Woodbine Orchards
THE HORTICULTURE TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER is published yearly by the Maryland State Horticultural Society in cooperation with University of Maryland Extension. Maryland State Horticultural Society (MSHS) Contact: Robert E. Black 15308 Kelbaugh Road Thurmont, MD 21788 Phone: 240-409-7491 E-mail: HBGala@aol.com MSHA Officers: President: John Fendrick 1st Vice President: Molly Brumbley 2nd Vice President: Brad Miller, Secretary: Bryan Butler Assistant Secretary: Joe Fiola, Ph. D. Treasurer: Robert E. Black Board Members: Stephen Blades, Jay Milburn, Jake Moore, and Washington White
Photo by: Carol Allen
2019 MSHS Summer Tour Tour organized by Chris Walsh, Kathy Hunt & Susan Barnes of the University of Maryland
If you missed the 2019 Summer Tour on July 10, you missed a day of fun, education, and camaraderie. Though hot, the erratic summer weather cooperated and the participants enjoyed bright blue skies. We started our day with three lectures held at the Virginia Tech Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural and Research Extension Center. Over coffee, bagels, and fruit (thanks to Page Hargett of Farm Credit, again!), we listened to Chris Bergh, Professor of Entomology, give an update on the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) population and biocontrol. While local populations have declined, other parts of the country still see heavy predation by BMSB in orchards. Dr. Bergh and his team worked with the parasitoid, Trissolcus japonicus in both lab and field trials. T. japonicus lays its eggs in the eggs of the BMSB preventing hatch of the pest. Of particular interest was the field work done in stands of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) determining the canopy range of both BMSB and T. japonicus activity.
Virginia Tech Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural and Research Extension Center Vineyard. Tremain Hatch, Viticulture Research Technician spoke on the progress of their grape trials. Photo by: Carol Allen
Keith Yoder, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology, brought us up to date on his work looking at the association of Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV) and the incidence of incompatibility between Geneva root stocks and various scion wood. His trials are planted in non-fumigated soils where the dagger nematode (Xiphinema americanum) is known to exist. Populations of ToRSV are believed to survive in weeds such as dandelion (Taraxacum spp.) and are vectored by the dagger nematode into the susceptible rootstock, resulting in damaging necrosis. We then adjourned to the top of the hill and listened to Tremain Hatch, Viticulture Research Technician, speak on the progress of their grape trials. They have been working with the technique of leaf pulling to enhance the amount of sun exposure to the fruit. This increased sunlight improves red color development, concentrates sugar production, and prevents ripe rots. In another section of vines, plastic was used as a rain shield and yet still allow for sun exposure. Again this is in an effort to minimize ripe rot. Woodbine Orchards was our next stop. There we were treated to a wagon tour of the orchards hosted by Carol Swanson and Mike Smith, orchard manager. Of particular interest was the incidence of tree failure due to graft incompatibility. Chris Walsh and Bill Mackintosh (Macintosh Fruit Farm) spoke on the general brittleness of Geneva rootstocks and the incidence of loss simply due to wind. This incompatibility of scions to Geneva rootstock was found to vary depending on the variety used. One tree in particular was examined. This was a Crips Pink grafted on to a G41 root stock. From the picture it can be noted only a small portion of living wood remained. As we toured the acres of fruit crops the subject of deer management was discussed. Currently Woodbine Orchards is using a variety of detergents, soaps and/or Milorganite hung in bags at the head of each row.
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