Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/245704
What Sets OVS Apart? performed well in the Prosser trial with Bing as the scion, and was provisionally released to nurseries this year, with full release expected in 2014. Working with Iezzoni on the new three-year project are: Dr. Matt Whiting, WSU cherry horticulturist in Prosser; Dr. Desmond Layne, WSU tree fruit extension leader; Lynn Long, Oregon State University extension educator; and Tom Auvil, research horticulturist with the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. Horticulturists Dr. Todd Einhorn at OSU and Dr. Stefano Musacchi at WSU, and The Dalles grower Tim Dahle are cooperators. "Having collaborators on the project who can evaluate the horticultural aspects is going to be the key to the project," Iezonni said. "If you overcrop these, you can shut down tree growth." New trials Clinton and Crawford appear to induce wide branch angles and a flat growth habit, which makes them suited to a Vogel Central Leader training system, while the other three rootstocks have a more upright growth habit that would be a plus in an Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO) training system, Iezzoni explained during the commission's cherry research review. In the Prosser trial they are trained to a three-leader system. Iezzoni is proposing to remove the Prosser planting after the 2014 season and plant three experimental plots in 2015 in The Dalles, Oregon; Wenatchee, Washington; and Prosser. The new trials will include Cass, Clare, Clinton, and Lake along with three controls (G.5, G.6, and a Krymsk rootstock). The scions will be Regina, Early Robin, and Sweetheart. In Oregon, the trees will be trained to the Vogel Central Leader, which is well suited to pendant, nonspur-type varieties such as Regina. In Prosser, the UFO system, in which trees are trained with upright unbranched limbs, will be used. In Wenatchee, trees will be trained to the Super Slender Axe, developed by Dr. Stefano Musacchi. In this system, fruit is produced from basal flower buds on the previous season's shoots, eliminating the problem of small fruit associated with high production. The fifth rootstock, Crawford, will be planted in trials in 2016, along with Clinton and control rootstocks. We carry the highest quality domestically manufactured steel at competitive prices AND quick turnaround on project orders! Proudly representing the full line of Jim's Supply Products A new approach Long said the dwarfing rootstocks bring a new approach to cherry production because growers can consistently grow high tonnage. "But it also means you're going to have to take the time, effort, and labor to thin these in some way, either by chemicals or hand thinning, and how the economics of that play out is not clear. "But it's a completely different approach than how we've grown cherries in the past, and I think it's worth looking at," he added. Asked if the rootstocks are hardy enough to survive Pacific Northwest winters, Iezzoni said when she first started the breeding project in Michigan, one of her strategies was to try to kill the rootstocks. The rootstocks that made the cut survived everything. "I would not anticipate a problem with cold hardiness or pseudomonas," she said. in Oregon & Washington for all growers using trellis systems • Self-Propelled Work Platform TREE PLANTER Visit www.ovs.com to download your copy of our A properly planted tree produces like no other. Catalog today! • Adjustable tree depth. • Works on stony and tough ground. • Shoe swings for handling. • Electronic distance marker also available. • Two row tool bar available. the since PHIL BROWN WELDING CORP. • • Contact Vine Tech Equipment your Northwest Phil Brown Dealer www.goodfruit.com 800-653-2216 OVS AURORA 19658 HWY. 99 E. HUBBARD, OR (971) 216-0111 OVS MCMINNVILLE 2700 St. Joseph Rd. McMinnville, OR (503) 435-2700 OVS MEDFORD Distribution Warehouse 640A Mason Way Medford, OR 97501 (541) 613-7330 OVS UMATILLA Distribution Warehouse 500 6th Street Umatilla, OR 97882 (800) 653-2216 Ext. 1 GOOD FRUIT GROWER FEBRUARY 1, 2014 ML910-01-112541-1 Hydraulic Work Platform (sold separately) can be mounted on any available running gear. Trellis Supplies 39