Abstract
‘Harrrow Diamond’ is an attractive, cold-hardy, productive, peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] that ripens 1 day before ‘Candor’ and ‘Earlired’ and is being introduced for the early fresh market. The name was chosen to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Harrow Research Station. ‘Harrow Diamond’ has performed better than ‘Candor’ or ‘Earlired’ at Harrow. It is more cold-hardy, productive, vigorous and resistant to perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.) than ‘Candor’, and is more productive and substantially more resistant to split pits than ‘Earlired’. It is more resistant to flesh browning than ‘Candor’ or ‘Earlired’.
Educational and research opportunities utilizing native plant species are being developed by the LSU Agricultural Center through the recent establishment of a native plant arboretum at the Calhoun Research Station. Plants indigenous to Louisiana and surrounding states are being collected and planted in the arboretum for evaluation of potential values for landscaping, in food industries, and/or wildlife management. Native trees being studied include species of oak (Quercus), maple (Acer), hickory (Carya), and dogwood (Cornus). Lesser known species of holly (Ilex) and hawthorn (Crataegus), are being evaluated for commercial production and landscape potential. Fruit being collected for field orchard studies include mayhaw (Crataegus opaca), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and several native plums (Prunus spp.).
Abstract
Approximately 80% of the seedlings of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and 55% of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] fruited the 2nd year after seed harvest when grown rapidly at densities of 16 plants/m2 for blueberry and 8 plants/m2 for peach. This permits roguing of plants on the basis of fruit characters in the 2nd year from seed harvest (24 months) and evaluation of remaining plants the following year. The fruiting nursery system, based on intensive care of seedlings at ultrahigh densities to achieve rapid growth, is suggested to improve breeding efficiency.
Nearly 5000 seedling trees representing more than 100 peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] and plum (Prunus spp.) lines were planted at a 4 × 0.6-m spacing in Jan. 1983, on a site with a known history of peach tree short life (PTSL) and Armillaria root rot (ARR). Trees were arranged in a randomized complete-block with eight replicates of six trees each. Beginning in Spring 1984 and each year thereafter the cause of tree death was determined. At the end of 9 years, 50% of the trees had succumbed to PTSL and 35% had been killed by ARR apparently caused by Armillaria tabescens. Analysis of the data for trees killed by ARR showed a wide range in mortality, some peach lines appeared significantly more tolerant to ARR than others. Plum lines derived from native North American species also appeared to be a potential source of improved tolerance. We did not establish whether ARR tolerance is affected by PTSL.
Trials were established at Aula Dei Experimental Station (EEAD-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain) to assess graft compatibility between peach cultivars [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] and new Prunus spp. rootstocks or selections. Peach cvs. `Catherina' and `Tebana' and nectarine cvs. `Big Top' and `Summergrand' were grafted on peach seedlings, plum rootstocks, almond × peach hybrids, and other interspecific rootstocks. Part of the evaluated material belongs to the EEAD-CSIC selection program, which has showed good adaptation to Mediterranean growing conditions. Other rootstocks such as Bruce, Evrica, Hiawatha, Ishtara, Tetra, and Krymsk-1 have been recently introduced in Spain. A peach and a plum source, GF 677 and Adesoto 101, respectively, were used as compatible reference rootstocks. Both are widely used for peach and nectarine production in the Mediterranean area.
Producers in the central United States are showing considerable interest in growing alternative crops such as specialty forest products for food, herbal medicinal, decorative floral and craft markets. Crops showing particular promise are shrubs and trees that produce decorative woody stems such as curly willow (Salix matsudana), scarlet curls willow (S. matsudana `Scarlet Curls'), french `Scarlet Curls'), french pussy willow (S. caprea), red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), and branches of flowering trees and shrubs, including apple (Malus spp.), cherry (spp.), cherry (Prunus spp.), and forsythia (Forsythia spp.). spp.). The objectives of this study were to 1) determine yields and performance of 10 woody plant cultivars used in the floral industry, and planted in an alley-cropping configuration, and 2) quantify wholesale prices, establishment and maintenance costs, management and harvest labor inputs, and financial returns by cultivar. Production and performance data are derived from a 40-acre (16.2-ha) alleycropping trial in Nebraska containing 10 species or cultivars of shrubs that produce woody florals. Results are based on two harvests that commenced two and three growing seasons after establishment. Harvested woody stem size and quality were measured and determined, and sold to wholesale florists to determine prices and identify buyer requirements. Annual gross financial returns ranged from a high of $24.94/plant for scarlet curls willow to a low of $0.63/plant for bloodtwig dogwood (C. sanguinea var. atrosanguinea), while net returns per plant for these species ranged from a positive $17.46 to a loss of $1.30. Financial returns varied among species and cultivars due to the combined effects of annual marketable stem production, harvesting and processing labor requirements, and price/stem. Stem production increased over time due to subsequent coppicing of harvested plants. Overall findings indicate that commercial production of selected cultivars of woody florals in an alleycropping arrangement can be a profitable alternative to using conventional woody species.
), 2006 ], accounting for 47% of the world production. Plums belong to the genus Prunus . There are two important plum types: European plum ( Prunus domestica , 2n = 6x = 48) and Chinese plum-types, including both pure Chinese plum ( Prunus salicina , 2
Abstract
The influence of peach seedling rootstocks on natural incidence and severity of perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.) on the peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cvs. Babygold 5, Redhaven, and Loring) was determined in their 8th year. Ratings of natural incidence and severity of canker usually were lowest on trees of these cultivars on Harrow Blood and highest on Rutgers Red Leaf rootstocks. Rootstocks influenced numbers and size of cankers on the trunks and crotches of ‘Babygold 5’ and on the main scaffolds of ‘Redhaven’. The influence of Harrow Blood rootstock on promoting a lower incidence and severity of canker was postulated to be caused by its known effect on enhancement of stem hardiness of peach cultivars.
Abstract
‘Harglow’ is an attractive, high-quality, medium-sized apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) introduced in 1982 for the Ontario fresh market but also suitable for commercial processing and for home preserves. The tree is cold-hardy, late-blooming, moderately productive, and tolerant to perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.). The fruit are resistant to brown rot [Moniliniafructicola (Wint.) Honey] and bacterial spot [Xanthomonas pruni (E.F. Sm.) Dows.], and moderately resistant to skin cracking and preharvest drop. They ripen in the midseason; 6 and 3 days, respectively, after ‘Goldcot’ and ‘Veecot’ and about 3 Aug. at Harrow. ‘Harglow’ is adapted to regions of southern Ontario where apricots are grown successfully. Early reports of its performance in Michigan and Pennsylvania are promising.
Abstract
‘Harlayne’ is an exceptionally cold-hardy, productive, late season apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) suitable for the fresh market and for processing. The trees are vigorous, hardy, productive, and tolerant to perennial canker (Leucostoma spp.). The fruits are resistant to bacterial spot (Xanthomonas pruni (E. F. Sm.) Dows.) and brown rot (Monilinia fructicola [Wint.] Honey) but moderately susceptible to skin cracking if subject to heavy rains near harvest maturity. ‘Harlayne’ ripens 8 days after ‘Veecot’ and 4 days after ‘Harogem’ in the late season. It is a good dual purpose type being well-suited for the fresh market, home canning and appears suitable for commercial processing. The fruits will keep for about a week at room temperature and 2 to 3 weeks in a refrigerated storage. ‘Harlayne’ will extend the apricot season in Southwestern Ontario by about one week.