2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The national tree fruit industry is facing the loss of key insecticides by FQPA (Food Quality Protection Act), in addition to continual development of insect resistance to insecticides. The presence of agrochemicals in drinking water and waterways demonstrates the need to efficiently manage nutrients, water, and the application of agrichemicals. Concerns for human health and the environment have led to reduced pesticide and fertilizer use through the development of alternative pest and fertilizer practices in orchard management systems; however, these practices need to be integrated to maintain high orchard productivity and economic sustainability. Reduction in the use of pesticides is a national priority. Pesticide application and pruning account for over 50% of the cost of fruit production in the eastern U.S. where conditions favor vegetative growth and heavy pest pressure. The loss of key insecticides in 2005 limits grower ability to control insect pests and increases the risk of significant fruit loss and increases the cost of production. More efficient cultural management practices which integrate the soil and climatic conditions of the region into the production system will improve production efficiency, lower pesticide use and production costs, and increase competitiveness and profitability to fruit growers. Without continued improvement in cultural management practices, tree fruit growers throughout the eastern U.S. will cease to be competitive in a global market and the industry will be lost to foreign imports. The research project has four multidisciplinary objectives:. 1)Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality,. 2)Minimize arthropod stress to enhance fruit productivity and quality,. 3)Mitigate nutrient, water and pest damage on fruit quality with new subsurface irrigation and fertigation technology in conjunction with novel weed control and orchard floor management systems,. 4)Develop automation systems for production and post harvest practices of deciduous tree fruits to improve fruit quality, labor productivity, and reduce costs. The research program falls under National Program 304 (30%), Crop Protection and Quarantine and NP 305 (70%), Crop Production, and addresses goals 1 and 3 of the National Strategic Plan. Specifically these are: GOAL 1: Enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers. Objective 1.1: Provide the Science-Based Knowledge and Technologies to Generate New or Improved High Quality, Value-Added Products and Processes to Expand Domestic and Foreign Markets for Agricultural Commodities; 1.1.2: Provide higher quality, healthy foods that satisfy consumer needs in the United States and abroad. Objective 1.2: Contribute to the Efficiency of Agricultural Production Systems; 1.2.5: Provide producers with scientific information and technology that increase production efficiency, safeguard the environment, and reduce production risks and product losses; 1.2.6: Improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms that influence plant growth, product quality, and marketability to enhance the competitive advantage of agricultural commodities. GOAL 3: Enhance protection and safety of the Nation's agriculture and food supply. Objective 3.2: Develop and Deliver Science-Based Information and Technologies to Reduce the Number and Severity of Agricultural Pest, Insect, Weed, and Disease Outbreaks; 3.2.5: Provide fundamental and applied scientific information and technology to protect agriculturally important plants from pests and diseases. This research should result in new methodologies that will reduce chemical and mineral release from agricultural activities, the environmental impact of tree fruit production and pesticide residues on food products, while providing improved fruit quality for the consumer and sustainable tools for growers. The results will provide new knowledge, methods and economic information for crop production in traditional, small farm, and organic farming systems allowing for a more sustainable U.S. agriculture. Alternative insect control products have been developed, such as the particle film, Surround, and sugar esters. New methods of orchard management enhance biological control of orchard pests, improve fruit quality and yield, reduce weed competition, and reduce the amount of pesticides and fertilizers applied in the orchard system. The incorporation of plant bioregulators into orchard systems reduces excess vegetative growth and habitat for insect pests while increasing spray efficiency and so reduces the amount of pesticides needed to control a pest. Computer vision systems will reduce labor dependence while improving labor and farm input efficiency. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) The milestones in the project plan were revised to conform to ARS style and have been submitted for approval to the North Atlantic Area and National Program Staff. In addition, the milestones from CRIS Project 1931-21440-003-00 (Harvest Automation/mechanization for Tree Fruits and Automated Sorting Systems for Apples) have been incorporated into the project beginning in 2006. The revised milestones are: 2004 CRIS 1931-21220-011-00D terminated Objective 1. Describe the ecology of insects involved in biological control, including insect behavior. Effectiveness of flowering plants as a trap crop for attracting stink bugs out of apple orchards as a control of fruit damage will be completed. If economically effective, protocols will be developed for fruit growers. Objective 2. Develop new methods of monitoring key insect pests in order to effectively manage and reduce pesticide usage. Test experimental lures for plum curculio based on identification of headspace volatiles from plum trees in experimental orchards and for dogwood borer based on correct pheromone identification in commercial orchards. Objective 3. Identify the mechanisms of action with particle films and sugar esters. Field evaluations are completed on the use of light-reflecting particle film materials as herbicides. The reliability of weed control and the amount of light reflected in the plant canopy are assessed and this information is used by the CRADA partner (Engelhard Corp.) to make a decision to commercialize a formulation. If commercialized, the weed control product will likely meet National Organic Standards. Characterize how particle film structure changes when formulation components are changed. Characterize physical characteristics of surface active materials. Study the mechanisms of action of particle film and surface active materials on insects and plant physiology. CRADA’s renewals will be pursued with AVA Chemical Ventures and Engelhard Corporation to develop new chemistries or new uses. Objective 4. Develop new information on the role of heat, water and nutrient stress in plant productivity and fruit quality. Provide growth and carbon partitioning data sets to collaborator for testing in the Apple C Model. Develop new information on the effect of potassium nutrition on fruit size of apple. Conditions under which improvements in fruit size are expected will be evaluated (fruit set, potassium status at different times after flowering). Objective 5. Develop new knowledge on the mechanisms of vegetative growth control and induction of fruit buds. Design and conduct studies to confirm preliminary results on the use of plant growth regulators to control the flesh cracking disorder in ‘GoldRush’ apple. Complete morphological characterization of selected peach growth habits in field and proceed with determination of auxin and cytokinin profiles in these growth habits to establish baseline relationships of hormones and shoot morphology. Objective 6. Develop new knowledge on the role of training and orchard floor management methods to affect light and temperature within the canopy. Report on the early performance of novel peach tree growth habits. 2005 Year 1. (new CRIS project) Objective 1: Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality. Develop data set for Carbon partitioning model. Objective 2: Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality. Establish ability of natural enemies to control pests and develop novel lures and trap designs for orchard pests. Objective 3: Mitigate nutrient, water and pest damage on fruit quality with new subsurface irrigation and fertigation technology in conjunction with novel weed control and orchard floor management systems. Establish plantings to evaluate new apple production systems. 2006 Year 2. Objective 1: Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality. Establish plantings to evaluate growth and carbon partitioning in various planting systems. Objective 2: Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality. Evaluate trap designs and lures in experimental orchards. Objective 3: Mitigate nutrient, water and pest damage on fruit quality with new subsurface irrigation and fertigation technology in conjunction with novel weed control and orchard floor management systems. Incorporate new orchard floor management techniques into production systems trial. Objective 4: Develop automation systems for production and post harvest practices of deciduous tree fruits to improve fruit quality, labor productivity, and reduce costs. Explore sensors and techniques for fruit identification, location, maturity, and quality. 2007 Year 3. Objective 1: Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality. Studies are completed that establish seasonal patterns in plant hormones and carbon partitioning. Objective 2: Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality. Studies are completed that establish movement patterns of natural enemies and evaluate traps and lures in commercial orchards. Objective 3: Mitigate nutrient, water and pest damage on fruit quality with new subsurface irrigation and fertigation technology in conjunction with novel weed control and orchard floor management systems. Studies are completed that evaluate compost utility for first year growth and N Levels in production systems. Objective 4: Develop automation systems for production and post harvest practices of deciduous tree fruits to improve fruit quality, labor productivity, and reduce costs. Computer vision technology to identify and locate fruit within the tree canopy is completed. 2008 Year 4. Objective 1: Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality. Develop recommendations for more efficient orchard system that is novel cultural techniques and new unique high quality cultivars. Objective 2: Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality. An orchard system for pest control based on biological control and behaviorally based tools, is tested. Objective 3: Mitigate nutrient, water and pest damage on fruit quality with new subsurface irrigation and fertigation technology in conjunction with novel weed control and orchard floor management systems. Studies are completed that test for improved fruit quality from subsurface irrigation research. Objective 4: Develop automation systems for production and post harvest practices of deciduous tree fruits to improve fruit quality, labor productivity, and reduce costs. Computer vision technology to locate fruit in trees is utilized in industry. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Plum curculio host preference defined. The plum curculio is a major direct pest of deciduous tree fruit crops. Traps and lures to monitor this pest are ineffective in estimating population levels. The preferred host of plum curculio was identified based on responses of mark-released and wild populations to all known tree fruit hosts of this species, a critical ecological and behavioral question that has never been addressed previously. Adults overwhelmingly preferred cultivars of Japanese plum, even more so than European plum (~1.5 x more) and apple (~11 x more); interestingly, so far these less preferred hosts have been the only source plant material used to identify olfactory attractants for plum curculio. Thus, Japanese plum may prove to be a much more promising source for identification of olfactory attractants and development of effective lures and traps for insect monitoring. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 2 (Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality). 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Mechanically thinning novel pillar form peach trees using a rod drum shaker mechanism. Thinning is one of the most costly management practices in peach production. Mature pillar (columnar) form peach trees were subjected to the mechanical shaker operated at two travel speeds. At either speed the mechanical shaker reduced the need for follow up hand thinning by 50% or more. Fruit size was significantly increased on mechanically thinned peaches compared to non-thinned control peach trees. This method could significantly reduce the cost of thinning for peaches trained as upright canopy forms in high-density plantings. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). The "rough skin" disorder associated with the 'GoldRush' apple cultivar could not be ameliorated with conventional gibberellin sprays or sprays that reduce surface moisture. 'GoldRush' is a new high-quality apple cultivar with exceptional disease resistance and storage life and excellent productivity. It exhibits a skin disorder near harvest resulting in a skin russet. Detailed studies of the fruit surface revealed separation of the cuticle layer much earlier than was detected from visual examination. Treatments were adjusted to consider the earlier timing of skin cracking, but were unsuccessful. Additional studies are now in progress to provide a better understanding of the problem and ways to overcome the disorder. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). An essential oil is effective in thinning blossoms from apple and peach trees. Thinning is one of the most costly management practices in tree fruit production. Applications of eugenol, an essential oil, may be an effective blossom thinner to increase marketable yield in peach and apple trees. A preliminary patent application has been filed by ARS patent advisors. When commercialized, this technology will provide growers an effective and likely 'organic' means to reduce the numbers of flowers and increase fruit size and economic return. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). Role of plant hormones in plant architecture. Plant developmental processes thatcontrol plant architecture are poorly understood. Research determined the signals and interactive effects of growth-regulating rootstocks on apple tree development and architecture. Delayed bud break, reduced flowering, and the associated development of narrow branch angles suggested that hormone-mediated processes may have multiple effects on vegetative and reproductive development for different apple growth habits. It was determined that high auxin-to-cytokinin ratios may slow flower bud break and support upright growth. This knowledge will aid in development of more efficient and productive fruit trees through cultural and genetic techniques. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). Mechanisms of size controlling rootstocks. Size controlling rootstocks are the key to increasing tree fruit productivity, yet the mechanisms for this process are poorly understood. Collaborative research was initiated with the USDA apple rootstock breeding program in Geneva, NY and it was determined that the rootstocks associated into three distinct clusters based on similarity of shoot growth regulation. A root pressure system was constructed and is being used to analyze root-produced chemical and physical signals that may be responsible for sizecontrolling effects of different rootstocks. These signals can be manipulated or selected to more effective rootstocks and increase orchard productivity. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). Ground cover species evaluated. Ground covers are needed in orchard systems to reduce soil erosion and promote habitat diversity without depleting water and nutrient resources. The morphological and water-use characteristics of five grass species that are candidate ground covers for sustainable orchard management systems were determined. Tall fescue was the most water-demanding, perennial ryegrass and red fescue were intermediate, and roughstalk bluegrass was the least water-demanding species. Roughstalk bluegrass was comparatively shallow-rooted and is a strong candidate as an orchard ground cover. A field experiment was initiated with eight orchard floor management systems (including the five candidate grasses) with peach and apple trees. Combinations of ground cover, mowing, and organically-acceptable herbicides (extracts of clover oil, eugenol) will be integrated into this system. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). Light reflection from areas between tree rows increases color and yield of apples. Increasing apple size and color are key components of improved apple quality that increase economic return. The effect of a reflective, aluminized plastic film, and a reflective, particle-based film applied to the tree or applied to the grass between tree rows on 'Empire' apple color and fruit weight was studied in a multiyear study. The aluminized plastic film treatment consistently increased red color, and the reflective particle film treatments inconsistently improved apple red color. In all years, average fruit weight was increased by the reflective particle film treatments compared to the untreated control and aluminized plastic film treatment. The mechanism responsible for the increased fruit weight may be the altered light quality, not quantity, reflected from the reflective particle film treatments. Understanding this mechanism will result in new technology to improve apple quality. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). New mechanism of sunburn damage in fruit crops is evaluated. Sunburn is a common disorder of high values crops in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates and is related to:. 1)high fruit temperature,. 2)high visible light intensity,. 3)ultraviolet radiation, and. 4)positional changes in fruit that expose them to conditions that are different from the conditions to which they are adapted. The interaction of high fruit temperature, high light levels and short term UV exposure were examined in fruit peel tissues from tropical and temperate fruit as a simulation of these acute environmental changes. All tropical fruit and the apple cultivars: 'Gala', 'Gold Rush', and 'Granny Smith', increased respiration when challenged with UV suggesting that UV repair mechanisms are induced and functioning with no adverse effect on photosynthesis. In contrast, 'Braeburn' apple, a sunburn sensitive cultivar, lacked increased respiration and had reduced photosynthesis. The pattern suggests that when UV repair mechanisms are effective, photosynthesis is adequately protected and the protection occurs at the cost of higher respiration. This information will be useful in evaluating germplasm for sunburn resistance. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 1 (Optimize carbon assimilation in orchard systems and manage carbon partitioning to improve cropping and fruit quality). Lady beetle predation of rosy apple aphids was proven to contribute significantly to its control. Previous studies showed that early season control of rosy apple aphid was significant and can provide adequate control in some years. Further studies with exclusion cages proved that predation by the multi-colored Asian lady beetle was responsible for nearly all of the reduction in aphid population. This will lead to a reduction in pesticide use in apple production across the US and could lead to a community based biological control plan where farmers could collect these lady beetles from infested homes and use them in their orchard to reduce insecticide applications. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 2 (Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality). Larvae of the weevil, Myllocerus hilleri, fed on peach roots. This invasive insect has previously been seen in orchards feeding on peach, pear and other tree fruit foliage. Caging larvae of this weevil on peach roots showed that they are capable of feeding on the small roots. This is the first information of possible root feeding known about this pest in North America. Although this beetle has not been responsible for economic damage, this is important information for farmers and pest managers so they may be aware of the potential impact. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 2 (Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality). Biological control of spirea aphid in apple orchards. Tree fruit production systems can support effective biological pest control but more information is required to insure long-term pest control. In collaboration with Dr. Clarissa R. Mathews, Shepherd Univ., and Dr. Aijun Zhang, USDA, ARS, Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, it was shown that the multicolored Asian Lady beetle did not respond to odors of extrafloral nectar from peach. The attraction to the extrafloral nectar food sources was concluded to be due to feeding on the nectar once encountered while searching for food, whether it is for aphids or other sources. Field data showed that peach extrafloral nectar in apple orchards does enhance biological control of spirea aphid on apple, however, if too many sources of nectar are provided there can be a reduction in biological control. To optimize biological control of spirea aphid in apple orchards, no more than 20% of the trees should be producing extrafloral nectar, otherwise the nectar would compete with aphids for the searching lady beetles. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 2 (Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality). Evaluation of pest susceptibility of domestic and exotic Malus germplasm. Several apple accessions housed in collections at the USDA-ARS Plant Germplasm Repository in Geneva, NY have been released from breeding programs with claims of multiple pest resistance (including resistance to codling moth, apple maggot, plum curculio, and leafrollers), however, preliminary bioassays and field assessments indicate that many of these selections and hybrids are not actually resistant to pests to a level of economic significance. Bioassays and field observations indicate that:. 1)several Malus accessions (including numerous crabapple species from around the world) are resistant, or at least partially resistant to attack by internally feeding lepidopteran larvae, plum curculio, and apple maggot and. 2)the pest resistance mechanisms are tentatively elucidated. An understanding of the resistance levels and mechanisms in Malus germplasm will contribute to development of pest resistant cultivars requiring less pesticide usage. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 2 (Minimize arthropod stress to enhance productivity and fruit quality). Designed a computer vision video system to locate fruit in the orchard. The development of robotic fruit harvesting systems and precision farming systems requires identification of the fruit. A continuously-moving harvester platform, a camera acquiring video of the trees and fruit, and machine learning techniques were adequate to greatly improve fruit detection as compared to previous approaches to this problem The approach was novel in that it utilized video and trees without fruit to train the system, which is much simpler than previous approaches. Because of the high detection produced by this method, the feasibility of robotic harvesting, fruit load calculations, and precision farming is advanced. This accomplishment addresses Component 2 Agroengineering, Agrochemical, and Related Technologies), problem statement 1 (Automation and Mechanization to Improve Labor Productivity) in National Program 305 and CRIS objective 4 (Develop automation systems for production and post harvest practices of deciduous tree fruits to improve fruit quality, labor productivity, and reduce costs). 4c.List significant activities that support special target populations. NONE 4d.Progress report. 1931-21000-015-01T: New concepts on mineral based and non-mineral based films were developed along with novel means of formulating these films. Patents were developed to protect the formulations used in particle film technology and extend the concept of particle films into new areas of agricultural and industrial uses. Two patents were filed: the first addressed formulation technology: “Spreading Agents”, and the second addressed bulking techniques, “Film-forming composition and structured film made therefrom”. Particle film technology is a new tool for agriculture that will increase productivity and stability of a wide range of commodities. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-03R: The objective of this project is to demonstrate the effect of interplanting peach trees bearing extrafloral nectaries on biological control of insect pests in apple orchards. Field data showed that peach extrafloral nectar in apple orchards does enhance biological control of spirea aphid on apple. It was also shown that if too many sources of nectar are provided there can be a reduction in biological control. Apple orchards with 9% of the trees being peach trees showed greater biological control by the multicolored lady beetle than orchards with no peach trees or orchards with 50% of the trees being peach. It is concluded that to optimize biological control of spirea aphid in apple orchards, no more than 20% of the trees should be producing extrafloral nectar, otherwise the nectar would compete with aphids for the searching lady beetles. Field studies on predator and parasitoid reaction to peach extrafloral nectar are being continued. It was shown that the multicolored Asian Lady beetle did not respond to odors of extrafloral nectar from peach. The attraction to these food sources was concluded to be due to feeding on the nectar once encountered while searching for food, whether it is for aphids or other sources. Portions of this work were done in collaboration with Dr. Clarissa R. Mathews, Shepherd Univ., and Dr. Aijun Zhang, USDA, ARS, Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-06S: In collaboration with Dr. Clarissa R. Mathews, Shepherd Univ., and Dr. Aijun Zhang, USDA, ARS, Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, it was shown that the multicolored Asian Lady beetle did not respond to odors of extrafloral nectar from peach. The attraction to these food sources was concluded to be due to feeding on the nectar once encountered while searching for food, whether it is for aphids or other sources. Studies have been initiated to evaluate the tufted apple budmoth parasitoid, Goniozus flavadana, to nectar. Further studies on rearing of the lady beetle and parasitoid in the presence of nectar, with and without hosts, has also been begun. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-07S: In collaboration with Dr. Harvey Riesig, Cornell University, and Phil Forsline, USDA-ARS Plant Germplasm Repository in Geneva, NY, bioassays and field observations were conducted in the Malus germplasm repository collection. Results indicate that several Malus accessions (including numerous crabapple species from around the world) are resistant, or at least partially resistant to attack by internally feeding lepidopteran larvae, plum curculio, and apple maggot. The pest resistance mechanisms are tentatively elucidated. An understanding of the resistance levels and mechanisms in Malus germplasm will contribute to development of pest resistant cultivars requiring less pesticide usage. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-08R: The objectives were to demonstrate if mass trapping of dogwood borer using the pheromone formulation that we had identified could control this wood-boring pest, thus reducing the need for conventional insecticide applications. At the end of the first trapping season, we have observed a slight decrease in infestation rates in blocks with a high density of traps (8/acre)compared with a low density (2/acre), conventional control (Lorsban treatment), and with the control block. However, we do not expect to observe major differences until the end of the second season (late 2006) because traps were deployed in an orchard with an ongoing infestation, i.e. larvae were already present and likely to emerge as adults. This behavioral control strategy, male removal, results in a gradual reduction in the size of a pest population over time (compared with an immediate drop in size following a conventional insecticide application). This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-09T: Patents were developed to protect the formulations used in particle film technology and extend the concept of particle films into new areas of agricultural and industrial uses. One patent was issued: Pesticide Delivery System US 7,018,643. Particle film technology is a new tool for agriculture that will increase productivity and stability of a wide range of commodities. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-11N: The experimental sweet cherry harvester developed at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station was loaned to Dr. Matthew D. Whiting, Washington State University, Prosser, WA for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 season. Dr. Whiting is developing and evaluating sweet cherry cultivar characteristics, cultural practices, and tree training systems for compatibility with machine harvest. Annual harvest trials determined the optimum parameters. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 2 (Agroengineering, Agrochemical, and Related Technologies), problem statement 1 (Automation and Mechanization to Improve Labor Productivity) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-12N: Mechanical Tart Cherry Harvesting. The experimental canopy shaker developed at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station for detaching small fruits was loaned to Dr. Jim Flore, Michigan State University for the 2005 and 2006 season. Dr. Flores has an experimental block of bush/dwarf tart cherries that cannot be harvested with conventional mechanical shaking methods. Field tests determined shaker effectiveness, optimum parameters, and determined compatible cultivar characteristics, cultural practices, and training systems. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 2 (Agroengineering, Agrochemical, and Related Technologies), problem statement 1 (Automation and Mechanization to Improve Labor Productivity) in National Program 305. 1931-21000-015-14N: The over-the-row sprayer developed at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station was loaned to Lerew Brothers Orchards for the 2004 and 2005 season. Lerew Brothers operated the sprayer to apply the full range of pesticides needed to protect their crops. They determined best operating parameters. This project supplements the parent CRIS by providing detailed information on Component 2 (Agroengineering, Agrochemical, and Related Technologies), problem statement 1 (Automation and Mechanization to Improve Labor Productivity) in National Program 305. 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. An Inhibitory Compound Used For Mating Disruption. Dogwood borer (DWB) has become a serious wood-boring pest of commercial apple production, leading to a general decline in health of infested trees and premature tree death but there are no reliable alternatives to replace trunk-drench applications of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos to control this pest. The female sex pheromone of DWB was identified, as well as an inhibitory compound that significantly reduces the response of male DWB to the female sex pheromone, thus opening the door for alternative control strategies such as mating disruption. The inhibitory compound was dispersed in apple orchards to determine if we could disrupt mate-finding using this inhibitor rather than using traditional mating disruption technology and we successfully disrupted mate-finding by male DWB using the inhibitor. This is the first time in commercial agriculture that an inhibitory compound rather than a sex pheromone shows significant promise for use as a control strategy. This technology will lead to a new class of mating disruption materials. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. Performance of novel peach tree growth habits. Increasing yield and quality of deciduous fruit crops results in greater market value. We confirmed the superior yielding capacity associated with the upright peach tree growth habit planted in high density systems compared to traditional low-density peach plantings and upright trees continued to produce larger sized fruit than pillar or standard growth habit trees, confirming earlier findings. These results will result in new peach production systems that will increase yield and peach quality. New upright peach cultivars, 'Crimson Rocket' and 'Sweet-N-Up', were released in 2006 for commercial production. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305. Water use efficiency (WUE) in peach can be increased genetically and culturally. Increasing water use efficiency and light utilization are key components of a sustainable tree fruit production system. We found that the interception of light was a key determinant of WUE in standard and narrow leaf peach genotypes and internal shading of the tree by excessive leaf area reduced daily WUE measured in gas exchange studies. Genetic differences in peach growth types can be selected for factors increasing WUE as well as increased productivity. Future work in peach breeding to improve WUE and productivity must take into consideration light interception, productivity, and WUE in an integrated manner to make real progress in the efficient use of water and light in the orchard environment. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 3 (Sustainable Cropping Systems) in National Program 305. Biological Control of Rosy Apple Aphid. Studies on the natural control of rosy apple aphids have shown that biological control is capable of controlling rosy apple aphids in early spring in some years. Later populations, after apple bloom time, cannot be controlled by natural factors. The multi-colored Asian lady beetle is responsible for over 90% of the early spring mortality of rosy apple aphid. These beetles leave their overwintering sites in houses hungry and they are excellent at searching for aphids. Rosy apple aphid is one of the few aphids that is available for them in late March and early April. In many years there are enough beetles to control rosy apple aphids to below economically significant levels. This data will be used by farmers and pest managers to rely on biological control of rosy aphids, thus reducing the need for insecticides in most years. This information may also be used to initiate a community biological control program where fruit farmers collect lady beetles from infested homes in the winter to release into their apple orchards in the spring to ensure adequate control of rosy apple aphids. This accomplishment addresses Component 1 (Integrated Production Systems), problem statement 2 (Integrated Pest Management) in National Program 305. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? The importance of cultivar and planting site in selecting apple varieties to plant was demonstrated and the information has been published in a national horticultural journal that serves the industry. This information is immediately available to endusers. The susceptibility of 23 newer apple cultivars to insects in the mid-Atlantic growing region has been determined and the information is in 2 publications. The information is available to growers and advisors. New mating disruption technology for the dogwood borer is likely to become available to industry within the next 5 years. Industry is discussing commercialization and CRADA development is underway. Particle film technology is an established tool in horticulture. Particle film technology was commercialized by the Engelhard Corp. New rain-resistant formulations for insect control and heat stress management will be available in 1-2 years. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Myers, C. T. 2006. Oriental fruit moth biology and the changing pest management paradigm in eastern tree fruits. Invited Symposium, Presented at 2006 Eastern Branch, Entomological Society of America Symposium: "Entomology Scholars: Stories of Discovery." Charlottesville, VA. March 13, 2006. Myers, C. T., and P. L. Forsline. 2005. Research on host resistance to apple pests at the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Unit, Geneva, NY. 2005 Entomological Society of America National Meeting. Ft. Lauderdale, FL. December 15-18, 2005. Brown, M. and T. Tworkoski. Presented paper and accompanying abstract on "Enhancing biocontrol in orchards by increasing food web diversity" at the Workshop on Pest and Weed Control in Sustainable Fruit Production in Skierniewice, Poland 1-3 Sept., 2005. Tworkoski, T. Presentation and accompanying abstract on "Developing peach cultivarswith novel tree growth habits" for Acta Horticulturae. Tworkoski, T. Presented paper and accompanying abstract on "Rootstock effects onbranching and growth form in apple" to agrichemical industry representatives, plant biotechnologists, and research horticulturists at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Plant Growth Regulation Society of America in Newport Beach, CA, 23-27 July 2005. Presentations (5) to the 81st Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference: Miller, S.S. Potential chemical thinners for the 'GoldRush' apple cultivar. Miller, S.S. Thinning pillar growth habit trees with a spiked-drum shaker or chemical bloom thinners. Miller, S.S. Three successive years of Apogee on young 'Nittany' apple trees on M.9 rootstock. Tworkoski, T. Rootstock effects on branching and growth form in apple. Myers, C., W. H. Reissig, and T. C. Leskey. Searching for insect-resistance traits in Malus germplasm: preliminary observations. Miller, S.S. Presentation to the Virginia Grown Conference: "Honeycrisp – can it be grown successfully in the Shenandoah Valley?" Miller, S.S. Presentation to the National Peach Council Annual Convention: "Handling pillar and upright peach trees." Miller, S.S. Presentation at the West Virginia University Fruit School: "Performance of new peach tree growth types." Miller, S.M. Presentation at the 39th International Fruit Tree Assoc. PGR Workshop and Conference: "Effect of Apogee on fruit set and size." Leskey, T.C. 2006. Invited Speaker. IRDA, Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment. Annual Conference on Research and Innovative Technology for the Protection of Pome Fruit. "Behaviorally based monitoring and management of the dogwood borer". Quebec, Canada. Leskey, T.C. 2006. Invited Speaker. IRDA, Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment. Annual Conference on Research and Innovative Technology for the Protection of Pome Fruit. "Toward development of a behaviorally-based monitoring strategy for the plum curculio". Quebec, Canada. Leskey, T.C. 2006. Invited Speaker. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. "Behaviorally based monitoring and management of the dogwood borer". Hershey, PA Glenn, D. M. 2005. Use of particle film technology, Surround, in horticulture. Proceedings of New England Vegetable and Fruit Growers Conference. Manchester, NH 13 Dec. 2005 Swietlik, D. 2006. The National Tree Fruit Technology Roadmap Research Strategy and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Response to the Roadmap “International Fruit Tree Association Annual Meeting”, Hershey, PA. February 2006. Swietlik, D. 2006. Pre-Plant Soil Management Considerations. Orchard Planting to Avoid Replant Problems: Penn State Extension In-Depth Fruit School. January 11, 2006. Swietlik, D. 2006. Moving Toward Sustainable Approaches to Orchard Soil Management. Orchard Planting to Avoid Replant Problems: Penn State Extension In-Depth Fruit School. January 11, 2006. Review Publications Miller, S.S., Mcnew, R.W. 2005. Effect of cultivar and site on fruit quality as demonstrated by the ne-183 regional project on apple cultivars. HortTechnology. Oct - Dec 2005 15(4) pp. 886-895. Tworkoski, T., S. Miller, and R. Scorza. 2006. Relationship of pruning and growth morphology with hormone ratios in shoots of pillar and standard peach trees. J. Plant Growth Regul. 25:1-11. Myers, C.T., Hull, L.A., Krawczyk, G. 2006. Seasonal and cultivar associated variation in the oviposition preference of oriental fruit moth, (lepidoptera: tortricidae) adults and feeding behavior of neonate larvae in apples. Journal of Economic Entomology. 99(2): 349-358. Hogmire, H.W., Miller, S.S. 2005. Relative susceptibility of new apple cultivars to arthropod pests. HortScience. 40(7): 2071-2075. Tworkoski, T., Miller, S.S. 2006. Rootstock effect on growth of apple scion with different growth habits. Meeting Abstract. 2005 Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference 81st Annual Meeting. Volume 31:193. Brown, M.W., Tworkoski, T. 2006. Enhancing biological control in orchards by increasing food web biodiversity. J. Fruit and Ornamental Plant Research. Vol. 14 (Suppl. 3) 2006., 19-27. Tworkoski, T., Miller, S.S. 2005. Rootstock effect on growth of apple scion with different growth habits. Plant Growth Regulator Society of America Meeting. July 24-27, 2005. Newport Beach, CA. ABSTRACT NO. 46. Leskey, T.C., Bergh, C.J. 2005. Factors promoting infestation of newly planted, non-bearing apple orchards by dogwood borer, synanthedon scitula harris. Journal of Economic Entomology. V98: 2121-2132. Myers, C.T., Hull, L.A., Krawczyk, G. 2006. Early-season host plant fruit impacts on reproductive parameters of the oriental fruit moth (lepidoptera: tortricidae). Journal of Entomological Science. v. 41, No. 1, p.65-74. Leskey, T.C. 2006. Visual cues and capture mechanisms associated with traps for plum curculio (coleoptera: curculionidae). Journal of Entomological Science. V41, pp. 97-106. Leskey, T.C., Bergh, J., Walgenbach, J.F., Zhang, A. 2006. Improved attractiveness and specificity of pheromone-baited traps for male dogwood borer, synanthedon scitula harris (lepidoptera: sesiidae). Environmental Entomology. V35 p. 268-275. Hogmire,, H., Leskey, T.C. 2006. An improved trap for monitoring stink bugs (heteroptera: pentatomidae) in apple and peach orchards. Journal of Entomological Science. V41 p. 9-21. Leskey, T.C., Zhang, A. 2006. Impact of prevailing temperatures on captures of plum curculio in odor-baited traps. Annual Cumberland Shenandoah Fruit Workers Conference. p.56. Myers, C.T., Hull, L.A., Krawczyk, G. 2006. Comparative survival rates of oriental fruit moth (lepidoptera: tortricidae) larvae on shoots and fruit of apple and peach. Journal of Economic Entomology. 99: 1299-1309. Myers, C.T., Hull, L.A., Krawczyk, G. 2006. Effects of Orchard Host Plants on the Oviposition Preference of the Oriental Fruit Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 99: 1176-1183. Glenn, D.M., Scorza, R., Okie, W.R. 2006. Genetic and environmental effects on water use efficiency in peach. Journal American Society Hortscience. 131: 290-294.