2019 MSHS Summer Tour Highlights

Woodbine Orchards

Photo by: Carol Allen

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

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.

Box lunches were served at West Oaks Farm Market in an outdoor pavilion situated at the crest of a rise. Though the day was warm, the positioning of the structure allowed for natural ventilation and beautiful views of the hills and fields. Levi & Joe Snapp spoke a bit about the pavilion being part of a complex of newer structures they have built on this Century Farm. West Oaks Farm has been in the same family for ten generations and dates back to 1752! Though they have an impressive history, this generation has embraced diversity and highlights not only the spacious outdoor pavilion, but also a large indoor wedding/meeting venue and an impressive farm market. The market features a wide range of local products including meats, produce, cider, wine, and alpaca fiber products. They bake on site, as well as have grilling and cooking facilities providing a wide selection of menu options.

Levi & Joe also talked about their success with pick-your-own strawberries and their plans for PYO apples. We had gathered next to a beautiful young orchard that should be ready to harvest in the next growing season or so. There are acres of mature apple trees that are harvested for their two farm markets as well as for wholesale. PYO pumpkins will complete the season for what is evolving as a destination family venue. There are also plans for a sixacre corn maze that Levi estimates will take a customer over an hour to complete. With this farm moving to more PYO produce, the challenges of dealing with in field marketing and cashier placement issues were discussed. The concept of a pre-paid box was favored as it would reduce the need for as many in-field cashiers and better control over product shrinkage.

Some of the group then ventured on to Arterra Wines in Delaplane, VA. A tour of the vineyard with wine tasting after was offered by owner Jason Murray. Arterra (Art of the Land) offers niche market wines, fermented using natural yeast in small batches. No chemicals are used to manipulate the natural flavors of the wines produced. During the tour of the vineyard, Jason described the soils in his two growing areas and how growing for a nonchemical fermentation challenges the grower. For instance, no fungicide sprays are used 4-6 weeks before harvest. Fungicide residue would kill the naturally occurring yeasts.

White Red Some of the wines featured (and tasted) were:

2018 Roussanne 2017 Chardonnay 2018 Rose'

2016 Cabernet Franc 2016 Petit Verdot 2016 Tannat

Sweet

Blueberry apple wine Apple wine

The Tannat was described by connoisseurs to be both a wine that is favored by the growing conditions of the area and one that Arterra does exceptionally well. The attending fruit growers were pleased to see an offering of two fruit wines. This provided a sweet ending to a very informative and enjoyable day.

Crisps Pink shows its general brittleness of Geneva rootstocks photo by: Carol Allen

West Oaks Farm Market

Photo by: Carol Allen

Jason Murray, Owner of Arterra Wines described the soils in his two growing areas. Photo by: Carol Allen

PASSAGES

Richard Masser passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. He was an owner of Scenic View Orchards in Sabillasville, MD. To view his obituary you can go to www.fredericknewspost.com/ obituaries/richard-masser/ article_911e17ff-8880-53e3- ac37-4ef0da70e338.html

Timothy “Tim” Weiser passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Tim was the owner of Weiser’s Greenhouse and Weiser Orchards. To view his obituary you can go to https:// www.duganfh.com/obituaries/ Timothy--L-Weiser? obId=8753145#/obituaryInfo