Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/366055
T he Cornell University team that built the tall spindle apple orchard system lost two members in July, as Stephen Hoying and Alison DeMarree retired. They both joined Cornell in the same year, 1982, as extension educators in the Lake Ontario Fruit Program serving growers in western New York. They became key figures in the development of the tall spindle system, which was developed under the leadership of Dr. Terence Robinson, who came to Cornell in 1984. DeMarree's specialty was production economics and business management, and she did the analytical work demonstrating the profitability of the tall spindle system. Hoying was the cultural practices leader on the team. "I was kind of the field guy," Hoying said. "I collected data and arranged locations for field research. I found growers willing to cooperate with us and take care of the trees. Growers made large plantings, two to three acres each, so we had real-world conditions. "It was perfect for me," Hoying said. "I could do extension work and do applied research as well." The tall spindle system won converts fairly quickly, as the best growers who tested the system were eager to increase plantings, and other growers were convinced of the system's value. Tall spindle is now being widely adopted across apple-growing country and is being adapted for pears and cherries. Besides working with Robinson on tall spindle systems and rootstocks, Hoying worked with Dr. Alan Lakso on growth regulators and with Dr. Bob Andersen on stone fruit culture. Both have since retired. Hoying was a leader for programs in cul- tural practices that included fruit variety selection and testing, rootstocks, irrigation, 28 SEPTEMBER 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com MARCHANT LADDERS, INC. Quality Ladders Since 1978 509-882-1912 Grandview, Washington Heavy Duty Top Bracket Heavy Duty Bottom Step Extra support on longer steps, all steps 3" wide • Buy factory direct • BEST ladder at the BEST price • Available 6 to 16 foot Built of sturdy, lightweight ALUMINUM— Specifically for agriculture "The Standard for the Serious Orchardist" Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Co. 10#PYt-PVJTJBOB.0tt'BY A Growing Legacy Since 1816 Order today GPS& TQSJOHQMBOUJOHCBMM800-435-8733. Now JTUIFQFSGFDU UJNFUPUIJOL spring! StarkBrosWholesale.com Retirements reduce Cornell's tall spindle apple team Stephen Hoying, Alison DeMarree both joined program in 1982. by Richard Lehnert Stephen Hoying Alison DeMarree