Tree Fruit: Horticulture Research and Extension

Research

Horticultural research at the Alson H. Smith, Jr. AREC uses a wide-variety of approaches to address the challenges of sustainably and profitably producing tree fruit in the Mid-Atlantic region. Some past and current projects include:

• Systems-based approaches to studying orchard agro-ecosystems
• Measuring soil quality in orchards using molecular, biological, physical, chemical indicators
• Assessing the economics and environmental impacts of organic and integrated fruit production (IFP) systems
• Improving crop-load management for apples, in particular fruit thinning, return bloom, and pre-harvest fruit drop
• Trialing crack-resistant cherry varieties
• Evaluating apple rootstock performance

Extension and Outreach

Through my extension activities I share my research and other science-based information in order to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of Virginia’s tree-fruit producers. I directly interact with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and commercial growers during in-orchard meetings, in-depth fruit schools, winter workshops, and by email and telephone conversations. I also work with the community at-large by leading Master Gardener training courses on fruit production and organic pest control practices, conducting hands-on demonstrations for elementary and high school students, and advising on school garden projects.

• Economic feasibility of growing hard cider apples and producing hard cider in Virginia