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ALTERNATIVE CROPS FOR SUSTAINING THE TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY IN
THE NORTHEAST REGION


The following projects focus on the development of the Apricot and Sweet AND Tart Cherry as
potential high value crops that could be utilized by North Jersey growers to supplement the production
mix to increase profitability.

APRICOT ROOTSTOCK TRIAL
Established in 1994. Advanced selections of apricot rootstocks from NJAES and Washington State
breeding projects are being evaluated for adaptability to northwestern New Jersey. Identifying the
correct rootstock for apricot production in North Jersey is vital if this crop is to be successfully grown.
Preliminary observations indicate there is tremendous variation in tree performance and mortality with
various plant materials utilized as apricot rootstocks. NJPC 5 (PlumCot hybrid) is establishing itself as
the superior rootstock in this trial as to yield efficiency and survival. It does have a tendency to
overcrop itself and produce small fruit. The dwarfing tendency that this stock seems to posses may be
associated with scion incompatibility. Prunus armeniaca"Haggith" produced the largest average fruit
size in 1999, with an average of 58 gm/fruit. Prunus armeniaca"Haralayne" had the overall best
yields. A good understanding has been developed as to the compatibility between Apricot (Prunus
armeniaca
) and many of the other species within the same genus, as well as their susceptibility to
Phytophthora spp.Supported with Snyder farm local needs grants.
W. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, M. MALETTA, J. GOFFREDA, A. VORDECKER


APRICOT PRUNING AND GROWTH REGULATOR STUDY
Established in 1990 to help develop the apricot as a crop for New Jersey by identifying proper pruning
and other crop production practices. Two standard cultivars were pruned to two different systems-
central leader or open center-to determine best standard practice for apricots in northwestern New
Jersey. The use of growth regulators to delay bloom was also evaluated. Bloom has been delayed 3-5
days consistently with the use of Ethephon. This study was terminated in 1997. Data is being compiled
for publication. Supported with Snyder farm local needs grants.
W. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, W. TIETJEN, D. POLK, M. MALETTA, T. GIANGIFANGA


APRICOT CULTIVAR EVALUATION
Plantings established in 1990 and 1994. Development of the apricot as a crop for New Jersey by
identifying the best selections and named cultivars from the NJAES breeding program is the goal.
These advanced selections are being evaluated and compared with standard varieties for vigor, disease
resistance, cold hardiness, tree mortality, bloom date, fruit yield and quality. In 1999, for the second
season in a row, NJA 38 produced the largest fruit size and highest yields in the 1990 trial. Fruit
appearance for NJA 38 was good, but the fruit had marginal eating quality. NJA 82 produced the
largest fruit size in the 1994 trial, for 1999, with an average fruit size of 72.6 gm/fruit. NJA 69 and
C4-9-21 yielded the largest crops in 1999, while NJA 43 and D4-24 produced fruit with the highest
eating quality. Supported with Snyder farm local needs grants.
W. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, M. MALETTA, J. GOFFREDA, A. VORDECKER


SWEET CHERRY TRAINING SYSTEM
The Spanish Bush training system, an intensive production system, developed for sweet cherry
production on the West Coast is being evaluated for adaptability to New Jersey. The goal of the system
in to maintain a highly productive tree at a mature height of 8 feet. This system is well adapted for retail
and pick your own operations. Three cultivars on Mazzard and MxM2 rootstocks were established in
1995. The alternate production methods dictated by this system are proving advantageous to the arid
growing conditions of the Northeast by reducing disease pressure.


1999 North Jersey Tree Fruit Annual Report

9