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The article looks at how King Orchards in Central Lake, Michigan is using dwarfing high-density systems to increase the yields of sweet cherries.

The tallest specimens of those two species could be stacked on top of each other and still not reach the documented height of one sweet cherry tree found in a forest in France that reached 127 feet tall! 3 2 | AMERICAN FRUIT GROWER A ND WESTERN FRUIT GROWER | May 2021 O NE OF THE great challenges for optimizing cherry tree training in an orchard context is the fact that, in nature, sweet cherry is a forest tree species. [Extracted from the article]

Features several fruit varieties from various nurseries in the U.S. Fuji apples from Adams County Nursery; Spring Flame peaches from Burchell Nursery; Royal Rainier cherries from Dave Wilson Nursery; Chardonnay grapes from Duarte Nursery.

The article examines the Super Slender Axe (SSA) fruiting wall alternative to the Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO) I for cherry production.

The article talks about the structure of canopy of sweet cherry plants effecting its production. It states that cherry trees having maximum foliage at the top provides enough shade for the baby plant to nourish beneath in groves, however making it difficult for harvesting. It notes that dwarfism in cherry plants help pruning and high productivity at a young age but the fruit size is sacrificed.

The article discusses the incidence of fruit cracking while growing sweet cherries and recommends protective covers, highlighting the high tunnel covering structure. Exploring the marketing opportunities and returns on investment are recommended. Topics discussed include crop damage from rain, use of plastic materials for building tunnels and orchard drainage systems. Weather conditions needed for cherry tree are mentioned. Canopy structures, cherry training and light interception are noted.

The article focuses on the top fruit growers and fruit operations which lead the industry in different ways. Jackson Farms in Kingsburg, California applies alternatives to farm management while growing and harvesting cherries and peaches. Wafler Farms in Wolcott, New York develops a platform technology which makes it lead the mechanization revolution in the state. Hollabaugh Bros., in Biglerville, Pennsylvania promotes modern production systems and incorporates mechanization.

The article discusses the control of bacterial canker in sweet cherries through pruning techniques and bacterides. Symptoms of bacterial canker include spur blight, blossom blast, fruit spots and leaf spots. Studies show that applications of copper in fall and spring to reduce epiphytic populations of bacteria are not as effective in preventing canker. Results also indicated that pruning after harvest led to the lowest amount of canker progress down the plants' stubs.

The article highlights a Michigan State University (MSU) research on growing high-density tart cherries. The goal of the research was to find a way for growers to harvest trees earlier than the traditional five to seven years. The MSU researchers planted a high-density Montmorency block in spring 2010 that was added by four Montmorency planted on its own roots. The Tart Cherry Advisory Committee confirmed that fruits grown by the researchers have promise for commercial marketing.

The article discusses the features of the micro-perforated bio-based containers, a type of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). It elaborates on the study led by Assistant professor Eva Almenar of Michigan State University which aims to develop a sustainable packaging for sweet cherries that prolongs its shelf life during distribution and marketing. Almenar expounds on the benefits of bio-based containers for growers and consumers alike.

The article highlights the findings of a research conducted at the Michigan State University which experimented on the best practices for cherry stem retention. The researchers found that dome varieties of cherry could be mechanically harvested with the stem attached on it. They concluded that growers should prune trees well and use a variety of cherry such Emperor Francis and Ulster that have an abscission zone at the lower zone.

The article discusses the study "Fall Foliar Nitrogen Applications for Sweet and Tart Cherries," by the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, which was presented at the 2008 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market Expo. The researchers examined the effect of nitrogen on several aspects of bearing cherry trees, including on leaf size and total leaf area per spur, fruit set, fruit size, fruit firmness and shoot cold hardiness. Also investigated is the measurement of cold acclimation of the Ulster trees during the fall.

The article features the German-born variety Regina cherry. Regina's production has been enhanced by University experiments by changing to more precocious rootstocks and compatible pollinators. According to the article, Regina's most highly regarded characteristics are its large fruit size of 9 to 11 grams with a diameter of 30 millimeters, its tolerance to rain cracking, and the tree's tolerance to winter cold damage. A historical overview of Regina's U.S. production is offered.

The article focuses on the "Upright Fruiting Offshoots" (UFO), a system for the cherry training developed by stone fruit physiologist Matt Whiting and his team at Washington State University. Information is presented on the yields and quality of the research orchards of Whiting and his team. Some of the advantages of upright or angled fruiting walls include less labor and more efficiency. It describes the advantages of the UFO system over the traditional multiple-leader orchard systems.

Outlines the conditions that may affect crops in the 2005 harvest season in the U.S. Almonds; Apples; Cherries; Grapes; Peaches. INSET: Are You Prepared?.

Provides information on the use of irrigation scheduling in cherries. Significance of the relationship between plant responses and soil moisture in making irrigation decisions; Recommendations to eliminate plant stress; Importance of understanding the stages of plant growth. INSET: Irrigation Scheduling Basics.

Provides information on the effort of Washington-based cherry grower Bob Harris in mechanizing his harvesting and packing process. Number of acres of stemless cherries Harris packs and markets each year; Challenge facing Harris in marketing stemless cherries; Factors to consider in storing stemless cherries.

The article focuses on the FairWeigh, a weighing system for cherries, developed by Washington State University stone fruit physiologist Matthew Whiting and colleagues.

The article offers brief information on fruit varieties RubyMac McIntosh apple, Early Robin Rainier-type cherry, and Banning Red Fuji apple from Columbia Basin Nursery.

The article highlights several fruit varieties from Wafler Nursery in Wolcott, New York including the Ebony Pearl cherry, the RubyMac apple and the JonaStar apple.

The article discusses trials being conducted by cherry systems specialist Greg Lang at Michigan State University on various styles of protective covers over cherries. It mentions the installation of a Cravo retractable roof X Frame greenhouse at the university in spring 2012. The retractable roof's role in protecting crops from environmental risks, manipulating harvest timing, and improving fruit size, quality and yield is also addressed.

The article evaluates fruit varieties from Willow Drive Nursery including Brookfield® Gala apple, Morning MistTM Fuji apple, and Sweetheart bright-red cherry.

The article focuses on the author's view on postharvest. She notes that cherry season is coming and it is a good time to examine th factors that influence cherry quality and postharvest life. She mentions that sweet cherries are non-climatic fruit that do not contain starch at the time of harvest. She cites that fruit must be harvested ripe to attain maximum flavor.

The article presents two unnamed cherry cultivars grown at Washington State University's Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center that have definitely shown resistance to powdery mildew. It points out that powdery mildew is a huge problem for cherry growers and the two new varieties can save growers close to 3.5 million U.S. dollars in fungicide. The varieties were accidentally discovered by James Olmstead who works on blueberry crossing. It notes that the varieties are not only powdery mildew resistant but also of good fruit quality.

The article describes three fruit varieties from Columbia Basin Nursery LLC. Banning Red Fuji apple is distinguished from other cultivars by its bright red color with a stripe pattern. Discovered in East Wenatchee, Washington, the apple variety Ultima™ Gala has 90 percent to 100 percent red color with a strong stripe. Distinct characteristics of Early Robin cherry include more heart-shaped appearance, milder flavor and a semi-freestone pit.

This section offers news briefs of interest to the U.S. fruit industry. Heavy damage was sustained by apple and cherry orchards due to the rain and hail storms that hit Michigan and New York. David A. Paterson, the governor of New York has asked for disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for growers that sustained crop damage from severe hail storms. The Water Resources and Policy program was launched by California State University to address the growing water crisis in the state.

The article evaluates several varieties of fruit tree including the WhiteGold cherry tree from Cornell University, the RubyMac apple tree from International Pest Management (IPM), and the Brightstar peach tree from IPM.

The author expresses his opinion regarding the superlative quantity of apple and pear crop size. It is noted that California harvested a big cherry crop and marketed it smoothly during the spring while the Washington and Oregon crop was moderate and its quality and size were spectacular in spite of the rains. It is indicated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raid the Del Monte plant. The author said that transforming production, combined with new genomics, genetics and breeding inputs will make a profitable year for growers.

The article reports on the release of the two cherry varieties, Andersen and Nugent, by International Plant Management and Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. The development of the Andersen cherry variety is part of the breeding program at the station. Compared to the Yellow Gold variety, Nugent has a better crack resistance.

The article discusses the phaseout of the azinphos-methyl (AZ) which is known to the fruit industry, for use on apples, cherries, blueberries and tree nuts. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed the ban of AZ. According to Nancy Foster, president of the U.S. Apple Association, the proposed ban would have significant effect on the apple industry like increased production costs and adding challenges to apple exporters.

Reports on the pest-removing methods for cherries that are tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Surfactants that are used to remove pests from cherries; Pests in cherries; Factors that are considered to ensure the success of sales of cherries.