Horticulture
Beginning Growers
- Apple Orchard Information for Beginners
- Introduction to Apple Horticulture in Vermont by Terence Bradshaw. General Introductory information for beginning and veteran apple growers in Vermont.
- UMASS Extension Pruning Fruit Trees in the Home Garden. Fact Sheet C-108. W. Lord & J. Anderson.
General
- Non Chemical Weed Management in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Apple Botany and History -Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Back to Basics -Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Critical Spring Temperatures Blossom Buds, Apples (WSU)
- Critical Spring Temperatures Fruit Bud Development Stages (MSU)
- VIDEO: Summer tips (Michigan State University)
- Frost and Cold Hardiness Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Bud Stage Criteria
- Organic: Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production -Organic Horticulture
Cultivars, Rootstocks
- Dr. Terence Robinson's 2006 VTFGA presentation on Apple Varieties and Rootstocks - note that this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Summary of UVM Apple Cultivar Evaluation (1995 NE-183 planting):1998-2000
- Summary of UVM Apple Rootstock Evaluation (1992 NC-140 planting)
- Cold Hardiness -Horticulture Presentation 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)
- Scab-resistant Apple Cultivars
- Potential Apple Rootstocks for Vermont, prepared by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Potential Apple Cultivars for Vermont, prepared by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Evaluation of Scab Resistant cultivars (SRC) Final Report written in 1997 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 by Dr. David Rosenberger, 1995
- Rootstocks and Cultivars in Vermont Apple Orchards
Planting, Pruning
- Dr. Terence Robinson's 2006 VTFGA presentation on Modern Apple Training Systems- note that this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Pruning -Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia -; ; Cold Hardiness;Light Interception of Apple Tree Canopies; ;
- Topworking Apple Trees -Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Light Interception of Apple Tree Canopies -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)
- VIDEO: General Pruning Basics(University of Vermont)
- High Density Tall Spindle Apple Research and Demonstration
- Site Selection and Preparation in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Tree Training and Planting Systems in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Organic: Planting OrganicA Orchard 4: A High-Density Planting with Scab-Resistant Cultivars
- 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 - A step-by-step narrative. Top-grafting is the process of changing a tree from one cultivar to another by means of grafting. It is done in the spring, shortly before new growth starts.
Pollination, Thinning
- Presentation: Pollinator Protection Efforts in Vermont: UVM IPM Program & VT Pollinator Protection Committee. Lecture to Greater Cabot Working Landscape Committee, Cabot VT. 01/24/2019.
- VIDEO: Summer thinning(Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: Young thinning gauge(University of Massachusetts)
- Crop Load Management in Vermont Apple Orchards
Soil, Water, Nutrients
- Labs to send Soil and Leaf Samples for Analysis.(1) University of Maine Analytical Lab: http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/(2)University of Massachusetts Soil and Tissue Testing Lab: http://soiltest.umass.edu/ (3) Cornell Nutrient Analysis Lab: http://cnal.cals.cornell.edu/
- Dr. Renae Moran's 2010 VTFGA presentation on Apple Tree Nutrition
- Calcium Use in Apples -Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: Benefits of Mulching (University of Nebraska)
- VIDEO: Orchard soil health protocol (Cornell University)
- Orchard Nutrition prepared by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees in Vermont
- Groundcover Management in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Organic Matter: Fuel for Your Soil - Soil organic matter is the heart of a healthy productive soil. Fertility, water availability, susceptibility of erosion, soil compaction, and even resistance to disease all depend on soil organic matter!
- Organic: Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production -Organic Soil Health & Groundcover Management
Harvest
- VIDEO: How to harvest and store apples (University of Maine)
- VIDEO: Ripeness (University of Maine)
- Harvest and Postharvest Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards
Integrated Pest Management
General
- How to Use NEWA - An Instructional Video
- How to Use NEWA Printable Handout
- NEWA - Tools for IPM by Dr. Juliet Carroll, Cornell University, VTFGA/UVM Apple Workshop Presentation, Feb. 8, 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
- Organic: An Organic IPM Checklist for Vermont
- A Synopsis of Key Diseases Affecting Apples
- Pest Management Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Organic: Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production -Organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Insects
- 2018 IPM 'Quick' Summary for Monitoring Apple Arthropod Pests
- Brown Marmorated Stinkbug in Vermont
- Does Surround Have Non-target Impacts on New England Orchards?
- Fact Sheets with color pictures (NYS IPM Program website)
- Apple IPM Manual: A Guide for Sampling and Managing Major Apple Pests in New York State ( NYS IPM Program website)
- Additional pictures and information on Insect Pests of Apples (Website on the Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide)
- Semiochemicals and their Use in Mating Disruption,Dr. Douglas Pfeiffer, VPI
- Early Season Pests by Dr. Art Agnello, Cornell University, VTFGA/UVM Apple Workshop Presentation, Feb. 8, 2011
- Summer Pests by Dr. Art Agnello, Cornell University, VTFGA/UVM Apple Workshop Presentation, Feb. 8, 2011
- "OP Alternatives in Apple Arthropod Management" by Dr. Art Agnello, Cornell University,VTFGA/UVM AppleWorkshop Presentation, Feb. 26, 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-- Lorraine Berkett, Proceedings of the 2003 New England Fruit School and Trade Show,Jan. 8-9, 2003, Sturbridge, MA., Vol. 109.
- Link to 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 website)
- Index of Apple Disease photographs and biology (West Virginia University website)
- 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)
- Evaluation of Scab Resistant cultivars (SRC) Final Report written in 1997 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 by Dr. David Rosenberger, 1995
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,NYS IPM Program
- Predatory Mites , NYS IPM Program
- Beneficial Insects, 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 website)
- Aphid predator- lacewings ( Bio.Control:A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America website)
- Encouraging Biological Control in Vermont: The T.pyri Project, 1996-1997
- The T.pyri Project - 1998 Vermont Update
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 (from 1996/97 New England Apple Pest Management Guide)
- Organic: Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production -Organic Orchard Equipment
Organic
- Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production
- Apples: Organic Production Guide from the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural America (ATTRA)website.
- Considerations in Organic Apple Production from the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural America (ATTRA)website.
- Organic and Low Spray Apple Production from the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural America(ATTRA) website.
- What "Organically-Grown" Means -- according to the EPA
- The USDA National Organic Program website
- FYI - - Organic Programs from The Ohio State University Apple Disease Program. Please note that our pest complex and environmental conditions are somewhat different in Vermont but these programs offer information and insights on the challenges of arthropod and disease management.
Cider
- Fact Sheet: Long-Term Contracts in the UK Cider Industry -Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
- Fact Sheet: Cost of Production, Prices, and Economic Performance for the Cider Market in Vermont -Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
General
- Cider Research in the U.S.
- Cider Research at Washington State University
- Food Safety Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards
- Commercial Production of Unpasteurized and Fermented Ciders in Vermont 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.
Cider Maker and Grower Meeting
at Woodchuck Cidery, Middlebury VT -June 28, 2016
- Cider Apple Evaluations in Vermont-Terence Bradshaw, UVM Tree Fruit & Viticulture Specialist
- Growing Apples for the Cider Industry: Does the Math Add Up? -Florence Becot, UVM Dept Community Development & Applied Economics
- Developing Evaluation Programs to Improve cider Making -Chris Gerling, Cornell Enology Extension Laboratory, NYSAES, Geneva
Working Lands Enterprise Fund Project Meeting
at Vermont Hard Cider, Middlebury VT -March 30, 2015
- Cider Apple Research at UVM & other Land Grants -Terence Bradshaw, UVM Tree Fruit & Viticulture Specialist
- Market Opportunities and Challenges for Cider Apple Production in VT: Results from the 2014 WLEF Survey -Florence Becot, UVM Dept Community Development & Applied Economics
- The Cider Industry -Dan Rowell, VT Hard Cider Company
- Cider Apple Production: The U.K. Perspective -Neil MacDonald, Director, Orchard Groundworks, Somerset U.K.
- Basic Laboratory Analysis of Fruit for Cidermaking -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 -Moderated by Terence Bradshaw, UVM
Food Safety
- FDA website
- Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) General Information
- Succinct Guidance:
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
Small Entity Compliance Guide ( pdf file) - Safe Consumption of Apple Juice and Apple Cider -University of Georgia Extension
- Cornell National GAPs Program Educational Materials
- Food Safety Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards
Economics & Marketing
- Economic Significance of Organic FruitProduction in New England, the US, and the World
- Human Resource Considerations In Hiring by Jericho Bicknell,UVM Extension Risk Management Coordinator