September 2022 - 11

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Michigan State University tree fruit physiologist Todd Einhorn reviews data examining
the role of auxin and abscisic acid in the prevention of bitter pit of Honeycrisp apples.
the Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO)
system had yields that matched or
exceeded tall spindle axe, super slender
axe and Kym Green Bush. Of the four
systems, UFO was also the most laborefficient
for pruning and harvesting.
Subsequent trials studied various
iterations of UFO, including as a single
vertical plane or a dual angled plane,
Lang said.
The use of planar canopies for
sweet cherries can lead to high labor
efficiencies and mechanization
advantages. A decade from now, all
progressive cherry orchards will have
planar architectures, Lang said.
MSU horticulture professor Steve
van Nocker outlined the red-juice apple
development and evaluation program
and the Great Lakes Cider Apple
Collection efforts that are ongoing
at Clarksville.
The hard cider industry is quickly
expanding in Michigan and elsewhere
in the U.S. Van Nocker said growers
have little information available as to
what cultivars are available, which ones
might produce well under Michigan
conditions, and what qualities the juice
might have.
The MSU Great Lakes Apple
Cider collection is an ongoing trial of
traditional hard cider cultivars. Initiated
in 2016, the collection now represents 88
cultivars. Trees are grafted onto Pajam-2
rootstock and planted at six feet apart in
10-foot rows, with 10 trees per cultivar.
" Over the next six to 10 years, we
will be evaluating these cultivars
for suitability of production under
Michigan conditions, " van Nocker
said. " We will also evaluate disease,
vigor, alternate bearing, tree
architecture, pre-harvest drop and
fruit juice quality, including yield,
juice TA (titratable acidity), pH and
brix, and phenolics content. "
He said new cultivars are added each
year, as poorly performing cultivars
are removed.
" The goal of the project is to provide
reliable information to Michigan apple
growers to select the most suitable
and profitable cultivars for hard cider
making, " van Nocker said.
Red-fleshed apples are also on van
Nocker's radar. Some non-commercial
apple cultivars produce red juice,
which could be used for hard cider,
juice products, natural colorants and
nutraceuticals.
Out of nearly 12 varieties that were
investigated for use in Michigan,
the project has led to Cranberry and
The Michigan Pomesters' 2022 Fruit
Person of the Year is horticulture professor
and cherry specialist Greg Lang, for
dedicating much of his tenure at MSU to
the tree fruit industry.
Otterson as selections that are relatively
disease-free and produce well under
Michigan conditions.
" Using traditional cultivar
improvement techniques, we are now
developing an assortment of similar
cultivars for the specialty juice product
market, " he said.
These rare apple varieties produce
red pigments - called anthocyanins - in
the fruit flesh as well as the skin. These
apples produce red juice. Additional
applications include juice products,
natural colorants and nutraceuticals.
The development goals of the project
are to produce red-juiced varieties that:
* Require minimal input and
maintenance;
* Are suitable for organic
production;
* Work well in high-density
production;
* Are harvested mechanically;
* Maintain high anthocyanin
content;
* Offer innate resistance to
common disease; and
* Display excellent storage/
processing traits.
The Michigan Pomesters is a
decades-old organization that dwindled
in participation prior to a revitalization
by young industry members of the
group in 2011. The Ridgefest event was
started that year and the summer field
day has featured numerous Michigan
orchards, farm markets and industry
partner facilities.
The 2022 event concluded with
a social event and new technology
showcase at the Red Barn Market in
Lowell, Michigan. FGN
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FGN | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 11
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September 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2022
