USDA-Hatch, UVM Extension, USDA. UVM Apple Orchard Web site. The UVM Apple Orchard is the Vermont apple growers' Internet connection to the UVM Apple Extension/research program. The Web site (http://orchard.uvm.edu/uvmapple/) is frequently updated to reflect current Extension and research-generated horticulture and integrated pest management (IPM) information. For example, the Vermont Apple Newsletter and Pest Alerts are posted there before printed versions are sent by regular mail. The horticulture page provides cultivar and nutritional information. Vermont's apple industry is an important component of the state's diversified agriculture. The UVM Apple Extension and Research Program provides the scientific and technical expertise necessary to help apple growers remain competitive while maintaining a sustainable agriculture system. (L. Berkett, M. Garcia, T. Bradshaw, C. Benedict, M. Eddy)
USDA-Hatch, UVM Extension, USDA. UVM Apple Research and Extension Program. Vermont's apple industry is an important component of the state's diversified agriculture. The UVM Apple Extension and Research Program provides the scientific and technical expertise necessary to help apple growers remain competitive while maintaining a sustainable agriculture system. The program includes orchard visits, one-on-one interactions, workshops, meetings, farm tours, The Vermont Apple Newsletter, the UVM Apple Orchard Web site (http://orchard.uvm.edu/uvmapple/), and applied research focused on the priorities of Vermont's apple industry. The Extension component continues to be rated as very effective in addressing the needs of the apple industry. (L. Berkett, M. Garcia)
USDA-Hatch,. Regional research project NC140: Rootstock and interstem effects on pome and stone fruit trees. Testing of new apple rootstocks is essential to apple growers competing in a global fruit market. The 1999 rootstock planting was established to evaluate rootstock productivity, precocity, and climatic adaptability. Data from the '99 planting is collected yearly and cumulative results will be used to determine the performance of these rootstocks. Due to year-to-year variation in weather, field testing of rootstocks in an orchard setting requires a minimum of ten years to assess accurately the potential for improved profitability, reduction of inputs, and enhancement of production efficiency. The use of these rootstocks should help increase crop yield and orchard profitability. (M. Garcia, L. Berkett)
USDA-Hatch,. Regional research project NE183: Multidisciplinary evaluation of new apple cultivars. The apple industry must identify and evaluate new cultivars with high fruit quality and climatic adaptability to remain globally competitive. The 1999 planting is testing the performance and adaptability of new apple cultivars for different growing regions within the U.S. Due to year-to-year variation in weather, field testing of cultivars in an orchard setting requires several years of data collection for a comprehensive evaluation. The data collected in 2004 will give us an indication of the performance of these cultivars in Vermont. Planting high-quality fruit cultivars should increase the competitiveness of the apple industry in the state. (M. Garcia, L. Berkett)
USDA-Special Grant, USDA-SARE. The Development of Partnerships and Support for an Alterative Crop: Grapes in Northern New England . Grape production is being explored by northern New England farmers either as a new crop or as a possible alternative crop in established farms as a way to diversify. In Vermont, there has been great interest in growing grapes, particularly in the Champlain Valley where microclimates that are suitable for grape culture can be found. We will document growers experience in growing grapes in colder climates; will identify and quantify differences in performance of grape cultivars at various locations due to the microclimatic, cultural and pest management differences; and will develop an outreach program for grape growers in Northern New England. Data is being collected to evaluate grape cultivars being grown in Vermont. . (M. Garcia, L. Berkett)
USDA-Hatch, USDA Northeast SARE Partnership Grant program, UVM Extension. Development of Partnerships and Support for an Emerging Alternative Crop: Grapes in Northern New England. Cold climate wine grape production is an emerging 'new' crop in Vermont and the region offering exciting value-added and agri-tourism economic opportunities. Applied research and education is needed to develop sustainable production systems that address the diverse goals of the developing small-scale farms. The objectives of the program are to document current grower experience in growing cold climate grapes, identify and quantify differences in performance of grape cultivars at various locations, and develop a cold climate grape outreach program. Based on grower-identified priorities, horticultural and IPM research and extension was initiated. A Cold Climate Grape Newsletter was developed and a website is under construction. (M. Garcia, L. Berkett)
UVM Extension. Vegetable and berry outreach. An expanding part of Vermont's agriculture includes diversified farms producing vegetables, berries, and ornamentals. This effort enhances the profitability and stewardship of those farms by providing production, marketing, and management information. Service provided includes: soil test recommendations for over 300 farms; prompt and accurate identification of insect, weed and disease problems upon request; over 600 individual grower consultations via phone and e-mail; over 100 on-farm visits to solve problems; meetings and workshops attended by hundreds of growers. Facts sheets, regular newsletters, and detailed crop management guides are also available, see: www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry. The majority of Vermont's vegetable and berry farmers rely on information provided by Extension to improve long-term farm viability. (V. Grubinger, A. Hazelrigg, D.Ross, M. Skinner)
USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Farmers and their Innovative Cover Crop Techniques. Cover cropping is key to long-term soil stewardship and effective crop rotation on vegetable farms. This project captured the knowledge and insight of 10 farms in 5 northeast states that have developed innovative cover cropping systems over the past 20 years. A 70 minute video was produced that shows how cover crops can be used to enhance soil quality and suppress pests using a variety of techniques including permanent beds, no-till planting, summer smother crops, intercropping, and systematic crop rotation plans. The video has been distributed nationwide to help educators and farmers promote and adopt more sustainable production methods. (V. Grubinger, Workhorse Creative Video)
USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Cooperative agricultural pest survey. Pests from outside Vermont pose a serious threat to Vermont forest and agricultural production. This project surveys the state for introduction of specific diseases, insects, and weeds detrimental to Vermont agriculture and forests. A survey for new weed, insect, and disease introductions was conducted in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. As a result, Vermont agricultural and forest production was protected from newly introduced plant pests. Vermont exports maintained certification of freedom from quarantined pests. (A. Hazelrigg)
UVM Extension. Pest management: Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Home gardeners and commercial growers in Vermont need a resource for the identification, biology, and management of pests, diseases, and weeds. The Plant Diagnostic Clinic provides information enabling clientele to make informed decisions on pest management strategies. . As a result, the use of pesticides is minimized, thus reducing the impact on human health and the environment. (A. Hazelrigg, M. Skinner, N. Hulett, V. Grubinger, S. Bosworth, L. Berkett, L. Perry, M. Garcia)
Federal IPM funds. Integrated Pest Management for vegetables and berries. Vegetable and berry growers need resources for pest and disease identification to help them make safe and effective pest management strategy decisions. Using a variety of pest control options that decrease use of pesticides, manage pests effectively, and provide a valuable safe product. This program works with vegetable and berry growers to supply them with science-based pest id and management strategies based on the latest IPM principles. Through positive identification of pests and diseases and information on lifecycles, growers can make informed decisions on pest management using several options, before resorting to a pesticide. When growers employ IPM strategies, this reduces the use of unnecessary pesticides, protecting the farmer and the environment. (A. Hazelrigg, V. Grubinger)
USDA-Hatch, USDA-Hatch. Dairy manure compost effects on root architecture and growth of vegetables. Non-point pollution from poor manure management negatively impacts the environment in many ways. This project investigates the effectiveness of using composted dairy manure for small scale vegetable production both as a media for transplants and as a soil amendment. Results indicate that properly formulated compost based transplant media produced sweet corn transplants that were equivalent to those produced in soil-less media. Small scale vegetable growers could use this information to use local sources of media for transplant production instead of purchasing inputs from outside the region. (M. Tignor)
12 projects