Horticulture
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BEGINNING GROWERS
- Apple Orchard Information for Beginners (PDF)
- Pruning Fruit Trees in the Home Garden (PDF) - by W. Lord & J. Anderson (UMASS Extension)
GENERAL
- Apple Botany and History (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Back to Basics (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Critical Spring Temperatures Blossom Buds, Apples, etc. (Washington State University)
- Critical Spring Temperatures Fruit Bud Development Stages (PDF) (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: Summer tips (Michigan State University)
- Frost and Cold Hardiness Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Bud Stage Criteria (PDF)
CULTIVARS, ROOTSTOCKS
- 2006 VTFGA presentation on Apple Varieties and Rootstocks (PDF) - by Dr. Terence Robinson. Note: this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Summary of UVM Apple Cultivar Evaluation (1995 NE-183 planting):1998-2000 (PDF)
- Summary of UVM Apple Rootstock Evaluation (1992 NC-140 planting) (PDF)
- Cold Hardiness (PDF)- by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: Apple varieties (Pennsylvania State University)
- VIDEO: Early fuji varieties (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Cameo on different rootstocks (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Liberty (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Crimson Topaz (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Silken and Lindamac (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Sansa, Ginger Gold, Zestar (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Slender-axis McIntosh and Lindamac (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: General Pruning Basics (University of Vermont)
- Scab-resistant Apple Cultivars (PDF)
- Potential Apple Rootstocks for Vermont - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Potential Apple Cultivars for Vermont - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Evaluation of Scab Resistant cultivars (SRC) Final Report (PDF) - Written in 1997, this report may provide valuable insights into whether they are appropriate for your situation.
- Update on Scab-Resistant Cultivars and Advanced Selections for Consideration in New Plantings (PDF)- by Dr. David Rosenberger, 1995
- Rootstocks and Cultivars in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
PLANTING, PRUNING
- 2006 VTFGA presentation on Modern Apple Training Systems (PDF) - by Dr. Terence Robinson. Note: this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Pruning (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Topworking Apple Trees (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Light Interception of Apple Tree Canopies (PDF) - Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: T-budding (Pennsylvania State University)
- VIDEO: Breeding (University of Minnesota)
- VIDEO: Planting (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Cutting scion wood (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Cleft graft (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Rind graft (bark graft) (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Saddle graft (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Whip and tongue graft (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Chip budding (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: Planting tall-spindle (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Tall-spindle fruit 2nd leaf Honeycrisp (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Tall-spindle fruit 2nd leaf many varieties (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: BA Promalin to enhance branching (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Training (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: How NOT to trellis (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Summer pruning (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: Pruning tall-spindle (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Pruning central-leader (University of Massachusetts)
- High Density Tall Spindle Apple Research and Demonstration (PDF)
- Site Selection and Preparation in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Tree Training and Planting Systems in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Pictorial Guide to Planting an Orchard - A step-by-step narrative including some of the steps during first-year maintenance.
- Pictorial Guide to Top-Grafting an Orchard (PDF) - A step-by-step narrative.
- Organic: A Orchard 4: A High-Density Planting with Scab-Resistant Cultivars (PDF)
POLLINATION, THINNING
- Pollinator Protection Efforts in Vermont (PDF) - by UVM IPM Program & VT Pollinator Protection Committee, 2019.
- VIDEO: Summer thinning (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: Young thinning gauge (University of Massachusetts)
- Crop Load Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
SOIL, WATER, NUTRIENTS
Labs to send Soil and Leaf Samples for Analysis
- University of Maine Analytical Lab
- University of Massachusetts Soil and Tissue Testing Lab
- Cornell Nutrient Analysis Lab
General Information
- Dr. Renae Moran's 2010 VTFGA presentation on Apple Tree Nutrition (PDF)
- Calcium Use in Apples (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: Benefits of Mulching (University of Nebraska)
- VIDEO: Orchard soil health protocol (Cornell University)
- Orchard Nutrition (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees in Vermont (PDF)
- Groundcover Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Weed Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Organic Matter: Fuel for Your Soil (PDF)
HARVEST
- VIDEO: How to harvest and store apples (University of Maine)
- VIDEO: Ripeness (University of Maine)
- Harvest and Postharvest Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
Integrated Pest Management
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GENERAL
- How to Use NEWA - An Instructional Video
- How to Use NEWA Printable Handout (PDF)
- NEWA - Tools for IPM (PDF) - by Dr. Juliet Carroll, 2011
- Cornell's Pest Management Guidelines for Commercial Tree Fruit Production
- Penn State University Tree Fruit Production Guide
- Scaffolds Fruit Journal
- VIDEO: Orchard IPM (University of Wisconsin)
- VIDEO: Common sense IPM (University of Nebraska)
- VIDEO: Summer tips (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: Organic Apple Production - A Beginner's Guide (ATTRA)
- An IPM Checklist for Vermont (PDF)
- Organic: An Organic IPM Checklist for Vermont (PDF)
- Key Insect and Disease Pests of Apples (Michigan State University Extension)
INSECTS
- 2018 IPM 'Quick' Summary for Monitoring Apple Arthropod Pests (PDF)
- Brown Marmorated Stinkbug in Vermont
- Does Surround Have Non-Target Impacts on New England Orchards? (PDF)
- Apple IPM Manual: A Guide for Sampling and Managing Major Apple Pests in New York State (NYS IPM Program)
- Additional pictures and information on Insect Pests of Apples (Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide)
- Semiochemicals and their Use in Mating Disruption - by Dr. Douglas Pfeiffer, VPI
- Early Season Pests (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2011
- Summer Pests (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2011
- "OP Alternatives in Apple Arthropod Management" (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2008
- VIDEO: Oil sprays, tarnished plant bug (TPB) sprays (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Oblique banded leafroller (OBLR) traps (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Leafminer and TPB traps (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Insect traps (University of Nebraska)
DISEASES
- A Quicker Way to Determine Scab Risk in Your Orchard (PDF) - by Lorraine Berkett, 2003
- Market Diseases of Apples, Pears, and Quinces,Agricultural Handbook #376 - Currently out of print; internet version has excellent photographs and descriptions.
- Fact Sheets with color pictures (NYS IPM Program website)
- Gallery of Disease Images of Tree Fruit Diseases (West Virginia University)
- VIDEO: Fire blight (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Save early scab season sprays (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Potential Ascospore Dose (PAD) for scab (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: Common diseases (University of Nebraska)
BENEFICIAL INSECTS
- Beneficial Insect and Mites in Ontario Orchards (Factsheet with excellent pictures)
- Achieving Biological Control of the European Red Mite in Northeast Apple Orchards (PDF) (NYS IPM Program)
- Predatory Mites (PDF) (NYS IPM Program)
- Beneficial Insects (PDF) (NYS IPM Program)
- Predators of Aphids and Mites (Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide)
- Leafminer parasitoid- P.ornigis (Bio.Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America)
- Aphid predator- lacewings (Bio.Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America)
- Encouraging Biological Control in Vermont: The T.pyri Project, 1996-1997 (PDF)
- The T.pyri Project - 1998 Vermont Update (PDF)
PESTICIDES, SPRAYING
- A Method to Measure the Environmental Impact of Pesticides (NYS IPM Program)
- VIDEO: Sprayer calibration part 1, part 2 (Cornell University)
- VIDEO: Personal protective equipment (PPE) for spraying (Michigan State University)
- Sprayer Calibration (PDF) (1996/97 New England Apple Pest Management Guide)
- Organic: Organic Orchard Equipment (PDF)
ORGANIC
- Apples: Organic Production Guide (ATTRA)
- Considerations in Organic Apple Production (ATTRA)
- Organic and Low Spray Apple Production (ATTRA)
- What "Organically-Grown" Means - According to the EPA
- USDA National Organic Program
Cider
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GENERAL
- Cider Research in the U.S.
- Cider Research at Washington State University
- Commercial Production of Unpasteurized and Fermented Ciders in Vermont (PDF) - Note: this reference was written in 2010, prior to the implementation of several important food safety regulations, and thus, should be considered as a general reference and not a guidance document.
- Long-Term Contracts in the UK Cider Industry (PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
- Cost of Production, Prices, and Economic Performance for the Cider Market in Vermont (PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
RESOURCES FROM THE CIDER MAKER AND GROWER MEETING
AT WOODCHUCK CIDERY, MIDDLEBURY VT - JUNE 28, 2016
- Cider Apple Evaluations in Vermont (PDF) - by Terence Bradshaw
- Growing Apples for the Cider Industry: Does the Math Add Up?(PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
- Developing Evaluation Programs to Improve Cider Making (PDF) - by Chris Gerling
RESOURCES FROM THE WORKING LANDS ENTERPRISE FUND PROJECT MEETING AT VERMONT HARD CIDER, MIDDLEBURY VT - MARCH 30, 2015
- Cider Apple Research at UVM & other Land Grants (PDF) - by Terence Bradshaw
- Market Opportunities and Challenges for Cider Apple Production in VT (PDF) - by Florence Becot
- The Cider Industry (PDF) - by Dan Rowell, VT Hard Cider Company
- Cider Apple Production: The U.K. Perspective (PDF) - by Neil MacDonald
- Basic Laboratory Analysis of Fruit for Cidermaking (PDF) - by Ben Calvi, VT Hard Cider Company
- Evaluation of Research Ciders from the VT Working Lands Enterprise Fund Project: Apple Market Optimization and Expansion through Value-Added Hard Cider Production (PDF)- by Terence Bradshaw
Food Safety
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- FDA website
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) General Information
- Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption:What You Need to Know About the FDA Regulation: Guidance for Industry (PDF)
Small Entity Compliance Guide (PDF) - Cornell National GAPs Program Educational Materials
- Food Safety Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
Economics & Marketing
Organic Basics
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In 1995, the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) defined organic agriculture as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony…The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier must inspect the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet the USDA organic standards. Detailed records are required and reviewed by the certifier. It takes three years of organic management before a farm product can be “certified” as organic. Please note that the labels "natural" and "eco-friendly" which have been used to describe agricultural products may imply that some organic methods were used in the production of the product, but this labeling does not guarantee complete adherence to organic practices as defined by law.
- Organic Whole Farm Planning (Ohio Ecological Farm & Food Association)
- Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production
- The National Organic Program
- The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
- The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) Products List
- Organic Food Production. Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
- Organic Crop Production Overview
- Champlain Orchards - Shoreham, VT
- Raven Hill Orchard - East Waterboro, ME
Home Orchards
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- Apples and Pears in Minnesota Home Gardens (University of Minnesota)
- Cornell Guide to Growing Fruit at Home
Other Resources
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program project award no. 2024-70006-43502 from the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
