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NCCC_OLD022: Small Fruit and Viticulture Research

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [09/05/2003] [02/09/2004] [05/19/2005] [12/22/2005]

Date of Annual Report: 09/05/2003

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/23/02 to 10/26/02
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2001 to 10/2002

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Introductory Comments and Welcome

    Dr. Stephen Stringer, the local host, welcomed the group and provided introductory comments on organizational details related to the meeting. Dr. James Spiers, Research Leader at the USDA-ARS Small Fruit Research Station in Poplarville, MS also welcomed the group and provided an overview of his station and the local horticulture industry.

    State Reports and Discussion of Cooperative Research Efforts

    Reports of research activities related to small fruit and viticulture were presented by representatives from Arkansas, California, Guelph, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington and USDA. A lively discussion of the results of cooperative research projects, evaluation of new germplasm, plans for joint evaluation tests and weather and crop conditions ensued.

    Dr. David Himelrick, Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture at LSU gave a keynote address on the unique aspects of small fruit production in the deep south. Cultural practices, disease and pest problems and climatic conditions affecting production were highlighted. The presentation led to significant discussion. David also discussed journals that were relevant to the group along with a discussion of upcoming scientific meetings that would be appropriate.

    An Entomology Workshop was conducted on Thursday evening. It was led by Dr. Jim Cane, Professor and USDA Scientist at Utah State University and Dr. Blair Sampson, USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS.

    NCR 22 Business Meeting Minutes  October 25 2002

    Dr. Steve Stringer thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting. The first topic focused on GMOs. Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie requested the groups comments and opinions regarding the NCR 22s GMO position statement letter regarding small fruits. Dr. Perkins-Veazie then proceeded to read aloud the position statement to the group. Drs. Clark, Finn, Dale, Schereens and Perkins-Veazie discussed the issue, the contents of the letter, who might receive this statement and the intended outcome of this action.
    Dr. Marvin Pritts suggested that we would like to see the benefits of GMOs to be spread widely. They should provide public benefit, not just industry support. Previous research such as that on herbicide resistance doesnt really help the consumer. We need to ask who is benefiting. Dr. Finn noted that it is important to recognize the value of GMOs as a research tool. A decision was made to circulate the letter to the membership via e-mail and allow the members to indicate their support or opposition for this statement. Based on the outcome of this vote and the quorum rule and letter indicating the consensus view of the group would be produced.

    Dr. Brent Black requested the discussion shift to the topic of the ASHS small fruit and viticulture work group. Each of the various work groups will choose a workshop topic to sponsor for next years meeting. Dr. Fumi Takeda suggested a workshop regarding how nursery practices impact the grower. Dr. Takeda has interest in the area, suggested that it would be interesting to have people come together and talk about nursery impacts on grower fields. Discussion could include issues relating to elevation, growth regulators, plug plants, photoperiod, and pathology. Dr. Black asked whether anyone had any comments or suggestions for alternate workshop topics? Without any objections, he will submit it as a workshop topic.

    It was brought up that the next ASHS meeting will highlight the history of horticulture for the 100th anniversary; past, present and future. Dr. Black asked who should represent small fruits? Dr. Finn suggested either Jim Moore or Jim Ballington. Dr. Black suggested Jim Hancock due to his recent writings on the history of strawberry. Dr. Adam Dale suggested Hugh Daubney. Tom Sjulin was also suggested as a speaker as were Jules Janick and Norm Childers.

    The location of next years meeting was discussed. Numerous suggestions for the dates and location of future meetings ensued. The group will meet in California in 2003, Indiana in 2004 and at Geneva, New York in 2005.

    Dr. Ehlenfeldt noted that it has been about 10 years since Dr. Moores survey of the blueberry industry and suggested it might be time to do this again. He indicated that the previous paper was widely cited and used. Two publications might be appropriate; one dealing with cultivar increases and decreases, and a second regarding culture practices and problems. Dr. Eric Hanson reported that MSU is in the process of working on something locally. The issue of where such a survey should be published and whether it should include other crops was discussed. Dr. Bernadine Strict suggested publication in Fruit Varieties Journal would be appropriate because it included multiple geographic regions and good detail. Dr. Adam Dale noted that past information had come from a series of workshops.
    Dr. Himelrick suggested Small Fruits Journal, since it is very flexible. Dr. Ehlenfeldt suggested that the group should consult with Dr. John Clark about how the original survey was developed before proceeding.

    The attendees thanked Dr. Stephen Stringer for organizing a fine meeting. Thanks were also extended to Angie Nodurft for her efforts on behalf of the group. Dr Stringer adjourned the meeting.

    Two optional tours were arranged by the hosts. One was to the Stennis Space Center and the second to the USDA-ARS Small Fruit Research Center in Poplarville and the Wiggins Mississippi facility.


    URL: Copy of minutes

    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 02/09/2004

    Report Information:
  • (STILL IN DRAFT VERSION)
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/28/03 to 10/31/03
  • Period the Report Covers: 01/2003 to 12/2003

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    NCR-22 Committee on Small Fruit and Viticulture Research and Extension

    2003 Annual Meeting Minutes, Aptos, CA October 28-31, 2003

    Presiding: Tom Sjulin, Driscolls Strawberry Associates
    Administrative advisor: Marvin Pritts, Cornell University (for Ed Ashworth, Purdue University)
    Recording secretary: , Purdue University

    Attending: Dan Barney, University of Idaho; Brent Black, USDA-ARS Beltsville; Mark Bolda, University of California CES; Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University; Patrick Buyers, Southwest Missouri State University; Brian Caster, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Fred Cook, Driscolls Strawberry Associates, Joanne Coss, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Beth Crandall, private consultant; Adam Dale, University of Guelph; Kathy Demchak, Penn State University; Mark Ehlenfeldt, USDA-ARS; Carlos Fear, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Oregon State University; Joe Fiola, University of Maryland; Brian Hamilton, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Jim Hancock, Michigan State University; Eric Hanson, Michigan State University; Rick Harrison, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Kim Hummer, USDA-NCGR, Corvallis; Andrew Jamieson, Agriculture Canada, Kentville; Sorkel Kadir, Kansas State University; Chaim, Kempler, Agriculture Canada, PARC, B.C.; Kirk Larson, UC-Davis SCFS; Dan Legard, California Strawberry Commission; Kim Lewers, USDA-ARS Beltsville; Jim Luby, University of Minnesota; Bob Martin, USDA-ARS, Corvallis; Ray Mock, USDA-ARS Beltsville; Patrick Moore, Washington State University; Bruce Mowrey, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University; Gary Pavlis, Rutgers University; Barclay Poling, North Carolina State University; Marvin Pritts, Cornell University; Paul Reed, University of Nebraska; Elsa Sanchez, Pennsylvania State University, Doug Shaw, UC-Davis, Gavin Sills, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Tom Sjulin, Driscolls Strawberry Associates; Robert Skirvin, University of Illinois, Brian Smith, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Eric Stafne, University of Arkansas; Bernadine Strik, Oregon State University; Steve Stringer, USDA-ARS Stoneville, MS; Harry Swartz, University of Maryland/5 Aces; Fumi Takeda, USDA-ARS Kerneysville; Michele Warmund, University of Missouri; Courtney Weber, Cornell University.

    Introductory Comments and Welcome, October 28, 2003

    Dr. Tom Sjulin, the local host, welcomed the group and provided introductory comments on organizational details related to the meeting. Driscolls Strawberry Associates generously provided an open bar for the social hour leading to buffet dinner. The evening program included an overview of the California strawberry industry trends by Carlos Fear, Driscolls, a presentation by Dan Legard, California Strawberry Commission, an overview of blueberry production in California by Brian Caster of Driscolls, and an overview of strawberry breeding and cultivar development at UC-Davis by Doug Shaw.

    State Reports and Discussion of Cooperative Research Efforts, October 29-30, 2003

    "State reports" of research activities related to small fruit and viticulture were presented by representatives from Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, USDA-ARS NCGR Corvallis, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, USDA-ARS, Kerneysville, USDA-ARS Poplarville, and Ontario and British Columbia Canada

    A lively discussion of the results of cooperative research projects, evaluation of new germplasm, plans for joint evaluation tests and weather and crop conditions ensued. General discussion focused on genetic modification of plants, chilling hour models, blueberry fertility, and strawberry anthracnose.

    Cooperative research efforts facilitated by NCR-22 collaboration are listed below.

    NCR 22 Business Meeting Minutes  October 30, 2003

    The business meeting was convened at 10:50 am after the conclusion of state reports. Hancock moved and Dale seconded approval of the minutes of the 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Marvin Pritts reported that the administrative paperwork is up to date, but that a report needed to be filled following the 2003 meeting. The location of future meetings was discussed. It was unanimously agreed that the 2003 meeting would be "a hard act to follow" and the group thanked Tom Sjulin and the entire Driscolls staff for their generous hospitality and excellent planning. Numerous suggestions for the dates and locations of future meetings ensued. The group decided to meet in Indiana in 2004, on October 20-23 with the venue being an Indianapolis-West Lafayette combination. Additional meetings were planned for Geneva, New York in 2005, Puyallup, Washington in 2006, Penn State in 2007, NC State in 2008, Ontario in 2009, and back again in sunny California in 2010. Barney moved and Black seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. A discussion ensued regarding invitation to others in small fruit and viticulture research and extension to join the group. There have been some new hires in recent years that have not been invited to participate in NCR-22. It was suggested that it would be appropriate to check with the Experiment Station Director before extending an invitation. Funding for travel is generally covered by the Experiment Station at each university for one representative to the group.

    Additional items of interest were: 1. Fiola announced finding a new borer pest of black raspberry. 2. Strik announced the location of the International Vaccinium congress in Portugal and that she was preparing an update on the North American blueberry industry and asked state specialists to contact her regarding the blueberry industry in their states. 3. Announcement of the upcoming North American Strawberry Conference and option to combine with NASGA in 2006. 4. Pavlis reported that he had a SARE grant for an Advanced Blueberry School for Extension Educators and Specialists March 31  April 2, 2004. 5. Hummer announced the International Rubus and Ribes Symposium in 2005 would be in Chile. After no further announcements, Chad Finn moved for adjournment and the group unanimously seconded the motion.

    Optional Tours and Activities:

    Tom Sjulin and his group from Driscolls Strawberry Associates were outstanding hosts for the 2003 meeting. They organized three optional tours that were attended by almost all members. The first was a tour of wild strawberry sites along the Pacific Coast, with stops at Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Scotts Creek, and Pigeon Point. The group hiked out across the sand dunes to view wild F. chiloensis and elephant seals. An impromptu discussion broke out with a local tour guide, who was amazed to meet so many plant breeders on an elephant seal tour. The group moved on to Pigeon Point Lighthouse and witnessed a beautiful sunset on the Pacific before departing for Duartes Tavern in Pascadero. The group was its usually rowdy self and enjoyed much laughter and great food.

    The following morning the group left Aptos for a tour of strawberry production and research in the Watsonville area. The groups first stop was at Monterey Bay Academy to view methyl bromide alternative research, which was supported by the California Strawberry Commission. Luis Guerrero, CSC and Steve Fennimore, UC-Davis gave presentations. The next stop was at Hudson Ranch Royal Oaks Farm, a Driscoll contract grower, to view commercial production fields. An untimely rain the evening before had muddied the fields, but the hardy group was unaffected as they roamed the rows in search of edible fruits. Unfortunately the bus wasnt so lucky as large masses of mud clung to the shoes of the riders. But the tour went on. The next stop was at Driscolls Watsonville precooling facility to view the plant trimming operation. The group was truly amazed at the efficiency of the process and basically got in the way of the hardy workers, likely costing Driscolls several hundred dollars worth of lost production. A walk across the parking lot lead to the strawberry research facility to view summer and winter planted strawberry trials and more mud. A short trip led to the Cassin Ranch, the original Driscolls property, which is home to Driscolls Sweetbriar Development research facility. The group was given a tour of the bramble tissue culture facility. Luckily the hosts had "shoe nets" as the muddied group was in no condition to enter the clean facility. After presentations and demonstrations the group walked out the view commercial red raspberry harvest in high tunnels. A wonderful lunch of Mexican fare was served complete with cold malted beverages. Following lunch, the group dwindled to a smaller subset for the Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries tour for the afternoon. Abandoning their muddied bus and bidding farewell to those departing, the subset pressed on in their smaller, lighter bus for the mountain terrain. Its a good thing, too, because the road up to Boony Doon Winery and down the other side of the Coastal Range to Hallcrest Winery was almost too much for the small bus, which arrived at Hallcrest with smoking breaks. Luckily the damage was not severe and the group made it back to Aptos safely later that evening. All in all, it was one of the best NCR-22 meetings in memory, with great attendance (50 researchers representing 19 states, 4 USDA-ARS facilities, and 2 Canadian provinces).

    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 05/19/2005

    Report Information:
  • (STILL IN DRAFT VERSION)
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/20/04 to 10/23/04
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2003 to 10/2004

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    2004 NCR-22 Business Meeting Minutes NCR-22 Small Fruit and Viticulture Regional Research Committee Meeting Held October 20-22, 2004, Indianapolis, IN

    Presiding: Dr. Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Administrative Advisor: Dr. Ed Ashworth, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN Secretary: Dr. Courtney Weber, Cornell University, NYSAES, Geneva, NY

    Introductory Comments and Welcome: Marion County Cooperative Extension Office, 6640 Intech Boulevard, Suite 120. Intech Park is located just off I-465 at North 71st Street. The Marion Co. Extension office is in one of the many buildings in the development. Refer to the attached map for details.

    Dr. Bordelon greeted members and provided introductory comments, after which members introduced themselves.

    Dr. Tom Bewick, the USDA National Program Leader for Horticulture presented information regarding the National Horticulture Research Initiative being developed. Priorities of the program were presented including sustainable production, germplasm enhancement, rural development/diversity/profitability, labor issues, and healthy living. A discussion ensued on possible advisory members of the committee including possibly members of the NCR-22 committee and industry representatives including Driscoll Strawberry Associates and the North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA). It was agreed that Dr. Ashworth would draft a letter from the committee in support of the initiative.

    A keynote address was presented by Jules Janick, Distinguished Professor of Horticulture, Purdue University on art history and horticulture. He presented a wide array of historical and contemporary connections between the art world and horticulture.

    Old Business

    The 2003 minutes were circulated and approved. Collaborations among NCR-22 members was also compiled by Dr. Bordelon and presented with the minutes. More than 100 collaborative projects and publications were listed for 2003.

    New Business A change of the committees name from North Central Region (NCR) to the North Central Coordinating Committee (NCCC) was discussed at the behest of the Experiment Station Directors. The goal of the committee would be to address critical needs within a function of multi-state coordination. John Clark moved that we become NCCC-22, seconded by Bob Skirvin followed by unanimous approval by the committee.

    The current status of the committee was presented showing that it is renewed until 2006. Renewal after that requires a review, which will be developed by recent meeting hosts including Marvin Pritts (2005), Bruce Bordelon (2004), Courtney Weber (2005), and Pat Moore (2006). As part of the review, history of the committee with be put together with help from Gail Nonnecke who has past directors records and Ed Ashworth.

    Future NCR-22 meeting locations were reconfirmed with Cornell University at Geneva in 2005 (Weber and Pritts), Washington State University at Puyallup in 2006 (Moore), Pennsylvania State University in 2007 (Demchak), North Carolina State University in 2007 (Fernandez and Ballington), Ontario, Canada in 2009 and California in 2010 .

    Additional items included a reminder of the International Rubus-Ribes Symposium set for late November early December 2005 in Chile.

    It was suggested that the 2005 meeting be preceded by a pre-conference workshop. Suggested topic included genomics of Fragaria and/or Rubus, a tour of the Plant Genetic Resources Unit in Geneva, health benefits and phytochemical components of small fruits. It was suggested that the workshop last 3-4 hours on Oct. 26, possibly from 1-5 pm.

    The committee requested a letter be sent to Purdue University administrators acknowledging Bruce Bordelons efforts in hosting this years meeting.

    Optional Tour- Dow AgroSciences, Indianapolis, IN October 22, 2005

    Approximately 15 members of the committee visited the Dow AgroSciences headquarters located only minutes away from our meeting location. In Indianapolis. A tour of the facilities was provides with a discussion of the industry approach to product development, testing, etc. Dow AgroSciences in involved in pesticide development and testing as well as plant breeding, biotechnology, and metabolic profiling, as well as other areas of agricultural research.

    Accomplishments:
    Due to the interaction on the committee, a joint breeding program for primocane fruiting blackberries was initiated in 2004. It is led by Dr. John Clark at the University of Arkansas with Dr. Jim Luby at the University of Minnesota and Dr. Courtney Weber at Cornell University. The goal of the program is to identify broader regional adaptation of this exciting new blackberry type, which would enable blackberry production in most regions of the U.S.

    Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie analyzed fruit of raspberry cultivars grown in New York by Dr. Courtney Weber at Cornell University and Dr. Pat Moore at Washington State University over 2 years. Differences between samples are being examined to identify environmental effects on phytochemical and antioxidant levels.

    Multiple institutions associated with NCR-22 are cooperating on a grant from the USDA on Methyl Bromide Alternatives USDA grant - examining soil management practices and cultivar selection to compare with methyl bromide fumigation in strawberries. Michigan State Univ. (Dr. Jim Hancock, Dr. Annemiek Schilder) and USDA-ARS (Dr. Bill Turechek, Dr. Brent Black) and Cornell Univ. (Dr. Marvin Pritts).

    Dr. Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, NDSU, Bruce Bordelon, Purdue University, Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University are working on a joint project Sustainable weed management systems for improving soil quality in Midwest viticulture.

    A comprehensive evaluation of the potential of elderberry as a new crop in diversified operations is being led by Dr. Patrick Byers, Southwest Missouri State University, and Dr. Andrew Thomas, University of Missouri in cooperation with Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR. They are evaluating cultural practices, native germplasm, and cultivars to more fully utilize this high value and highly nutritious crop.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The collaborative testing of new cultivars and advanced selections of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry in all regions of the U.S. has been facilitated by the NCR-22 committee. Researchers in Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, California, and New Jersey evaluate the regional adaptation of new cultivars to provide producers with relevant information
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 12/22/2005

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 10/26/05 to 10/28/05
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2004 to 09/2005

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Introductory Comments and Welcome: The NCCC-22 meeting was immediately preceded by the National Berry Crop Initiative Strategic Planning Workshop (October 25-26). The program of this workshop was organized by Tom Bewick, USDA-CSREES. The local host was Courtney Weber of Cornell University and the NYSAES.

    Dr. Courtney Weber greeted members and provided introductory comments, after which members introduced themselves. Dr. Alan Taylor, Chair of the Department of Horticultural Science at the NYSAES also welcomed the group and provided an overview of the department and the Geneva Experiment Station.

    Old Business The 2004 minutes were circulated electronically prior to the meeting and approved. Appropriate paperwork has been submitted and approved to change the committees name from North Central Region (NCR) to the North Central Coordinating Committee (NCCC). The goal of the committee is to address critical needs within a function of multi-state coordination

    New Business A sub-committee composed of Marvin Pritts, Bruce Bordelon, Courtney Weber, and Pat Moore put together the proposal to renew NCCC-22 for another 5-year period. The renewal document was approved by the membership. Members were encouraged by Ed Ashworth, administrative advisor to file an updated Appendix E and get approval from their SAES to continue their participation in the project. Non-SAES members were encouraged to continue their participation and the mechanism for these individuals to continue their affiliation was discussed.

    Future NCC-22 meeting locations were reconfirmed with Washington State University at Puyallup in 2006 (Moore), Pennsylvania State University in 2007 (Demchak), North Carolina State University in 2007 (Fernandez and Ballington), Ontario, Canada in 2009 and California in 2010 . The plan is to have the 2006 meeting in the Bellingham or Lynden, Washington area. This is the area where most of the berry growers in Washington are located. The meeting will be planned to begin the evening of October 24 and end October 26 (possibly with a field tour) and October 27 being a travel day.

    The possibility of renewing the practice of compiling a book of the state reports was discussed at length. A trial of electronic copies of reports was recommended. The submission of electronic versions would be optional and would be in addition to the paper copies currently submitted. Willing cooperators would bring an electronic copy of their report and it would be loaded onto a common computer. Later in the meeting those desiring an electronic version could copy the reports onto a CD or drive. This will be tried in 2006.

    It was requested a letter be sent to Cornell University administrators acknowledging Courtney Webers efforts in hosting this years meeting.

    Optional Tours of the NYSAES and local wineries were held on Friday afternoon and Saturday.

    Summary of NCCC-22 Activities in 2005

    State Reports Reports of small fruit research and industry activities were presented by representatives from Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and USDA.

    Accomplishments:

    Impact Statements:
    1. NCCC22 participants developed new small fruit cultivars and also tested the adaptability of newly released cultivars in fruit growing regions across the US and into parts of Canada. The information was distributed to growers and other stakeholders. New cultivars improve production efficiency and economic return to the industry.
    2. NCCC22 participants investigated new small fruit production techniques. This information was distributed to stakeholders through the joint publication of production guides and through extension services in each state.
    Last Modified: unknown
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