USDA-NRI Competitive Grant, UVM Extension. Maple. The 2004 production of 500,000 gallons of maple syrup contributed over 13.5 million dollars from farmgate sales to Vermont's economy. UVM Extension, in collaboration with others, provides educational programs, workshops, field demonstrations, and information on current maple research to maple producers. Programs included four Maple Conferences, Vermont Maplerama, and on-site consultations, cooperating with the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend, Vermont Farm Show, and Vermont Maple Festival. Sound business management decisions are made using the information and research results presented. (G. Cook, T. Wilmot)
Chittenden County Maple Sugarmakers Association, Vermont Sugar Makers' Association. Pear thrips biology. Protection of sugar maple trees from pests and diseases is essential to the economy of Vermont. Pear thrips continues to be a sugar maple pest although damage is intermittent. The Vermont Pear Thrips Soil Survey was developed to determine population levels of thrips statewide and alert sugarmakers if damage is likely to occur. This was the 16th year of the survey. Thrips populations were slightly higher in most sites and sugarmakers were told that light damage could be expected in the spring. As predicted, damage was light and no serious negative economic impact occurred. Ongoing survey of pests such as pear thrips is important for long-term evaluation of population dynamics. (B. Parker, D. Tobi, M. Skinner, M. Brownbridge)
USDA-Special Grant,. Fate of heavy metals and other contaminants of maple sap and syrup. Various contaminants sometimes are found in maple sap and syrup. This project seeks to identify the major sources and sinks of unwanted substances in the collection and processing of maple sap into syrup. Results indicate that lead levels can be managed effectively via a combination of limiting amount and timing of exposure of sap to lead-containing materials through a process of frequent collection and elimination of materials containing large quantities of lead (especially ternplate), through good filtering, and occasional monitoring of syrup lead levels. Maple producers can use this information to ensure that their products are pure. (T. Perkins, T. Wilmot, A. van den Berg)
Anonymous. Does fertilization improve maple sugar yields. Fertilization and liming are accepted practices in many agricultural systems; however, little is known about the benefits or drawbacks of fertilizing forests. This project examines the effects of fertilization and liming on maple sap production as well as health and growth. Results indicate that trees in limed and fertilized plots have higher levels of foliar nutrients and increases in photosynthetic capacity. Sap production can be increased by liming and/or fertilization with the proper nutrients at appropriate levels. Maple sugarmakers will use this information to make decisions on whether fertilization of their sugarbushes may be helpful to their operation. (T. Perkins, M. Zando, T. Wilmot, B. Stowe, A. van den Berg)
UVM Extension. Maple IPM. The maple syrup industry is a vital part of Vermont's agricultural economy. Researchers and Extension specialists must keep syrup producers up to date on pest threats and what to do about them. The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is probably the greatest threat to the State's sugar maples. Public awareness is essential to the detection of infestations, and their eradication. An ALB tree host guide (in press) will allow landscapers to identify and inspect susceptible trees for signs of infestation. A new ID card will be included in all mail-order shipments of syrup to enlist the assistance of the broader general public in the detection of infestations. With help from sugarmakers and the public, ALB infestations in Vermont will be detected and dealt with quickly, thus preventing widespread damage. (M. Skinner, B. Parker, M. Brownbridge)
North American Maple Syrup Council. Effect of three sugarbush management techniques on major forest insect and disease pests. Traditionally, maple syrup producers have managed their forest stands to promote a monoculture of maple trees that are open grown. Plots representing three forest management methods--monoculture, crop tree release, and single tree selection--have been established, in which pest populations will be monitored. Results of two full year's data on the incidence and abundance of several pests and diseases have determined that management methods may have an affect on pest populations. Results will provide sugarmakers with recommendations on how best to manage their stands to maximize syrup production while minimizing stress from pests and diseases. (D. Tobi, M. Skinner, B. Parker)
Chittenden County Maple Sugarmakers Association. Effect of three sugarbush management techniques on major forest insect and disease pests. Current sugarbush management favors the maintenance of monocultures but may increase the incidence of pests and diseases. We are comparing pest levels in traditionally managed sugarbushes with two alternative approaches: 1. crop-tree release (25% non-sugar maples); 2. single-tree selection (residual stand composition 50% non-sugar maple). Early results indicate non-traditional management may help to reduce levels of tree-damaging insects and diseases. The alternative scenarios increase forest biodiversity, which may decrease pest incidence and enhance production of other high-value hardwoods. (D. Tobi, M. Skinner, B. Parker.)
USDA-Special Grant, USDA-Special Grant. Environmentally Safe Products. This project is comprised of three separate efforts that will produce new products and production methods that impact on the environment. We are developing products from whey that replace petroleum-based products, we are testing environmentally-benign methods to remove phosphorus from dairy wastewater, and we are trying to determine the biochemical basis for off-flavors in maple syrup production. . The development of new products and new production methods that are environmentally benign will provide economic opportunities for Vermonters and protect the environment. (M. Vayda, M. Guo, B. Parker, D. Ross, A. Drizo, T. Perkins)
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