, or http:www.fruit.cornell.edu/nybn. as an online newsletter; sub- [email protected] or http://www.nasga.org/. scribers received e-mail notifi- Many of our previous features cation and table of contents for March 5, 2011. Planting, Cultivating, and Marketing will continue to appear such as: Juneberries in the Great Lakes Region. NYS Agricul- each monthly issue when it was upcoming berry events, local released. Approximately 100 tural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY. For more and national Ag news, berry information: Nancy Anderson (585) 394-3977 x427 or people were on the first distri- e-mail [email protected]. organization news, feature arti- bution list. A text only version cles, Berry Barometer, weather was also available by e-mail April 2, 2011. Growing in Tunnels and reports, and so on. for those interested. At least 350 people on its e-mail dis- Greenhouses, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, one county CCE offices printed Content is now organized in the tribution list and the text only 480 North Main St., Canandaigua NY 14424. For more and distributed the text only version is mailed by 4 county information: Nancy Anderson (585) 394-3977 x427 or newsletter by subject matter version to commercial berry with new columns featuring CCE offices to an additional e-mail [email protected]. growers as part of their county 350 people. To read more GAPS/food safety, market- membership. ing/business management, or- about NYBN and its distribu- tion see: Inside this issue: ganic production, an extensive Cathy Heidenreich became ―focus on pest management‖ interim NYBN editor when Bill NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 15 Upcoming Events 2 section, variety spotlights, high Turechek left Cornell to accept No. 15 tunnel production and more. a position with USDA-ARS in Ag News 3 2005. She later became editor in 2008. Berry Organization News 4 On the Organic Side 6 Send Us Your Story for Our All New ―Grower- Smart Marketing 7 to-Grower‖ Feature! Focus on Pest Management 9 e would like to add and why you like it so much. Submissions yet another new may be sent in via to the e- Variety Spotlights 12 W feature to 10th Your ―Grower-to-Grower‖ mail address above or by submission should be approxi- Tunnel Talk 14 anniversary edition— a USPS to the following ad- monthly ―Grower-to-Grower‖ mately 150 to 300 words in dress: Empire Fruit & Veg EXPO 15 column where we can hear length. If possible please in- from you, our readers. clude a photo of yourself to Cathy Heidenreich, Editor Genome Sequenced 16 along with the article, plus NY Berry News Tell us your humorous berry- one or two related photos to Cornell University NYSAES Currant, Gooseberry, Elderberry, 17 related story, provide us with accompany your submission. and Aronia Production, Products an inside look at your berry 630 West North Street, and Marketability operation, share an insider Questions regarding submis- Geneva, NY 14456 growing tip through this new sions may be directed to Study Reveals Major Decline in 21 monthly column, send us a Cathy Heidenreich at Bumble Bees short paragraph telling us [email protected] or by Looking forward to hearing your favorite berry variety phone at 315-787-2367. from you in 2011! Page 2 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

Agricultural Outlook Forum 2011 Plenary Session near future. Secretary Tom also will feature our traditional Vilsack will de- Breakout Sessions commodity and supply and de- liver the Forum's mand outlook sessions. keynote address Twenty-five breakout ses- sions will focus on a broad Please visit the web site (http:// followed by a www.usda.gov/oce/forum/) for distinguished range of topical issues re- lated to risk management, Forum updates or sign up to speaker. Deputy Secretary receive updates by sending us Kathleen Merrigan will de- foreign trade and domestic February 24-25, 2011 markets, rural communities, an e-mail request at: agfo- liver the Forum's welcome. [email protected]. Crystal Gateway Mar- Chief Economist Joseph conservation and the envi- riott Hotel Glauber will discuss the Do- ronment, renewable energy, Early Bird Registration $350 until Arlington, Virginia mestic and Foreign Agricul- broadband, nutrition and January 21, 2011 * $375 after tural Economic Outlooks. food safety, dietary guide- January 21. Plenary and session speak- lines, land tenure issues, and ers will be announced in the sustainability. The Forum

Planting, Cultivating, and Marketing Juneberries in the Great Lakes Region his new seminar is an pest management, and in- quired by February 28, 2011 T introduction to small-scale sights gained from coordinat- by calling Cornell Cooperative Juneberry production. ing more than 40 acres of Extension of Ontario County at plantings on small farms in (585) 394-3977 x427 or e-mail Juneberries (a.k.a. Saska- Northern Michigan. Nancy Anderson toons) are a cold-hardy fruit ([email protected]). grown widely in central Can- We will also review market- ada and have already dem- ing data, nutritional informa- Hosted by Cornell Cooperative onstrated marketing promise tion, and acquisition of plant Extension of Ontario County in Planting, Cultivating, and in the Northeast. material in the Great Lakes cooperation with Northeast Marketing Juneberries in region. Of course, Juneberries SARE and partnering growers in the Great Lakes Region Michigan State University and Juneberry products will the Finger Lakes region. For Extension June- be available for sampling. more information about June- berry/Saskatoon Specialist Seminar fee: $40, includes berries and this educational Saturday, March 5, 2011 Stephen Fouch will present educational materials, morn- project, please go to 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM details about orchard estab- ing refreshments and a full www.juneberries.org. Jordan Hall, NYSAES lishment, variety selection, lunch. Pre-registration re- Cornell University 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY 14456 Growing Berries in Tunnels and Greenhouses

e have an elite group Dr. Kerik Cox will address and alternative management W of Cornell University disease management in tactics including biological control faculty as presenters for this greenhouses, high tunnels and options where appropriate. Ex- meeting: things in between using rasp- amples of pests to be considered berries and as include spider mites, tarnished Dr. Courtney Weber will focus model systems. Specific as- plant bug and Japanese beetle. on raspberry varieties for pects to be covered will in- high tunnel systems based on clude: common disease prob- Dr. Marvin Pritts will speak on the his experiences with the Hay- lems and management prac- cultural practices used in the pro- grove multibay system. He tices specific to greenhouses duction of fall raspberries, fall will discuss the set up of his and high tunnels; also the blackberries and summer black- trellis system, irrigation, and efficacy, safety, labeling and berries using tunnels to extend the Growing Berries in timing of tunnel skinning and use implications for green- season and bring tender plants Tunnels and Greenhouses other aspects of production. house and high tunnel pesti- through the winter, along with the He will also share results of cide use on small fruit economics of producing under two trials, one with summer tunnels. Saturday, April 2, 2011 bearing raspberry varieties Dr. Greg Loeb will key in on 8:30-Noon and the other with fall bear- management of insect and Class fee: $15 per person, in- Cornell Cooperative ing raspberry varieties, talk a mite pests of raspberries and cludes handouts, refreshments and Extension Office little about the plant breeding strawberries that are most networking. For more information program and the new selec- likely to be a problem in or to register contact Nancy at 480 North Main St., tions that will be available in greenhouses or high tunnels. 585-394-3977 x427. NYS DEC Canandaigua NY 14424 coming years. He will emphasize biology pesticide recertification credits pending. NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 3

Hudson Valley Commercial Fruit Growers' School Directions to the Holiday Inn, Kingston, Ulster County, he 2011 Hudson Valley "Fruit School" will again be held at the Holiday Inn of Kingston, NY. This NY T event is geared for commercial fruit growers and NYSDEC pesticide recertification credits are Take NYS Thruway to Exit 19 expected. YOU MUST BE ON TIME AND IN-ATTENDANCE TO RECEIVE DEC CREDITS! The pre- (Kingston). Go through traf- registration discount will be applied to registrations received by February 7, 2011. To register: fic roundabout to Washing- http://hudsonvf.cce.cornell.edu/calendar.html#fruitschool. ton Avenue Exit. The Holiday Inn Topics for the 4 days include: entrance will be one-quarter mile on the right side of the Day 1, Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - Tree Fruit Session and Trade Show road. Day 2, Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - Tree Fruit Session The entrance is just after Day 3, Thursday, February 17, 2011 - Berry Session Picnic Pizza and before Bank Day 4, Friday, February 18, 2011 - Grape Session of America. Proposed Berry School Agenda, Feb. 17, 2011 Kingston Holiday Inn 8:30- 8:50 Registration

8:50- 9:05 Local Updates—Laura McDermott and Steven McKay

Hudson Valley Commercial 9:10- 10:00 Berry Varieties Update—Courtney Weber Fruit Growers School

February 15-18, 2011 10:00- 10:15 Break~ Networking and samples Kingston Holiday Inn 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 10:15- 10:45 Brown marmorated stink bug and other pest updates—Peter Jentsch and Greg Loeb

10:50- 11:30 Berry pathology update—Kerik Cox

11:35-12:00 Elderflower research efforts—Olga Padilla Zakour and Steven McKay

12:00-1:30 Lunch

1:30-2:30 Potential for developing a business with primary processed and retail products - - Olga Padilla Zakour. The Holiday Inn is offering a special $89.00 2:35-3:00 Farm to table resources for processing and marketing—Jim Hyland room rate for this conference. Reservations

must be made 3:05 – 3:50 PM Demand for IFQ and Concentrated Products – Industry Roundtable Discussion. Mod- erator: Steven McKay . Panel: Brian Lehner, Sales, Tides Company; Jared Ort, Sales, JSO Associates, by February 11, 2010 to Inc.; Tom Engelandsdal, Sales, Schare and Associates obtain this rate. Call 845- 338-0400 and mention 3:55 – 4:25 PM Potential for IFQ and Concentrate Production for the Hudson Valley. Moderator: Ste- Cornell Fruit Growers’ ven McKay, Panel Jim Hyland, Manager Farm to Table; Bill Heafy, Product Development, Yamco School.

4:25 – 5:00 PM Local Producer Roundtable to Develop a Working Group to Implement Mechanization in the Hudson Valley. Moderator: Steven McKay Page 4 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

NYS Department of Ag and Markets News

lbany, NY. 1/06/11. owned and operated the sixth strengthen agriculture." A Governor Andrew M. -generation heritage Triple-A Cuomo today announced the Farm in Cape Vincent, for Garry Douglas, President of following nominations to sen- which he purchased a plot of the North Country Chamber of ior positions within the state land while still in high school. Commerce, said, "The North government. Mr. Aubertine has been a Country has enjoyed Darrel member of numerous coop- Aubertine's leadership for Darrel J. Aubertine will be eratives and organizations, years on agriculture issues, nominated to serve as Com- including the Cape Vincent and now the entire state will missioner of the Department Milk Producers, Allied and benefit from his knowledge of Agriculture and Markets. Eastern, Agway, St. Lawrence and vision. Not only is he an The nomination requires con- County Farm Bureau, the New experienced farmer, but he firmation by the State Senate. York State Farm Bureau, and has a very strong command of the Dairy Herd Improvement the issues confronting New Mr. Aubertine recently served Association. York's producers and the op- as State Senator of the 48th portunities for bolstering agri- Senate District in Central and "Darrel's experience and culture as a key part of a “Darrell J. Aubertine has Northern New York, which is expertise in agriculture is stronger state economy. On comprised of Oswego, Jeffer- unparalleled," Governor top of that, his years in local been nominated to serve as son and part of St. Lawrence Cuomo said. "He fought for government and then the counties. He served as chair of years on behalf of farmers in State Legislature will help him Commissioner of Department both the Senate Agriculture the state legislature and de- to effectively turn his knowl- Committee and the Rural Re- livered real results. New edge and vision into effective of Agriculture and Markets. sources Commission, and as York's agricultural community new policies and initiatives. Not only is he an experienced the ranking majority member will thrive with Darrel at the Governor Cuomo has made and vice chair of the Energy helm of this critical depart- an excellent choice for agri- farmer, but he has a very & Telecommunications Com- ment, and I thank him for his culture and economic devel- mittee. Before joining the service." opment across our state." strong command of the Senate in 2008, Mr. Auber- issues confronting New tine represented the 118th Dean Norton, President of the David J. Skorton, President of Assembly district in the New New York Farm Bureau, said, Cornell University, said, "We York's producers and the York State Assembly for five "We are pleased that Gover- congratulate the governor years, where he served as the nor Cuomo has selected an and Mr. Aubertine on this opportunities for bolstering chair of the Commission on individual who has long- nomination. As chair of the State-Local Relations. From standing connections to agri- Senate Agriculture Committee, agriculture as a key part of a 1996-2001, he was a mem- culture and our farm families. he has already demonstrated stronger state economy. ” ber of the Jefferson County Darrel Aubertine has strong his commitment to the success Legislature and was elected roots in the agricultural com- of Upstate's largest industry. to chair in 1998. Mr. Auber- munity and has proven to be Under Darrel's leadership we tine's career in government a staunch ally through the look forward to continuing began in 1994, when he years. New York Farm Bu- Cornell's partnership to sup- served as a member of the reau's almost 30,000 mem- port and enhance the food Cape Vincent Town Council. bers look forward to working and agriculture industry in with Governor Cuomo and Mr. New York State." Since 1971, Mr. Aubertine has Aubertine to serve and

USDA News

USDA Announces New Steps while improving their financial activities and information to Meet the Challenge of bottom line. Vilsack said sharing. In addition, the Sec- USDA's Natural Resources retary announced that institu- Conservation Service will pro- tions in seven States were The U.S. Department of peaking at the United vide $15 million in Conserva- awarded Federal funding for Agriculture’s Climate Change S Nations Climate Change tion Innovation Grant funds research on the economics of Plan provides a Conference, Agriculture Sec- and other assistance to sup- reducing agricultural GHG guide for the Department and retary Tom Vilsack said USDA port large-scale demonstra- emissions. Read more… its stakeholders to enable continues to take steps to re- tion projects to accelerate the clear and consistent consid- duce greenhouse gas emis- adoption of new approaches http://www.usda.gov/wps/p eration of current and poten- sions "by helping farmers, to reduce greenhouse gas ortal/usda/ (GHG) emissions and promote tial investments in climate ranchers and forest landown- ers to be even better conser- carbon sequestration on pri- change science activities. vate lands. The Farm Service vationists." Vilsack said USDA will demonstrate ways land- Agency will develop a com- owners can reduce green- munications tool to link com- (continued on page 22) house gas emissions and in- panies, organizations and crease carbon sequestration participants in carbon storage NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 5

New York Berry Growers Association News

Dale Ila Riggs, Chair, The crop on an industry wide basis ship dues, you will receive a Berry Patch, Stephentown NY without having a uniform identi- CD with a pdf version of the fier. The Farm Credit Ag En- logo, along with several ex- 010, what a blur! The hancement grants program felt amples of how the logo can 2 berries flowered, pro- that identifying and promoting be used. For example, there duced, were harvested and NYS berries was important will be a sample pricing sign, marketed, and now they are enough to give us a small grant sample stickers, sample farm put to bed for a winter‘s to hire a graphic designer to signs, and the like. nap. It‘s the reflective time assist with this project. With this of year, but a busy time of logo, consumers will be able to The Board is hopeful that in year for the Board of Direc- identify those growers who are the future this logo will also tors of the NYS Berry Grow- marketing NYS grown berries to be accepted by the NYS De- ers Association. The last time them. We want to market a partment of Transportation I wrote in this newsletter, I message to the consumer that for use in roadside directional asked for input on three when they see this logo, they will signs. possible logo designs. The be able to trust that our product Board of Directors deliber- is locally grown and of high Please send in your member- ated over the options, re- quality. ship form today. You can find quested some minor modifi- a copy in this newsletter. cations, voted, and here we Just as you want your own farm Remember, at least $50 of “New York State Berry are, introducing the new logo logo to conjure an image to your dues goes directly to of The New York State Berry someone that sees it, we want the NYS researchers that are Growers Growers Association! Berry Growers logo to conjure working on problems affect- an image of locally grown and ing the NYS berry industry. Association Launches Now some people may ask great quality, no matter where in new logo.” why we need a new logo. the state a consumer might see it. Contact Berry Grower Board The Board has identified two members to let them know main purposes of the NYS The logo will be used by the what problems you would like Berry Growers Association: association in press releases an- to see research done on. To support, through research nouncing when the different funds, in-kind contributions, berry seasons begin, letters of And get your copy of the NYS and input for program direc- support for research proposals Berry Growers Association tion, the outstanding research submitted by faculty and exten- logo today to use everyday and extension program that sion, communications with our to identify yourself as a pro- is available to berry grow- elected officials, and it will be ducer selling high quality NYS ers in New York State; and distributed to paid members of grown berries. To promote NYS grown ber- the NYS Berry Growers Associa- ries to the public. tion. It‘s difficult to promote a When you send in your member-

Marvin Pritts Receives NARBA Distinguished Service Award

uring the North Ameri- Track‖ sessions the following and is an extension specialist. D can Raspberry and day. He has been involved in Allison, his wife, says he‘s a Growers‘ Asso- NARBA since its early days and great consultant for her farm. ciation (NARBA) Annual has been a member since It‘s people like Marvin who Meeting, NARBA was 1989. Below is most of the text inspire me to try to make pleased to award its Distin- of NARBA President Nate improvements every year to guished Service Award to Dr. Nourse‘s presentation of the produce a better crop. He Marvin Pritts of Cornell Uni- award: also inspires me to be a bet- versity. He has made a dif- ter consultant and help grow- ference to many, many Here at our annual conference ers produce a better crop growers. and his dedication we have many professors, ex- and be more profitable. It is to serving the berry industry tension specialists, and growers interesting to watch people is extraordinary. He has learning and working together like Marvin, who attentively been a presenter at many for the good of the bramble listen to growers and use their NARBA conferences – includ- industry. Some of these people wealth of knowledge to offer have dual roles, such as exten- ing this one, where he was a solution to their problems. In Marvin Pritts in his element, talking one of the leaders of the sion specialists who also farm. the event there is no solution, to growers, at a high tunnel meeting Raspberry & Blackberry Or Marvin Pritts, who is the they might submit a research in Ithaca, NY in 2006. (Photo by Fundamentals workshop and department head of Horticul- proposal to address the Cathy Heidenreich) a major presenter in the ―Dirt ture at Cornell, still teaches problem. This unselfish dedi- students and master gardeners, Page 6 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

Marvin Pritts Receives NARBA Distinguished Service Award

cation to helping others. Lis- stands for better than anything I choice, sustainability, food tening to crazy ideas, then could come up with: safety, and food quality. One helping people to realize their of my professional objectives is goals. ―My goal as a professor with a to be a credible resource on teaching, extension and research these broader issues, in addi- While I‘ve been picking on appointment is to seamlessly tion to developing a high level Marvin, it has not been by integrate these three activities of expertise in berry crops. accident. The NARBA Execu- into one program that is schol- tive Council Board has chosen arly, credible, and relevant to ―One of my goals is to be a him to receive its 2011 Distin- the multiple audiences that good communicator with many guished Service Award. I am benefit from my program. I at- different audiences. I intention- amazed by the amount of tempt to identify, develop, and ally seek out audiences that work he has accomplished, test production and pest man- range in age from preschool to and the committees and agement systems involving berry adult, and range in expertise boards he sits on while raising crops for their practicality, eco- from novice to professional. I a daughter who is now a sen- nomic viability, and environ- also strive to be broadly in- ior and a son who is a fresh- mental impact. I believe that the formed about the many issues man in high school. land-grant university has an that affect the food system so I obligation to develop research can be a useful resource.‖ Marvin received his doctorate priorities, at least in part, in in horticulture from Michigan response to client needs. Further- While many might say mission State. He started at Cornell in more, I believe that we have a accomplished, I‘m sure Marvin 1984 and became a full Pro- responsibility to help educate all has more to do. Congratula- fessor in 1996. His own words, citizens about issues that affect tions! in his online bio, best describe their lives. In my case, this edu- this great man and what he cation involves issues of food

NASGA Sponsors Winter Webinar Series Day Neutral Strawberries ers from his or her location across March 11, 2011 the US and Canada. Type ques- and tions into the chat box provided ―Brown Marmorated Stinkbug Emerging Pests: for real time Q and A with the ―- Dr. Tracy Leskey, USDA ARS ID and Management speakers after the presentations. Appalachian Fruit Research Station Webinar Schedule egister now to partici- ―Fusarium and Charcoal Crown R pate in this live webinar Day Neutral Strawberries Rots‖ - Mr. Steven Koike, Uni- series! All you need is a home versity of California Coopera- or office computer and high February 18, 2011 tive Extension, Monterey speed internet access. to at- County. tend this educational series ―Strawberry Physiology‖ - Dr. sponsored by NASGA and co- Adam Dale, University of Guelph March 18, 2011 hosted by Cornell University First Webinar of the Series: Dept. of Horticulture and Cor- ―Day Neutral Strawberry Varie- ―Strawberry Viruses‖ - Dr. nell Cooperative Extension. ties‖ - Ms. Pam Fisher, OMAFRA. Robert Martin, USDA ARS, Corvallis Oregon February 18, 2011 Participation is free, but regis- February 25, 2011 tration is necessary to partici- ―Management of the spotted ―Strawberry Physiology‖ - ―Growing systems ―- Mr. Simon Dr. Adam Dale, University pate. Registration is on a first- wing drosophila in the small come-first-served basis for the Parent, president, Novafruit. of Guelph fruits" – Mr. Mark Bolda, Uni- first 100 participants. To reg- versity of California Coopera- ―Fertility/Fertigation‖ - Dr. John ister go to: tive Extension, Santa Cruz Zandstra, University of Guelph County. http://www.nasga.org/ . March 4, 2011 March 25, 2011 All webinars will begin

promptly at 1 PM EST and last ―Diseases ―- Dr. Frank Louws, ―Nematodes and Root Rots ―- North Carolina State University. ―Day Neutral Strawberry approximately 1 hour and 15 Dr. James LaMondia, The Con- Varieties‖ - Ms. Pam Fisher, minutes. ―Insect and Mite Management for necticut Agricultural Experi- ment Station. OMAFRA. Registrants will received an e- Day Neutral Strawberries‖ - Dr. mail with instructions and a David Handley, University of ―Advances in Root Weevil web link prior to each webi- Maine. (continued on page 6) Management‖ - Dr. Richard nar. Simply click on the link to Emerging Pests: ID and Manage- Cowles, The Connecticut Agri- see the scheduled presenta- cultural Experiment Station. tions given live by the speak- ment Page 7 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

On the Organic Side...

Managing Organic should test frequently and nonorganic agricultural ingre- avoid over-application. dient only when not commer- Nutrients cially available in organic free 14-page booklet, The booklet can be form. 6) Removes glycerine A "Using Organic Nutrient downloaded at no charge oleate as a synthetic inert Sources," helps organic farmers from: http:// ingredient allowed in organic understand their soil test results pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/ crop production. Use of these and go on to respond wisely pdfs/uj256.pdf. substances is subject to restric- and compliantly, within the tive annotations. For more USDA National Organic Pro- There is also a companion information see: gram standards. worksheet that helps farmers decide which organic nutrients Federal Register 77521 Filled with useful detail and to use and how much to ap- Vol. 75, No. 238, Monday, valuable reference charts, the ply. This decision-making tool December 13, 2010 booklet acknowledges from the shows how to figure out the start that nutrient management right questions to ask, get real is often a major challenge for -world estimates of residual Organic EQIP Ini- organic farms. And since soil nitrogen from compost, calcu- test results don't come with late nitrogen availability from tiative for 2011 specific recipes for applying last season's cover crop, and Apply by March 4, 2011 different nutrient sources, the decide whether compost is the best way to apply nutrients. guide shows farmers how to armers who are already make informed decisions about organic and farmers who the best use of the amendments Both the booklet and the F worksheet were developed are at any stage of transition and fertilizers available to to organic farming can apply organic growers. by Penn State. If you prefer a printed copy over download, for federal funding to help you can request one from the pay for organic farm prac- The text and charts in the book- tices that are also considered let guide farmers on how to Publications Distribution Cen- ter, Pennsylvania State Uni- conservation practices. The manage pH, calcium, and mag- funding is being offered nesium levels and how to apply versity, 112 Agricultural Ad- ministration Building, Univer- through the USDA Environ- nitrogen, phosphorus and pot- mental Quality Incentives Pro- ash from organic sources to sity Park, PA 16802; call 814 -865-6713. gram (EQIP). There is a dedi- satisfy crop requirements with- cated pool of money avail- out accumulating excessive National Organic able to NY, separate from the levels of nitrogen and phospho- overall EQIP funding for the rus. Program Amends List State. If you are already The publication is connected of Allowed and Pro- certified, check the list of eli- with a 2007 Professional De- gible practices to see if there velopment Grant, "Whole-farm hibited Substances are some that you may not nutrient planning for organic he National Organic currently use to the full- farms." The project, led by Dr. T Program (NOP) pub- est. You can apply for fund- Elsa Sanchez from Penn State lished a final rule amending ing to pay for these. University, supported intensive the National List of Allowed The information on how to training on this topic for New and Prohibited Substances for apply for New York State York and Pennsylvania educa- crops and processing, effec- producers will be available tors and service providers. The tive December 14, 2010. The starting Jan 3, 2010. Go to: overall focus was to help or- rule enacts six recommenda- http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/ ganic farmers improve nutrient tions: 1) Adds aqueous potas- and search for ―Organic management through more sium silicate for use as an EQIP.‖ relevant soil and compost insecticide and for plant dis- analysis recommendations and ease control in organic crop Do you need to find your use of computer-based whole- production. 2) Adds sodium county NRCS office phone farm nutrient planning. carbonate peroxyhydrate for number? Go to: http:// use as an algaecide in or- www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/ This same project also resulted ganic crop production. 3) contact/ Look at the listing on in another change: Soil test Adds gellan gum as a nonsyn- the left of the page and click reports now include a statement thetic allowed for use in or- on ―Find a Service Center‖. of the hazards of above- ganic handling. 4) Adds forti- optimum-level nutrients, and fied cooking wine for use in says that compost applied on organic handling as a nonor- Need assistance? Contact an N basis will have an excess ganic agricultural ingredient Sarah Johnston, Organic Agri- of P and K relative to plant only when not commercially culture Specialist, 518-457- demand. These salts and miner- available in organic form. 5) 4531 or Email: als can accumulate with re- Adds tragacanth gum for use sarah.johnston@ peated application--farmers in organic handling as a agmkt.state.ny.us NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 8 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

How Do Consumers Respond to Advertising Programs for Fruits and Vegetables? Introduction Fruit and vege- and/or vegetables, rather treatments that include broad- table consumption rates in the than increase demand for all based advertising, we see a United States are significantly fruits and vegetables. significant increase in price lower than what is recom- that consumers were willing to Experimental Design To shed mended by nutritionists and pay. Brad Rickard, Jura Liaukonyte, and health experts. Of the six some new light on this issue, groups traditionally included we designed an experiment Our results show that the av- Harry M. Kaiser, Dyson School of in the food recommendation that showed samples of pro- erage willingness to pay Applied Economics and Manage- pyramids, fruits and vegeta- motional efforts for fruits and across the eight fruits and ment, Cornell University and Tim bles are significantly under- vegetables to research par- vegetables was 41% higher Richards, Morrison School of Agri- ticipants. We recruited 271 among subjects in the broad- consumed (Figure 1). Figure 2 business and Resource Manage- shows that fruits and vegeta- adult subjects to participate in based group compared to the bles receive very low levels of our study; each subject was control group. Our treatment ment, Arizona State University advertising funding relative to paid $25 and asked to par- that combines potato adver- the other food groups. There- ticipant in several computer- tising and a broad-based fore, we examine the role of ized auctions and submit bids campaign provides evidence advertising as a way to influ- that reflect their maximum that a mixed advertising ence the consumption of fruits willingness to pay for one strategy may also lead to a and vegetables. pound of selected fruit and significant increase in the av- vegetable products. Subjects erage willingness to pay for Fruit and Vegetable Market- were placed into one of six fruits and vegetables. How- ing With few exceptions, treatments, and the treatments ever, the increase in demand promotion efforts for fruits varied according to the ad- associated with this mixed and vegetables have been vertisement shown to the par- strategy is very similar to the very small, have been com- ticipants. Each treatment was shift in demand associated Figure 1 modity-specific, and have comprised of three 90-second with adoption of a broad- been generic given the limited video clips of the popular based program. number of brands for fresh animated television series, The produce. There have been Simpsons, interspersed with up Conclusion and Industry recent discussions in the United to two minutes of advertise- Implications Our study pro- States about implementing a ments for fruits and vegeta- vides support for the advo- mandatory ―broad-based‖ bles. Advertisements for fruits cates of a broad-based pro- promotion program for all and vegetables were either motional campaign who argue fruits and vegetables, and this commodity-specific, broad- that such advertising would issue was fiercely debated in based, or a mixed approach raise overall demand for 2009. In the United States, that included commodity- fruits and vegetables. In fact, broad-based campaigns for specific and broad-based we find that the fruit and fruits and vegetables, such as efforts. The six treatments vegetable industry may be Figure 2 the ―Fruit & Veggies: More were: 1) Control (no ads), 2) better off without any com- Matters‖ campaign, have Broad-Based Ads, 3) Apple modity-specific advertising. been supported by voluntary Ads, 4) Broad-Based + Apple For these reasons, a coopera- Table 1: Results from Our donations and have had much Ads, 5) Potato Ads, and 6) tive strategy whereby pro- less media exposure than their Broad-Based + Potato Ads. ducers of fruits and vegeta- Experiment counterparts in other countries. At the end of the experiment bles pool their advertising each subject completed a 25- funds and promote their prod- Willingness to Advocates suggest that com- question survey that included ucts generically is apt to be Pay ($/lb) modity-specific programs demographic questions and more profitable than a series compete for consumption questions about food prefer- of competing commodity- Control 0.741 share and that a large ences. specific messages. For policy broad-based program may makers interested in food Broad-Based 0.836 increase demand for the en- Effects of Broad-Based and intake, obesity, and changing tire fruit and vegetable cate- Commodity Specific Adver- dietary habits, our results Ads gory. Opponents argue that tising Table 1 shows the aver- suggest that using additional Apple Ads 0.692 broad-based messages sim- age price subjects were will- resources for a broad-based ply emphasize a well-known ing to pay for the eight fruits promotional program may be Broad-Based & 0.832 fact—that eating fruits and and vegetables (apples, or- an effective way to increase Apple Ads vegetables is good for you— anges, grapes, bananas, to- consumption of fruits and and do not believe they will matoes, potatoes, carrots, and vegetables. Potato Ads 0.740 influence consumer choice. bell peppers) under each Among those questioning the treatment. Here we see that Funding for our project was pro- Broad-Based & 0.814 efficacy of broad-based the average bid was $0.74 vided by the Consumer and Market Potato Ads campaigns, there are also per pound in the control Demand Network. Working Paper concerns about the distributive group (no advertisements), available at: http:// implications across fruits and and did not exceed this level aem.cornell.edu/research/ For more information: Brad vegetables; a broad-based in the treatments showing researchpdf/wp/2010/ Rickard: Tel: +1.607.255.7417 E effort might only provide commodity-specific advertise- Cornell_Dyson_wp1012.pdf. -mail: [email protected] benefits for particular fruit ments. However, in the three NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 9 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

Pest Management Update - Cathy Heidenreich, Cornell University “Delegate WG and Entrust now registered for Spotted New Soil Fumigant implementation schedule. he New York State De- Wing Drosophila Suppres- Toolbox Available New materials will be added T partment of Environ- on EPA Web Page to the toolbox as they become mental Conservation has ap- sion in NYS bushberries and available during 2011. proved your FIFRA 2(ee) Rec- Caneberries” PA has created a new ommendation for the use of E virtual toolbox for Products Receive NYS 2 Danitol 2.4 EC Spray (EPA information on soil fumiga- (ee) Labels for Sup- Reg. No. 59639-35) to con- tion, which is available at pression of Spotted trol the unlabeled pest brown http://www.epa.gov/ Wing Drosophila (SWD) marmorated stink bug on pesticides/reregistration/ bushberries, cotton, cucurbit soil_fumigants/. The soil he New York State De- vegetables, head and stem fumigants toolbox now T partment of Environ- brassica, fruiting vegetables, provides easy access to a mental Conservation has ap- pea (succulent), grape, pome variety of soil fumigant proved a FIFRA 2(ee) Recom- fruit, stone fruit, and straw- training, outreach, and mendation for the use of Dele- berry. other resource materials gate WG (EPA Reg. No. for applicators and han- 62719-541) to suppress the NYS DEC has also approved dlers, communities, state unlabeled pest -- spotted wing a FIFRA 2(ee) Recommenda- and local agencies, and drosophila -- on bushberries, tion for the use of DuPont others interested in under- caneberries, grapes, pome Lannate SP Insecticide (EPA standing and implementing fruit, and stone fruit. NYSDEC Reg. No. 352-342) to control the current requirements has also approved a FIFRA 2 the unlabeled pest brown for safe use of soil fumi- (ee) Recommendation for the marmorated stink bug on Disease Name: Crumbly berry of Rasp- gants. use of Entrust (EPA Reg. No. apples, barley, blueberries, berry 62719-282) for suppression of field corn, sweet corn, Key features of the tool- SWD on bushberries, caneber- , pears, peppers, Cause: Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) box include safety bro- ries, grapes, stone and pome soybeans, tomatoes, and chures for handlers of soil fruit. wheat. When to watch for it: First leaf to fruit fumigants, training modules maturity Note: Applicators must have on the new soil fumigant Products Receive NYS 2 copies of 2(ee) labels in their requirements, templates for (ee) Label for Brown First line of defense: Remove plantings soil fumigant management possession while making ap- and replant elsewhere with clean stock. Marmorated Stinkbug plications. Labels are avail- plans, and updated fact Plant to non-host or leave fallow for 3-5 sheets on the soil fumigant able at : years mitigation measures and http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/

Berry Disease Snapshot: Crumbly Berry of Raspberry – Kerik Cox, Cornell University

rumby berry dis- pressure when picked. ture fruit is just a physiological C ease is named for a consequence of virus infection. symptom of tomato The virus is vectored by the Any number of physiological ringspot virus (ToRSV) dagger nematode, a micro- problems due to horticultural infection. scopic plant parasitic round- concerns including nutrition worm. The nematode doesn‘t and toxicity could lead to Plants with ToRSV infec- move far in heavier or non- crumbling fruit at maturity. tions may be asympto- sandy soils, but has numerous matic until virus titers are weed hosts, which is why it‘s However, if you routinely sufficiently high. In se- best to remove the infected have this problem it may be vere cases there may be planting, replant elsewhere important to get tested for the yellow rings or chlorotic with certified virus-free stock, virus. networking patterns on and leave the former planting Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) symptoms leaves (rare), drupelets site fallow (and weed free) for on raspberry leaf may be malformed, and several years. or mature fruit may crumble under slight Bear in mind that crumbly ma- Page 10 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

BERRY ARTHROPOD PEST SNAPSHOT:LOOK WHO’S COMING TO DINNER? — Greg Loeb, Cornell he one constant of and field crops where it can marmorated-stink-bug]. T farming (maybe life in cause serious damage. Pome general) ironically is that it fruit seem to be particularly BMSB has caused serious eco- never stays exactly the vulnerable. Several small nomic damage to fruit, vege- same. Change is good, fruit crops are vulnerable as table, and field crops in the right? There is change com- well, with perhaps blueberries Mid-Atlantic States. Time will ing to New York with re- and raspberries the most at tell to what extent BMSB will spect to the invasion of two risk. When it feeds on devel- be a problem for NY berry new insect pests of fruit oping fruit, you may only growers and to what extent crops: the Brown Marmo- observe small blemishes or pest management practices rated Stink Bug, which is slight to moderate deforma- will need to change to accom- already present at low tions on the surface, but un- modate them. I recommend numbers, and the Spotted derneath you will find corky, learning how to recognize Brown Marmorated Stinkbug BMSB and monitor for its Adult ( Wing Drosophila, which necrotic tissue. In addition to photo courtesy Steven Jacobs, has not been reported yet, its feeding habits, BMSB is presence in your fields. Uni- Penn State University) but getting close. Both also a nuisance pest. It over- versity and USDA scientists these insects have the po- winters as an adult, often in are working hard to learn tential to change pest man- homes, barns and parked more about the biology of agement practices for vehicles like RVs, etc. They can BMSB and effective ways to small fruit growers and I be very numerous and al- control it. Right now NY has thought I would use this though they do not bite, they one insecticide labeled for use space to introduce them to can release an unpleasant against BMSB (Danitol you. In this issue I will focus odor (hence the name stink [fenpropathrin] has a 2ee on Brown Marmorated bug). Incidentally, the stink exemption for use on blueber- Stink Bug (BMSB). bug odor has caused some ries, grapes, and strawber- problems for the wine indus- ries, but unfortunately not BMSB originates from Asia. try. Adults congregate in brambles). However, over “Time will tell to what extent It was accidently intro- vineyards in the fall and can time additional insecticides BMSB will be a problem for duced into Pennsylvania get accidently harvested with will be added and hopefully about 15 years ago and grapes. In the process they some innovative alternatives NY berry growers and to has been spreading release their alarm odors, will also be developed. So I through the USA ever since, which can result in unpleasant guess change is not always what extent pest reaching NY a few years aromas in wine. A good fact good, but probably unavoid- ago. This insect is a plant sheet on BMSB, with photo- able. We will need to learn management practices will feeder, using its soda straw graphs of adults, eggs and how to manage BMSB and need to change to like mouthparts to suck out immatures and damage, has minimize its economic and plant juices. It is known to been produced by Penn State environmental impacts. accommodate them.” feed on a wide range of University plant species, including a [http://ento.psu.edu/extensio number of fruit, vegetable, n/factsheets/brown-

SELECTING A SMALL SPRAYER FOR THE SMALL BERRY CROP PLANTING - Andrew Landers, Cornell (Excerpted from “2011 chines. There are three factors af- Cornell Berry Pest Manage- fecting application rate – ment Guidelines for Berry Canopy Sprayers forward speed, pressure, and Crops”, ©2010 Cornell nozzle tip size. Unfortunately, University. All rights re- Backpack Sprayers. Small most inexpensive backpack served.) capacity (4-5 gallon) spray- sprayers have no pressure ers will produce up to ap- gauge. Pay more money and here are many impor- proximately 100 psi pressure. purchase a backpack sprayer T tant points to consider Weight is an important con- with a pressure gauge or, before purchasing a sideration and growers should better still, purchase a spray sprayer, not the least of select a sprayer with good, management valve as stan- which is the area to spray, wide, padded straps to ease dard or as an option. Nor- Small pull behind airblast sprayer the proximity of the local the load on your shoulders. mally output increases or de- used in highbush blueberry plant- supplier, standard of manu- Correct nozzle selection ac- creases according to the pres- facture, etc. There are cording to the target is very sure in the system, (which is ing. many growers with small important to ensure even cov- dependent upon how vigorous plantings who need spray- erage. A good-sized filling you are in pumping the han- ing equipment ranging from hole at the top is also impor- dle up and down). A spray backpack sprayers to small tant. management valve, such as a truck- or ATV-mounted ma- NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 11

SELECTING A SMALL SPRAYER FOR THE SMALL BERRY CROP PLANTING -(continued) CF valve, will ensure a con- sprayer with a small gas en- there is no carry-over from her- stant output irrespective of gine and a 10 to 12 gallon bicide residues in the sprayer, hand pump action. The CF tank. Larger capacity tanks therefore wash them out very valve evens out fluctuations in (14 to 100 gallons) are often thoroughly before using them to pressure, e.g. will only allow trailed and can be pulled by apply materials other than her- a maximum and minimum a lawn tractor, ATV, Gator, or bicides. Alternatively, have pressure thus ensuring even small tractor. dedicated herbicide-only flow. The Fountainhead Group equipment. (http://www.thefountainhead Small, Mounted Sprayers. group.com/) sells a backpack Ideal for mounting onto the Controlled Droplet Applicators sprayer with a simple valve carrier rack of an ATV, 15 to (CDA). The use of CDA‘s will which ensures the correct pres- 25 gallons, they use a small considerably reduce the need sure is not exceeded. electric pump to provide up to to carry vast amounts of water. 70 psi. When used with a A spinning disc (battery pow- An alternative to the hand- hand wand and a hose, they ered) will produce 95% of the operated backpack sprayer is can be used to spray short same-size droplets, thus reduc- an electrically-operated length rows. The same system ing herbicide rates by at least Pump-up back pack sprayer. backpack sprayer, which util- is ideal for weed control and 50% and water rates by 75%. izes a small rechargeable spot spraying of weeds. Herbi and Mantis (trade names) battery. Maximum pressure is are both hand-held CDA spray- relatively low and it is easier Large, Skid Mounted Sprayers. ers. ATV- or tractor-mounted than using a traditional hand Ideal for fitting into the back shielded CDA sprayers such as pump system, particularly if of a pick-up truck, these the Environmist also reduce you have many rows of plants sprayers have a tank capac- spray rates while shielding the to spray. Similarly a small ity of 35 to 200 gallons, and plants from the spray. More “Where occasional weeds back pack sprayer fitted with an electric-start gas engine. information: a small gas engine is avail- and access over wet land able. The electric version is Small, Trailed Airblast Spray- http://www.micron.co.uk/cda_a are a problem, the use of quieter to use, but you must ers. Very small airblast spray- nd_the_small_farmer/ remember to recharge the ers, with tank capacities up to a hand-held wick wiper is batteries otherwise spraying 110 gallons and a 5.5 to 20 Wick Wipers. Where occasional will be delayed. hp gas engine, can be towed weeds and access over wet an easy-to use, effective by an ATV or a small tractor. land are a problem, the use of Portable Mist and Air Blower Larger tank capacities up to a hand-held wick wiper is an option. ” Backpacks. These are ideal 300 gallons are also avail- easy-to use, effective option. A for plantings where canopy able but require larger trac- small tank, usually contained in penetration is required, e.g. tors with weights and brakes the handle, holds the liquid, denser, vigorous plantings. A for safe operation. Remem- which soaks a rope wick or a small gas engine drives a fan ber, the larger the gas en- sponge. The rope or sponge can blower which creates an air- gine, the more important it is then be wiped against the stream which passes along a to buy an electric start option. weeds. hand-held tube (similar to a Small airblast sprayers are leaf blower). The tube has a ideal in blueberry plantings This and more information on nozzle situated at the end so with tall plants but suffer from spray technology for small scale that liquid spray can be a lack of air direction, there- berry plantings is available in squirted into the airstream. fore purchase sprayers with the 2011 Cornell Berry Pest Management Guidelines for The operator directs the spray deflectors or towers to direct (Photo: Leslies Huffman, OMAFRA) cloud towards the canopy by the air into the canopy. Berry Crops. pointing the hand-held tube. It is preferable to point the tube Small, Mounted Airblast To order your copy visit: backwards to avoid walking Sprayers. Three-point hitch, PTO-driven models with a 22- http://ipmguidelines.org/Berry into the spray cloud. Engine Crops/ speed can be reduced which or 24-inch fan, for fitting onto 25 plus hp tractors are avail- enables a slower airspeed to or by phone: 607-255-7282. match a smaller canopy in able. Beware of drift, again consider models which direct Cost is $25 which includes ship- early season. They are very ping. good at rustling the canopy the air via deflectors or tow- and getting good penetration ers. Special thanks to Cornell Univer- and deposition. They are Herbicide or Ground Appli- sity‟s Pest Management Educa- heavy! Noise is a problem, so tion Program (PMEP) and Dr. ear protection must be worn. cation Sprayers Andrew Landers for allowing us to reprint this material. Portable Gas Engine-driven Backpack, Small ATV-Mounted Tank, and Hand-Lance Spray- Sprayers. If weight is a prob- lem, and ground conditions ers. These sprayers can be are relatively smooth, a num- used for herbicide application ber of manufacturers offer a BUT be very careful that Page 12 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

Variety Spotlight: Strawberries – Courtney Weber, Cornell University

‘Amour Strawberry ‗Honeoye‘. The flesh is firm but not hard L (Tested as NY1829) was with a nice eating texture. released from Cornell in ‗L‘Amour‘ was first selected ‘L’Amour’ Strawberry 2003. It‘s an early mid-season for testing in 1994 from a The plants have good winter type with excellent fruit qual- cross of NYUS256 x hardiness, disease resistance Cornell University Breeding ity. ‗Cavendish‘. and vigor. Program Early mid-season ‗L‘Amour‘ is a bright red and The fruit of ‗L‘Amour‘ is a clas- Best Use: ‗L‘Amour‘ fits into recognized from its excellent, sic heart shaped conical with the early to early mid-season aromatic flavor. It fruits in the a fancy calyx, which makes market similar to ‗Honeoye‘ early season similar to them very attractive. and before ‗Darselect‘.

Variety Spotlight: Raspberries – Courtney Weber, Cornell University

relude summer-fruiting red aroline fall-fruiting red P raspberry (Cornell Univer- C raspberry (University of sity-NYSAES, Plant Patent Maryland, Plant patent # #11,747) is the earliest sum- 10,412) produces medium to mer fruiting cultivar available. large, conical fruit in late August through September. The fruit is medium sized, round, and firm with good The fruit is bright red but dark- flavor. ens with storage. The flavor is ‘Caroline’ Fall Red Raspberry Field produce d ‘Prelude ‘ summer very good. red raspberry. It is very resistant to Phy- tophthora root rot and has ‗Caroline‘ produces tall upright University of Maryland Breeding Program good cold hardiness. canes that benefit from trellising Mid-season due to heavy crop loads. A moderate fall crop is large enough to warrant double The short fruiting laterals can be cropping. challenging to pick because of the heavy leaf cover, but yields Best Use: It is probably the are very good (2-3t/A out- best early season cultivar doors, up to 5t/A in high tunnels) available for the northeast. It for the fall. makes a great homeowner variety too because of its dou- It has good resistance to Phy- ‘Prelude’ Summer Red Raspberry ble crop and disease resis- tophthora root rot. Cornell University Breeding Tunnel produce d ‘Caroline ‘ fall red tance. Program raspberry. Best use: ‗Caroline‘ performs Early season well in both field and tunnel production. (Photos courtesy Nourse Farms)

Variety Spotlight: Blueberries – Cathy Heidenreich

luecrop blueberry is one This early mid-season blue- to be weepy. B of the leading commer- berry produces high yields of cial varieties produced in the large firm bright blue berries ‗Bluecrop‘ has few field man- US, and is especially popular with small scars. Berries are agement problems; withstand- in New Jersey and Michigan produced in large clusters. ing spring frosts well. commercial production. T ‗Bluecrop‘ is an easy blueberry Best Use: ‘Bluecrop‘ is suit- It is a result of a (‗Jersey‘ x to grow and is well known for able for u-pick local fresh ‘Bluecrop’ Blueberry ‗Pioneer‘) x (‗Stanley‘ x ‗June‘) its hardiness, vigor and consis- market sales. cross and was released from tent production. It is hardy in USDA Breeding Program the USDA breeding program most of NY and can be ma- Early mid-season in 1952. chine harvested. The canes tend NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 13 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

Points to Ponder — Choosing Strawberry Varieties — Courtney Weber, Cornell University

often get asked by grow- markets? Wholesale markets eral replant disease are a I ers ―What variety of usually require larger fruit problem you may want to (straw-, rasp-, blue-, goose-) with brighter color such as stay away from ‗Jewel‘, berry should I plant?‖. My ‗L‘Amour‘, ‗Jewel‘ and ‗Cabot‘. ‗Honeoye‘, ‗Annapolis‘ and answer is almost always ―It ‗Kent‘. Try more disease resis- depends.‖ and then we talk U-pick are usually more dis- tant varieties like ‗L‘Amour‘, about some of the things that cerning consumers who will ‗Winona‘, ‗Clancy‘ or need to be considered. I ask sample the fruit so high flavor ‗Mesabi‘. Dr. Courtney Weber is associate growers to tell me what their varieties are indicated such as goals are. ‗Earliglow‘, ‗L‘Amour‘ and Do you get fog or frequent professor and small fruit breeder ‗Jewel‘ and varieties that high humidity? Powdery mil- in the Cornell University Depart- For strawberries, do you want freeze and process well such dew can be an issue with ment of Horticulture, Geneva, NY early season fruit to bring in as ‗Clancy‘ and ‗Honeoye‘. ‗Darselect‘, ‗Annapolis‘ and customers to start your season Be sure to let consumers know ‗Earliglow‘ as well as many or to go with rhubarb or as- with signs or verbally which day neutral varieties from paragus? Then you need an varieties are best for which California like ‗Aromas‘ and early variety such as purpose! ‗Diamante‘. ‗Earliglow‘ or ‗AC Wendy‘. Ready picked markets (farm No one variety will fill all “What variety of (straw-, Do you worry about late and farmer‘s markets sales) needs. I generally suggest 3 frosts? Then maybe avoid the benefit from both high flavor or 4 varieties with variable rasp-, blue-, goose-) berry earliest varieties and start and large size since customers harvest seasons so the risk with ‗L‘Amour‘ and ‗Darselect‘. buy with their eyes but often from adverse weather and should I plant?”. My answer consume immediately. Try site conditions is not concen- is almost always Do you want to have berries varieties like ‗L‘Amour‘, trated on one variety. past the 4th of July? Then ‗Jewel‘, and ‗Darselect‘. “It depends.” ‗Ovation‘ and ‗Cabot‘ are The same principles apply to possibilities. Do you have any disease other berry types. If you pressure or was the field in know your goals then answer- Where do you market - strawberries at any time in ing ―What variety should I wholesale, u-pick, ready- the past? If red stele, black grow?‖ is a little easier. picked on farm or at farmer‘s rot, verticillium and/or gen-

Variety Spotlight: Ribes – Steven McKay and Cathy Heidenreich, Cornell University

Tixia™(Rafzicta) of the shoots. Rovada is a compact, mound- ing, deciduous shrub which (Can.Pl.Breeder Rights#3348) Growth is vigorous, and tends grows 3-5' tall. to be upright. his red gooseberry is Plants have good vigor and T semi-thornless, very vig- The variety was bred by Pe- disease resistance, plus they orous and productive. ter Hauenstein in Rafz, Swit- are late to flower, thus escap- zerland, and was released in ing late season frosts. Fruit is very large with a 1990, a cross of Invicta x LS 9 beautiful, bright red color. -31-54. Fruit ripens in late July. Tixia Gooseberry Plants are resistant to mildew. Best Use: Tixia is well suited Best Use: Rovada is an excel- Ribes UVA-Crispa ‘Tixia’ Tixia is a gooseberry variety for home garden, U-pick and lent choice for fresh market that has captured the atten- commercial plantations. and U-pick. tion of growers and consumers alike. Rovada Midseason, it bears an oval- eveloped in the Nether- shaped elongated, large D lands, Rovada red cur- bright-red berry with a rant bears heavy crops of smooth skin. The plant is also very large bright red fruit on desirable since it is mildew extremely long strigs resistant, and lacks thorns. It is a cross of Fay's Prolific x Rovada Red Currant Any thorns present are borne Heinemann's Rote Spatlese - singly, are relatively soft, and Holland, made in 1990. Ribes rubrum 'Rovada' are borne on the upper parts Page 14 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

Tunnel Talk Marvin Pritts, Cornell University High Tunnel Raspberries emove snow and ice that se horticultural oil on and Blackberries — Tips R accumulates more than 3 U raspberry canes in or 4 inches on the tunnel. closed tunnels as soon as the and Observations: weather begins to warm and buds start to push. Rimol High Tunnel with ex- lackberries retain their tended sides, used in rasp- B leaves throughout much berry and blackberry produc- of the winter in closed tunnels. tion, Ithaca, NY. They will fall off in spring when new buds break. Just because blackberries retain their leaves does not mean that plants have re- ceived insufficient chilling. Photo: Tunnel collapse after heavy wet snowfall, Ithaca, NY. Photo: Mite damage on rasp- berry leaf (left). Undamaged rrigate closed tunnels as leaf (right). I soon as possible in the spring. For more information on bram- ble production in high tunnels see: High Tunnel Raspberries and Blackberries

Photo: Leaves on tunnel black- “Tunnel Talk” is a new berries in March. feature designed to provide o not keep tunnels com- D pletely closed for the insights and information to winter. Allow sides to be rolled up six inches or so to high tunnel berry growers. permit some air movement through the tunnel. Have a high tunnel tip to share?

Photo: Irrigation set up in high tunnel, Ithaca, NY EDITOR”S NOTE: This just in inter is a good time to from Amy Ivy, Public Affairs W prune canes, tighten Specialist, USDA-NRCS-NY, Photo: Covered tunnel vented trellises and remove fallen 315-530-8075: for winter. Note chicken wire leaves from inside the tunnel. barrier used to reduce rabbit Leaves on the tunnel floor can ―NY‘s signup for FY 2011 damage. be a source of insect pests. High Tunnel funding as part of the Agricultural Management e sure rabbits do not Assistance Program (AMA) B enter the tunnel during ended last week. winter. They will girdle canes. However, I still encourage you to apply at your local county office http://offices.sc.egov.usda.go v/locator/app?state=NY. As part of the EQIP Organic Haygrove high tunnels used initiative, we plan to offer in raspberry production, high tunnel funding this year Geneva, NY with a signup deadline of March 4, 2011 http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/ news/releases/organic_fundi ng.html. Photo: cane girdling by rab- (continued on page 22) bits. Photo: collapsible “V” trellis. NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 15 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

Empire State Fruit and Vegetable EXPO Berry Session elling that beautiful crop their own soils. From irrigat- The 2011 Empire State Fruit S can be the hardest thing ing a sandy soil to raised and Vegetable Expo is spon- about making a living grow- beds on clays, these farmers sored by the New York State ing berries. will share their creative solu- Vegetable Growers Associa- tions to dealing with the land tion, Empire State Potato Come to the Berry Crop ses- they were dealt. Growers, New York State sion of the Empire State Fruit Berry Growers Association, and Vegetable Expo and Hear Cornell professor Art New York State Farmers‘ Direct Marketing Conference, Degaetano present Weather Direct Marketing Association, Thursday January 27, 2011 101: Understanding forecasts New York State Horticultural at the On Center in Syracuse, and reading the local condi- Society, Cornell University New York to learn about new tions. He‘ll define frosts and and Cornell Cooperative Ex- approaches to making money freezes, explain how the field tension. selling berries. can get a frost while the house thermometer reads 34 For more information and to Matt LeRoux , Cornell Coop- F, and explain simple tools register, visit erative Extension, will share that you can use to prepare http://www.nysaes.cornell.ed simple ways to compare cus- better for local weather u/hort/expo/. tomized marketing strategies. events. From farm stands to farmers Berry Track, 2011 Expo markets, you-pick berries to You‘ll learn how to decipher Ballroom East CSAs and wholesale buyers berry root problems with Jim like grocery stores or restau- LaMondia, Connecticut Agri- January 27, 2011 Thursday. rants, each ―channel‖ has pros cultural Experiment Station, as Selling Berries Session and cons. Learn how to well as interpret soil and leaf 8:50 – 11:15 PM “It’s been a berry great evaluate your farm‘s market- test results to better under- 8:50 Announcements ing channels to focus on the stand the fertility needs of season, you have a beautiful profitable and minimize the your crop. 9:00-9:45 Make money sell- crop in the field, and you’re costly. ing berries: Market channel At the end of the day you can assessment—Matt LeRoux, ecstatic. What’s missing? Following LeRoux‘s talk, three get personalized help finding CCE South Central NY Ag successful berry growers will your own farm‘s soil type on Team. Growers can sell ber- The money.” present remarkably different the Web Soil Survey. ries on farm stands, at farm- marketing strategies. Grow- ers markets, as you-pick ber- ers, Katie Creeger, Kestrel The 2011 Empire State Fruit ries, to a CSA, or to wholesale Perch Berries, Suzie Gri- and Vegetable Expo will be buyers like grocery stores or samore, Grisamore Farms, held January 26-27, 2011 at restaurants. Each ―channel‖ and Terry Perfetti, Cherry the OnCenter Convention has pros and cons. Learn how Knoll Farm will describe how Center in Syracuse, NY. The to evaluate your farm‘s mar- their marketing strategies Expo provides growers with a keting channels so you can have evolved to changing multitude of educational op- focus on the ones that are conditions. portunities, Association meet- profitable and minimize the ing and networking times, and others. Soils for Berries a commercial trade show which offers the latest ser- 9:45-10:45 Berry Marketing Berry crops are notoriously vices, equipment and ad- Channels Grower panel: finicky about the soils they‘re vances in the horticultural Growers will have about 15- grown in, and New York soils industry in New York State. 20 minutes each to tell about vary largely. Sessions conducted at the how their farm sells berries Expo include specific com- Come to the afternoon Berry now, and how these marketing modity sessions, focusing on a channels have evolved over Crop session to learn more variety of crops including the life of their farm about soils for berries. sweet corn, potatoes, tree (response to various pressures fruit, berries, to name a few, or success). Marvin Pritts and Harold Van as well sessions on direct mar- Es will give a candid look at keting, soil health, research, Katie Creeger, Kestrel Trade Show Hours: New York soil types and how food safety, labor, and more. they affect berry growth in- Perch Berries, (berry CSA); 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. cluding reading and interpret- Mark your calendars now and on January 26th ing soil descriptions, soil limi- Suzie Grisamore, Gri- and save the dates in January in samore Farms, Locke, NY tations, and to what extent order to attend the Empire 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. they can be overcome. (wholesale, u-pick, agri- State Fruit and Vegetable on January 27th. Expo. You, and your farm tourism); After that, hear from fellow business, will be glad you did! farmers on how they manage (continued on page 20) Page 16 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

STRAWBERRY GENOME — SEQUENCE WILL LEAD TO BETTER FRUIT FOR CONSUMERS land strawberry is the first AINESVILLE, Fla. — An levels of phytochemicals with plant to have its genome se- G international team of health benefits. quenced exclusively by a scientists led by the University method called short-read of Florida and Virginia Tech is Janet Slovin, a plant molecu- sequencing, he said. Such the first to publish the DNA lar biologist with the U.S. De- advances have only been Kevin Folta, a University of sequence for the strawberry partment of Agriculture‘s Ag- recently reported in deriving Florida associate professor — a development expected ricultural Research Service in the genome sequence of ani- of horticultural sciences, to yield tastier, hardier varie- Beltsville, Md., who was part mal species, such as the displays the woodland ties of the berry and other of the research team, said panda. In short-read sequenc- scientists may be able to help strawberry in his laboratory crops in its family. ing, small pieces of DNA are growers create berries that sequenced separately. Those at UF’s main campus on Dec. The genome sequence, ob- mature earlier or later than 20, 2010. pieces are then strung to- tained by a team of 75 re- existing varieties so that they gether using computer soft- searchers from 38 institutions can get their product to mar- ware. Folta explained it like Folta, of UF’s Institute of around the globe, will be ket when no one else can. this: ―If you had the alphabet Food and Agricultural Sci- published Dec. 26 in the from A to Z, and someone ences, and researchers from online version of the journal ―That means if you‘re a gave you a piece that was A- Virginia Tech led a consor- Genetics. grower, you can extend your B-C, and another piece was tium of 75 international growing season, get a better C-D-E-F, and another piece scientists that was the first ―We‘ve created the straw- price per flat, and use your that was E-F-G-H, you could to publish the DNA sequence berry parts list,‖ said re- land more—and that‘s ex- align all those using the com- for the strawberry. searcher Kevin Folta, an asso- actly what growers want,‖ she mon letters, and eventually ciate professor with UF‘s Insti- said. develop the whole alphabet.‖ Also shown are other mem- tute of Food and Agricultural bers of the family Sciences. ―For every organism The consortium sequenced the Strawberry is an excellent on the planet, if you‘re going woodland strawberry, a wild crop for scientists to use in of flowering plants expected relative of today‘s cultivated to benefit from the research, to try any advanced research, genetic and physiological such as molecular-assisted strawberry varieties. From a studies, Folta said, because it including cultivated straw- genetic standpoint, the wood- berry, apples and cherries. breeding, a parts list is really takes so little space to grow helpful. In the old days, we land strawberry is similar to and is a quick-turnaround (Photo by: Tyler L. Jones, Uni- the cultivated strawberry but versity of Florida) had to go out and figure out crop, unlike some others in the what the parts were. Now we less complex, making it easier Rosaceae family, such as know the molecular nuts and for scientists to use in re- , which can take several bolts that make up the straw- search. years to bear fruit. berry plant.‖ “Having the genome The strawberry is part of the Ted Campbell, executive di- sequence means strawberry Having that ―parts list‖ in Rosaceae family of flowering rector of the Florida Straw- hand will enable strawberry plants that includes important berry Growers Association, breeders can unravel — and breeders to bring new varie- agricultural and ornamental called the genome-sequencing ties to market faster, creating crops, such as apples, a ―very significant milestone‖ improve upon — even a plants that can be grown with peaches, cherries, raspberries, for growers around the world complex trait, such as fruit less environmental impact, plums, and roses. — including those in Florida, better nutritional profiles and Plants in the Rosaceae family where strawberries are a quality or aroma.” larger yields. share many important traits, $338 million-a-year commod- so unveiling the woodland ity. ―All of those dividends are strawberry‘s genome should probably at least a decade mean quicker breeding ad- Todd Mockler, an Oregon off, but they are definitely vances for those crops, as State University associate realities on the horticultural well. professor and member of the radar screen,‖ said Folta, a genome-sequencing team, ABOUT THE ARTICLE member of the UF Genetics The research was distinctive in said it may be a few years Institute. several ways, Folta said. First, before the discovery is notice- Author: Mickie Anderson it had no central funding able to consumers — but Vladimir Shulaev, a University source, unlike some similar positive changes will come. Organization: University of of North Texas biological genome-sequencing projects. Florida Institute of Food and sciences professor who led the Scientists donated time and Agricultural Sciences ―For fruit crops, and straw- project while a faculty mem- used parts of smaller grants, berry in particular, it will mat- Source: ber of the Virginia Bioinfor- to cover costs. Second, the ter to farmers and ultimately, News matics Institute at Virginia consortium was open access to consumers,‖ he said. ―It may Tech, said having the genome — meaning any scientist who mean better yields or pest http:// sequence means strawberry had an interest in the project resistance, improvements in news.ufl.edu/2010/12/26/ breeders can unravel — and was allowed to play a role, shelf life and things like fla- strawberry/ improve upon — even a com- even those who were not ex- vor, fragrance, taste and plex trait, such as fruit quality perts in genome sequencing or appearance. Having the ge- or aroma. It will also help to computational biology, Folta nome sequence will enable all create fruits containing higher said. And finally, the wood- of that.‖ NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 17 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

CURRANT, GOOSEBERRY, ELDERBERRY, AND ARONIA- PRODUCTION, PRODUCTS, AND MARKETABILITY — Steven McKay, Cornell University

he group of berries pre- candidate for development in they are fully ripe. Some T sented here has great gourmet and specialty mar- growers use some of the des- potential for new crop devel- kets. Fresh fruit can decorate sert type berries while still opment in the US. All can be plates, salads, and desserts. unripe as cookers and as a produced with mechanization, Cooked or processed fruit means of thinning and using which is important considering makes delicious sauces, pas- the crop. The remaining ber- the need to reduce input costs try, wine, vinegar, and pre- ries become larger and are such as labor. They have docu- serves. The juices have great used as they ripen. Please see mented health benefits, and an flavor and health benefits New York Fruit Quarterly, Fall, excellent range of value-added that make them appropriate 2006 for an article on goose- products that can be marketed. for popularizing as common berries. The publicity for black currants breakfast or snack drinks. A has helped to raise customer comprehensive cookbook is Some of the cultivars used as awareness domestically, but currently available on CD for dessert berries in North Amer- much more remains to be done Ribes, and recipes can be ica are: to bring these crops to their found in old cookbooks, cook- full potential for marketing. ing magazines. „Achilles‟, „Captivator‟, „Early Sulphur‟, „Hoenings Earliest‟, RIBES: CURRANTS AND Gooseberries grow on a bush „Invicta‟, „Hinnomaki Red‟, GOOSEBERRIES approximately 3 to 6 feet tall „Hinnomaki Yellow‟, „Jeanne‟, and about 3 to 4 feet wide. „Jahn‟s Prarie‟, and Introduction: Ribes is the ge- Most gooseberries have „Whinham's Industry‟. nus name of currants, goose- spines or thorns at each of the “The group of berries berries, and crosses of the leaf nodes. The spines may be Some of the culinary cultivars two. Currants and gooseber- single, double, or triple, and are: presented here has great ries were once grown exten- they may be large, ( 10 to 15 potential for new crop sively on a commercial basis mm) to small ( l to 5 mm). The „Careless‟ (dual use), „Oregon in the US. At the beginning of habit of the plant may vary Champion‟, „Poorman‟, and development in the US. All the century, the largest collec- from low spreading to upright „Red Jacket‟, („Pixwell‟ less tion of currants and gooseber- and tall. Berry color may vary recommended). can be produced with ries in the country was in Ge- from green to yellow/green, neva, NY, and the state There are many other cultivars mechanization, which is to yellow; or white, to pink, to available in varying supplies ranked number one in red red, to dark red or purple. important considering the currant production in the that could be used in plant- The size of the berries varies ings for berries for sale at 1930's. There are over 150 from about 1.5 grams to more need to reduce input costs species of gooseberries in the farmer's markets or roadside than 12 grams. The average markets. The Corvallis Oregon world, and hundreds of cur- is about 3 to 6 grams. The such as labor. “ rants and selected and hy- germplasm repository has berries are usually borne in plants that could be brought bridized cultivars. One British ones, twos, or threes, and nurseryman told me in 1999 into commercial production hang under the branches. The also. that he refers to a variety taste ranges from very tart to publication from earlier this very sweet. In the US, goose- Currants grow on a bush that century that lists over 1,500 berries ripen starting about is generally larger than a varieties of gooseberries mid-June and the latest are gooseberry bush with thicker alone, and some researchers ripe about mid-August. The wood. There are no thorns or state that about 4,000 have seasons may vary a week or spines, and bushes can be been reported over the years more either way, depending spreading or upright. There (possibly a number are dupli- on the weather and your loca- are two major different types cates). Many cultivars have tion. of currants, black currants (R. been lost, or are very rare, nigrum) and red currants (R. and there is an international Gooseberries are generally rubrum). The red currants also effort to save as many of classified as dessert berries, include the pink, white, and these as possible in various those that are used raw, and yellow currants, which are collections. culinary, or ‗cookers‘ that are color phases of the red. used primarily for processing Even though currants and or cooking. There are some Almost all black currants are gooseberries are in the same that fall into both categories processed into juice or other family, they appear quite depending on the stage of products such as syrup, jam, different. The crosses may ripeness when picked. Gener- jelly, tea, yogurt, pie fillings, look like either parent, some ally the dessert berries are candy, nutraceuticals, and like currants and others like larger and used when com- wine. There has been an in- gooseberries. The variety in pletely ripe. The culinary ber- crease in consumption of black shapes, colors, texture, and ries are generally smaller, currant flavored beverages, (Photos courtesy M. Pritts and flavor make Ribes a good very tart and used before and fresh consumption is S. McKay) Page 18 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

CURRANT, GOOSEBERRY, ELDERBERRY... (continued)

growing, although demand called ORUS are actually should be about 3-4 feet in remains relatively low be- hybrids of gooseberry and the row and in rows about 6- cause berries have a strong black currant. They often pro- 8 feet apart, depending on pungent flavor. The flavor is duce light crops of fruit. your training system and great for those who are ac- equipment. It is very important customed to it, either fresh, or Deciding Whether to Grow to know about the growth for cooking. Ribes: Ribes crops definitely habit of your selected varie- have a place in a grower's ties and the space require- Some available black currant diversification formula. Local ments of equipment, espe- cultivars that may be used: consumption by gourmet en- cially if you plan to mechani- thusiasts, small scale proces- cally harvest. Field spacing Black Currants: „Ben Sarek‘, sors, and ethnic markets can be planned according to ‗Ben Lomond‘, ‗Ben Alder‘, should be one's first target. the defined parameters. For ‗Titania‘, (‗Ben Nevis‘, Know what your market is example, the black currant ‗Consort‘....available but less before planting. Remember Ben Lomond would be planted recommended). Watch for that larger scale production is a little closer in row, while Top: Red Currant ‘Red two new Polish varieties soon more risky. As an example, ‗Titania‘ could be spaced to be released in North Amer- the production of red currants wider, due to size differences Lake”. ica. as of 2010 has grown so of plants. Mechanically har- Bottom: ‘Achilles’ much that it is a challenge to vested plants are spaced Gooseberry. Red currants are used both sell them all during the sea- closer in the row, at about fresh and processed. They son. However, CA storage 18", with alleys spaced wider grow in bunches similar to could be considered as a way so that equipment can pass. grapes called strigs and may to extend season and increase One grower in England advo- have from 10 to 35 berries. prices. Please see an article in cates planting at 12" in-row Fruits are often made into New York Fruit Quarterly, spacing, insisting that a tight juice which can be consumed Spring, 2006 edition for in- hedgerow is critical for suc- as a beverage, or used for formation on CA storage. cess in mechanical harvesting. preserves or other products. Currant jelly is an ingredient One should be conscious of Mechanical harvesting is also in many recipes to produce a any regulations that restrict possible for gooseberries tart flavor or to glaze. Red Ribes production in the local (and red currants). Gooseber- currants are used in sauces for area. Consider proximity to ries that are planted for proc- meats, poultry or fish as well white pines, and the informa- essing are planted closer in as a dessert topping on ice tion about white pine blister row, and are 'stripped' of cream, cake, puddings, and rust. Labor or proximity to a berries while still fairly green creams. harvester is also a critical (unripe) and hard. Gooseber- Young currant and factor. ries picked for fresh market Some currant cultivars that gooseberry planting, are often planted about 3.5 may be used: Considerations in Choosing feet in the row unless trained Geneva, NY. a Variety: As with other crops, Red Currants: ‗Red Lake‘, to vertical cordons which are no ideal varieties of Ribes spaced at eighteen inches. ‗Jonkeer Van Tets‘, ‗Redstart‘ crops have been developed. (mechanical harvested only), Fresh market berries are gen- Certain varieties are better erally hand-picked. ‗Rovada‘, and ‗Tatran‘. suited to selected geographi- cal locations. Fruit quality on Both red currants and goose- White Currants: ‗Primus‘, a given variety might be ex- ‗Blanka‘, ‗White Imperial‘, berries are most efficiently cellent, while lack of disease trained to cordons if they are ‗Pink Champagne‘, and resistance or poor plant ‗White Versailles‘. to be used for fresh fruit pro- growth habit could be a flaw. duction. Please New York Fruit There are other hybrids and When you consider varieties Quarterly, Summer, 2005 species of Ribes that don't fit for commercial production, edition for a detailed article into the above classifications. consider the following factors: on this training system. One of these is ‗Crandall‘. It is availability of plant material, often grouped with black ease of propagation, plant Soil and Water - Ribes are currants, but is actually an- patents, local laws, market best grown in good soil with other species, R . odoratum, audience final use of fruit, at least 3-5% organic matter and looks like a black currant, yield, ease of picking (length content and a pH of about but has a milder flavor and is of strig), fruit color, size and 6.5, (however they can toler- often eaten as fresh, raw fruit. quality, plant: thorns, growth ate lower readings). High It is quite large, and late for habit/size, disease resistance. nitrogen should be avoided as a black currant. this produces too much vege- Red Currant ‘Red Lake” in Culture: Spacing - Planting tative growth and may pre- rates for gooseberries and dispose plants to more mildew bloom, Geneva, NY. Josta berries (Ribes nidi- grolaria), and selections currants that are being used problems. A British rule of (photos courtesy C. Heidenreich) in pick-your-own operations thumb is to add 50 kg per NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 19 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

CURRANT, GOOSEBERRY, ELDERBERRY... (continued)

hectare each of N and K been the cause of Ribes re- black currants will sweeten as (actual) for crops producing strictions in the Northeast they hang, and fresh eating 10 metric tons per hectare. (A which are being reconsidered quality improves. Most people 10 m t/ h crop will extract the for modification. Immune culti- have a tendency to pick these following kg of actual nutrient vars are advisable especially fruits on the green side. per hectare: N 20, P 5, K 44, near white pine stands. Gooseberries will ripen off Ca 8, Mg 3, S 4.) Ribes need Gooseberry and red currant the plant. They ripen slowly in about 0.6-1 inch of water per are resistant to the disease. cold storage. Gooseberries week during the fruiting sea- lose their distinct veination as son. Drip irrigation and mulch- 4. The British are controlling they ripen and become over- White pine blister rust on ing with wood chips, straw, or cane borers with pheromone ripe. They develop a stronger, lower leaf surfaces of sus- plastic is beneficial.. mating disruption. They are mustier flavor, lose acid, and ceptible black currant. sometimes a problem in the can become mealy. Goose- Pruning and Training - The Northeast. berries and red currants can best fruit is borne on 2 and 3 be kept a number of months year old wood; wood should 5. Aphids sometimes cause a (up to seven) with palletized be pruned out after 4 years. red deformation on red cur- CA storage. Many training systems have rant leaves. been developed over the Hand Harvesting: At harvest, 6. Reversion virus is common in years, and continue to be one should avoid pricking “quote here.” developed. One alternative black currant in Europe, but gooseberries on thorns, and for black currant is to prune not found in the US. It can leave the blossom and stem plants to the ground every reduce the useful life of a end of the berry intact. Avoid other year, and to harvest black currant planting to as bruising fruit. Red currants are alternate years. The crop is few as eight years. Quaran- left on strigs, and should be essentially grown as a "field tine has kept the disease out picked carefully to avoid crop" with as little as 15 hours so far. The disease is spread smashing berries closest to the of labor per year per acre. by big bud mites. plant. Cultivars with long The Dutch have developed a strigs, not heavily clustered mechanical pruning system 7. Currant Cane Blight, a fun- are easier to hand pick. Black that removes 1/3 of the bush gus disease that was a prob- currants would follow the per year on rotation. Sys- lem in the past (when ribes same generalizations as the tems will vary by use of were previously cultivated in red currants. Often harvest of fruit, harvest method, and large acreage), has become black currants is best started other factors. a problem again. It is caused as the first ripe berries in the by Botryosphaeria ribis, and top of the plant are beginning Pest Control - The lack of causes branches to yellow, to fall off. In all Ribes, free wilt, and die. See New York Ribes trained to cordon, registered chemicals has moisture should be avoided, Geneva, NY. been a problem from time to Fruit Quarterly, Fall, 2008 and berries should be shaded time for Ribes producers. edition for a related article. in the field and chilled as (Check with your local exten- 8. Imported currant worm, is a rapidly as possible. Fruit of sion office for the latest rec- all three types can be held at ommendations.) green larva that can defoliate a plant in a matter of days. 36-40 F for two to three They are easily controlled weeks. I have held fruit at 1. Mildew tends to be the 33F for as long as six weeks. major disease problem, but with insecticide, but control measures must be taken CA storage methods are be- trials are showing that it can ing developed for these fruits. be controlled by stylet oil. quickly, because they can Gooseberry fruits are blem- defoliate a plant in a couple Machine Harvest: Proper ad- ished and deformed by the of days. justment of shakers is critical disease. Shoot tips are de- Recommendations for pest so that a thorough job of har- formed. The disease was once vesting is done and the bushes the limiting factor preventing control can be found in the Cornell Small Fruit Crop Pest are not badly beaten. Some success with European cultivars machines are gentle enough in North America. Management Recommendations to harvest gooseberry and black currant fruit suitable for 2. Leaf spot has been a seri- or other local extension publi- cations. fresh market. Red currants are ous a problem on all Ribes more desirable intact on strigs crops. Leaf yellowing and Harvest/Postharvest: As with for fresh market, and this is premature defoliation weak- all berries, harvest and post not possible with machine. ens the plant and affects harvest care of fruit can ex- yield. Copper sprays and tend the shelf life of fruit. Useful Resource: Above: Powdery mildew on weed control help to control Some varieties hang longer the disease. on the plant than others. Gen- Currants, Gooseberries, And gooseberry. Below: Currant erally speaking, red and Jostaberries: A Guide For aphid damage on leaves. 3. White pine blister rust has Growers, Marketers, And (photos courtesy C. Heidenreich) Page 20 NEW YORK BERRY NEWS

CURRANT, GOOSEBERRY, ELDERBERRY... (continued)

Researchers In North America cultivar selection was done are touted as the heavier by Danny L., Ph.D. Barney and in Europe. Cultivars are self- yielders. These cultivars are Kim E. Hummer. fertile. products of breeding work that ended in 1960. Renewed Find the New York Fruit Quar- Elderberry~ Elderberry is a interest in the Midwest is terly articles on member of the family Ca- sparking more work with new www.fruit.cornell.edu. prifoliaceae with 13 species cultivars and cultural practices native to North America. such as mechanical mainte- ARONIA AND ELDERBERRY Commercially, we are inter- nance and harvest. ested in Sambucus nigra L. Elderberry and Aronia ssp. canadensis (North Propagation (chokeberry) are common in American, formerly classi- different parts of Europe, and fied as a separate species), Aronia~ Aronia is very easy are gaining a foothold in the and Sambucus nigra L. which to propagate. Softwood or US. The products from these is native to Europe. The fruit semi-softwood cuttings can be berries are beginning to ap- clusters (cymes) of the S. propagated with mist in July. pear in specialty and natural nigra cultivars are larger Divisions from established Above: Elderberry food shops, and even super- than those of S. n. canaden- plants can be made at a rate stores. In spite of the high price flower cluster; fruit clus- sis. In addition, some of the of as many as 25 per two of the fresh fruit and its pri- S. nigra cultivars have supe- year old plant. Stool beds ter (cyme) below. mary processed products on the rior growth habits. Elderber- are often used, as can seeds domestic market, very little ries are only partially self- that have been stratified. crop is actually produced in the fruitful, and planting of two Seeds are no longer recom- US. or more varieties within 60 mended for propagation in feet of one another is bene- Europe since plants have dif- Aronia publicity has sparked a ficial. It is assumed that any ferent rates of growth and few plantings around the US, pair of cultivars will function coming into production. Even and several small-scale elder- as mutual pollenizers. though seedlings reach the berry growers are found same size as cuttings, they around the country producing Cultivars may take longer to come into “The products from these mainly for wine and local fresh production. consumption. Aronia became Aronia~ ‗Viking‘ and ‗Nero‘ berries are beginning to popular and known on the are cultivars that are com- Elderberry~ Elderberry can appear in specialty and West Coast a number of years monly available in North be propagated from soft- ago due to a line of juice American plant catalogs. wood cuttings in June and natural food shops, and blends introduced by Wildland. DNA fingerprinting research from tissue culture. Hardwood even superstores.” The juice was sold in Costco, done in Sweden by Niklas cuttings taken in early spring but has since been discontinued. Jeppsson has shown very have about a 50% rooting Superberries.com is a web- little difference between rate, and are susceptible to based business that is currently available cultivars. In fact, damage in overly wet media. selling Aronia based on its the cultivars perform about Divisions and even seeds can nutraceutical benefits. the same commercially, and also be used for propagation. Niklas stated in an interview Elderberry is appearing more that it doesn‘t really matter Cultural Practices and more as it replaces Echina- which cultivar one uses. cea as a popular cold and flu Seeds of the cultivars can Aronia~ Aronia is adaptable nutraceutical. Syrup and pulp even be planted, and the to a wide variety of neutral to are imported from abroad. plants will be much like their slightly acid soils. Less fertile Both are used as food coloring parents, quite suitable for soils are desirable to keep because of their deep purple commercial production. plants smaller in size. It is pigment. Many businesses are suggested that plants be now present on the web with Elderberry~ In the S. nigra placed 0.8-1.0 meters apart related products. species, ‗Samdal‘ and and mulched with plastic to ‗Samyl‘ are the most highly prevent weed growth. Plastic Botanical Classification recommended for yield and can be removed after two to Aronia Fruit ready for har- desirable growth habit three years as plants sucker Aronia~ The genus name Aro- (produce new suckers annu- and fill in the hedgerow. Plant vest. nia has been replacing the ally). Two North American growth is usually so dense (photos courtesy S. McKay) rather unpleasant sounding nurseries have germplasm after three to four years, that common name, black choke- and are propagating these further weed control within the berry. Aronia is a member of in tissue culture. row is unnecessary. At five to the Rosaceae family, and the seven years, selective pruning cultivars used for fruit produc- In the S. n. canadensis spe- is done to remove the oldest, tion are from the species Aronia cies, ‗York‘, ‗Nova‘, ‗Johns‘, thickest branches, and keep melanocarpa. The plant origi- and the ‗Adams‘ series are the center open. Frost protec- nated in North America, and available. ‗York‘ and ‗Nova‘ tion is not necessary since NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 21 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

CURRANT, GOOSEBERRY, ELDERBERRY... (continued) plants bloom so late, mid May ing is a possibility. mand is expected to continue in New York. Aphids on shoot growing as the health benefits tips, and leaf-eating beetles Twenty tons per acre are of these berries are discov- are possible pests, but plants produced in Denmark, while ered. are so vigorous, that pest four to twelve tons per acre damage that slows them down are recorded in New York. About the Author: Steven will not have much of a nega- McKay is Fruit Extension Edu- tive effect. Since Aronia is in The S. nigra cultivars are cator with the Hudson Valley the Rosaceae family, fire higher yielding, especially Fruit Program. He covers a blight is a potential problem, when grown as hedge-rowed five county area in the Hudson For more information on Ribes but has not been reported as bushes. Valley and is located at the production: such. Cornell Cooperative Extension Steven A. McKay Fruits are picked as whole office in Columbia County, cymes and frozen until ready Hudson Valley Fruit Program Elderberry~ Elderberry pre- Hudson, NY. Steven special- Columbia County CCE fers a sandy to heavy loam to use. A premium is paid for izes in berry crops and stemless frozen berries. 479 Route 66, Hudson, NY soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It is grapes. He is a world- 12534 recommended that plants be renowned expert on Ribes. set out at a 0.75-1.0 meter Harvest takes place from Phone: (518) 828-3346 spacing, and that every other August through September. Steven has a B.S. in entomol- Email: [email protected] plant be removed after three Flowers can also be harvested ogy from U.C. Davis and a to four years. This will improve around June 15 and sold M.S. in pomology. He was chances of getting an eco- fresh, or processed. Varieties founder and served as first nomic return faster. The ‗Samyl‘ and ‗Samdal‘ seem to president of the International ‗Samdal‘ and ‗Samyl‘ cultivars have expected fragrances for Ribes Association. have a nice growth habit elderflower products. Steve is owner of ‗Micosta‘ a where they throw canes from Products and Uses the base every year in good specialty fruit nursery located in Hudson, NY. numbers. Six to eight canes Aronia~ Aronia is used to are maintained per plant to produce syrup, juice, soft He teaches extensively about fruit the following year. Flow- spreads, and tea. The tea is ering takes place in mid June fruit production for both the usually a blend with other industry and homeowners. in New York. In the Fall after more flavorful ingredients fruiting, the spent canes are including black currant. The removed, and a rotation is berries are also used to make maintained. This way, canes food coloring. are never left for more than a year, and plants are main- Elderberry~ Elderberry is also tained as a five to seven foot used for food coloring. Both bush. Aphids, leaf wrinkling flowers and fruits are used to mites, birds, cane borers, mil- produce cordials, beverages, dew, and botrytis blossom soft spreads, wine, tea, and blight can be pest problems. nutraceutical products. Flow- Tomato ringspot virus has ers and fruits both have a Aronia melanocarpa fall been a problem in the past fresh market in New York and foliage (photo courtesy M. with S. n. canadensis cultivars, elsewhere. Fresh flowers are Pritts) but is less of a problem with S. used to make fritters, in fruit nigra. salad (delightful star-shaped petals), and baked goods. Harvest Many folks are saying that elderberry will replace Echi- Aronia~ Aronia is mechani- nacea as a top cold and flu cally harvested between Au- remedy. gust and September. In summary, both elderberry Five to ten tons per hectare and Aronia are gaining popu- can be expected in about five larity in the US for their health years, once plants have ma- benefits and quality proc- tured. Some yield can be ex- essed products. Both plants pected in the first years, but are easy to grow, have few plants often have weak pests, and can have mechani- branches that fall over in the cal cultivation practices em- ground. ployed. A number of proces- Elderberry~ Elderberry is sors are looking for potential Aronia Fruit. (photo picked by hand in the US, growers to make contracts. courtesy M. Pritts) although mechanical harvest- Global prices vary, but de- Page 22

Mark your Calendars!

EXPO Berry Session Thursday January 27, 2011

To Register: http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/expo /

true and what doesn‘t (full moon and fall frosts??) Soils Session, continued 3:30 - 5:30 PM

3:30-4:15 Berry Root Problems. Jim LaMondia, Connecticut Agri- cultural Experiment Station. EXPO BERRY SESSION (continued from page 15) How to tell the difference be- tween the various pathogens and Terry Perfetti, Cherry will give a candid look at NY John Hand, Hand Melon, winter injury—some pathogens do Knoll Farm, Marathon, NY soil types and how they affect Greenwich, NY. Berries on have resistant varieties to try, (value added, wholesale berry growth including reading sandy soil, some gravel others don‘t. How are patho- and retail). and interpreting soil descrip- gens/pests and winter injury re- tions, soil limitations, and to lated? How do you tell what 10:45 What‘s new from in- what extent they can be over- pathogen you have? What does dustry come. 2:00-2:30 Weather 101: Un- a good root system look like— derstanding forecasts and usually I‘m seeing only the bad 11:05-11:15 NYS Berry 1:15-2:00 Soils for Berries: reading the local conditions. ones. Growers Association Annual Grower panel. 15 minutes Art Degaetano in Earth and Meeting each, questions for 15 minutes. Atmospheric Sciences at CU. 4:15-4:45 Interpreting soil and Growers will talk about the Definition of a frost warning leaf tests for berries Molly Shaw, Soils for Berries Session soils they have, their benefits versus a freeze warning, ex- CCE South Central NY Ag Team 12:30 - 2:30 PM and draw backs, and what plain times when thermometer (will need backup in case of baby on car or house reads 34 F and they do to manage them arrival), talk about results from (irrigation, cultivation, herbi- you still get frost in field, what 2010 berry grower project 12:30-12:35 What‘s new cides) role does humidity play, and where we‘re sampling leaves and from industry fog, simple tools/tricks to bet- soils, and putting the results to- Dave Johnson, Apple Hills, ter ―read‖ the local weather, 12:30-1:15 Soils for Berries gether to make fertilizer recom- Binghamton, NY. Orchard and does a barometer help? what mendations –Marvin Pritts and Harold signs of nature or folklore holds Van Es, Cornell University, berries on heavy soil NEW YORK BERRY NEWS Page 23 VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1 Large-Scale Study Reveals Major Decline in Bumble Bees in the U.S — Diana Yates, Life Sciences Editor, University of

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The first in-depth national study of wild bees in the U.S. has uncovered major losses in the relative abundance of sev- eral bumble bee species and declines in their geographic range since record-keeping began in the late 1800s.The researchers report that declining bumble bee populations have lower genetic diversity than bumble bee species with healthy populations and are more likely to be infected with Nosema bombi, an intracellular parasite known to afflict some species of bumble bees in Europe. The new study appears this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.―We have 50 species of bumble bees in North America. We‘ve studied eight of them and four of these are significantly in trouble,‖ said University of Illinois entomology professor Sydney Cameron, who led the study. ―They could potentially recover; some of them might. But we only studied eight. This could be the tip of the iceberg,‖ she said. The three-year study analyzed the geographic distribution and genetic diversity of eight species of bumble bees in the U.S., relying on historical records and repeated surveys of about 400 sites. The researchers com- piled a database of more than 73,000 museum records and compared them with current sampling based on intensive national surveys of more than 16,000 specimens. The national analysis found that the relative abundances of four of the eight species analyzed have declined by as much as 96 percent and that their surveyed geographic ranges have shrunk by 23 to 87 percent. Some of these contractions have occurred in the last two decades. University of Illinois ento- Researchers have many hypotheses about what is causing the declines, but none have been proven, Cameron mology professor Sydney said. Climate change appears to play a role in the declines in some bumble bee species in Europe, she said. Cameron and her col- Habitat loss may also contribute to the loss of some specialist species, she said. Low genetic diversity and leagues analyzed bumble high infection rates with the parasite pathogen are also prime suspects. bee populations across the ―Whether it‘s one of these or all of the above, we need to be aware of these declines,‖ Cameron said. ―It U.S. Their study found may be that the role that these four species play in pollinating plants could be taken up by other species of dramatic declines in four bumble bees. But if additional species begin to fall out due to things we‘re not aware of, we could be in of eight species studied. | trouble.‖ Photo courtesy Sydney The study, ―Patterns of widespread decline in North American bumble bees,‖ is available online at: Cameron http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/01/03/1014743108.abstract/. To contact Sydney Cameron, call: 217-333-2340 ; e-mail: [email protected].

Above: Researchers analyzed the relative abundance of eight species of bumble bees in the U.S. Black areas of the U.S. map represent the historic range of Bombus affinis, one of the species found to be in decline. Yellow circles indicate the number of total bumble bee speci- mens collected at a given site. Orange areas in the circles represent the relative proportion of B. affinis specimens found at that location. (Empty yellow circles with no orange regions indicate no B. affinis specimens were found at that location.) Graphic by Janet Sinn-Hanlon of the Imaging Technology Center, Beckman Institute Page 24

New York Berry News is a monthly commercial berry production newsletter provided by Cornell Berry Team members.

Questions or comments about the New York Berry News? Department of Horticulture-Geneva Campus NYSAES Ms. Cathy Heidenreich 630 West North Street Cornell University Dept. of Horticulture – Geneva Campus Geneva, NY 14456 630 W. North Street, Geneva, NY 14456 315-787-2367 Phone: 315-787-2367 [email protected] Fax: 315-787-2389 E-mail: [email protected]

Editor's Note: We are happy to have you reprint from the NY Berry News. Please cite the source when reprinting. In addition, we WE’RE ON THE WEB: request you send a courtesy e-mail indicating the NYBN volume, HTTP://WWW.FRUIT.CORNELL.EDU/ issue, and title, and reference citation for the reprint. Thank you. NYBN/

USDA NEWS - (continued from page 4) Tunnel Talk - (continued from page 14)

USDA to Measure Financial Health of household characteristics. USDA Provides Update on Seasonal American Farms High Tunnel Pilot "Farm organizations, the USDA, other gov- tarting in January, the USDA‘s National ernment agencies, members of Congress, griculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen S Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and State and local officials use the collec- A Merrigan has announced that more will contact farmers and ranchers across the tive information from ARMS to answer than 2,400 seasonal high tunnels are being nation to conduct the Agricultural Resource questions and make important decisions constructed by farmers in 43 states through Management Survey (ARMS). This survey concerning the economic viability of Ameri- a pilot project initiated by USDA in fiscal will provide farmers and ranchers with an can agriculture, the rural economy and year 2010. USDA also posted a YouTube opportunity to provide accurate, real-world other emerging issues," explained Whet- video of how NRCS-funded seasonal high data that will help shape the policies, pro- stone. tunnels are helping farmers extend the grams and issues that affect them. growing season, diversify production, con- As with all NASS surveys, information pro- serve water, and reduce inputs. "ARMS asks a small, but representative, vided by respondents is confidential by sample of farmers about their operation in law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality USDA's Natural Resources Conservation order to understand the current financial of all responses, ensuring no individual Service (NRCS) is providing financial assis- state of U.S. agriculture," said King Whet- respondent or operation can be identified. tance for seasonal high tunnels as part of a stone, director of the NASS New York Field The economic data gathered in ARMS will three-year trial to determine their effec- Office. "Participation in ARMS is so impor- be published in the annual Farm Production tiveness in conserving water, reducing pesti- tant because government and agricultural Expenditures report on August 2, 2011. All cide use, maintaining vital soil nutrients, and leaders use the information needed to NASS reports are available online at increasing crop yields. make sound decisions that impact the future www.nass.usda.gov. of farmers, their families, their businesses The pilot is offered under the Know your and their communities." Farmer, Know your Food initiative. In FY 2010, NRCS provided $13 million to land- The survey will be conducted between owners through its conservation programs January and March. In an effort to obtain to install high tunnels, and additional fund- the most accurate data. NASS will reach ing is available in FY 2011. out to nearly 35,000 producers nationwide, including 665 in New York. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operat- ing expenditures, production costs and

*Cornell University provides equal program and employment opportunity. New York State Berry Growers Association Chairperson-Dale Riggs-(518)733-6772 Treasurer-Anthony Emmi-(315)638-7679

Executive Secretary-Paul Baker- (716)807-6827 fax (716)219-4089 [email protected] www.nysbga.org

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL/APPLICATION 2011

Name______(Renewal_____ New______}

Farm or Business Name______

Address______

City ______State ______Zip______

Phone______Fax______

E-Mail Address______County______

Web Address______

Crops: Blueberries______Raspberries______Strawberries______

Ribes ______Vegetables______Fruit______

Per cent U-Pick ______Retail ______Wholesale______

Membership Fee – 1 Year 2010 $125.00 ( $50 of this will go directly to research)

Research Fund Donation ______TOTAL ENCLOSED ______

Please make check payable to New York State Berry Growers Association Or NYSBGA and send to: Paul Baker, Executive Secretary NYS Berry Growers 90 Lake Street, Apt. 24D, Youngstown, NY 14174

Cancelled check will serve as your receipt, unless otherwise requested