Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04

Outputs
The project leader, R. L. Andersen, retired effective July 6, 2004. Releases of four stone fruit cultivars, two sweet cherries (`Haas' trademarked as BlackYorkT and `Pendleton' trademarked as BlushingGoldT) and two processing plums (`Jayfre' trademarked as NY 6T and `Kenmore' trademarked as NY 9T), were announced at a 2004 Fruit Field Day at Geneva which also commemorated the Centennial of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as an award to Andersen presented by the New York State Horticultural Society and his colleagues. Four novel plum cultivars were released in November (Blues JamT was NY 9041, Jam SessionT was NY 111, Rosy GageT was NY 101, and Geneva MirabelleT was NY 858.) Since 1990, this project has released 17cultivars of cherry and plum. The project played an important role in accelerating research dealing with genetics of pollination compatibility of sweet cherries that drew together collaborators from Japan, Korea, England, Canada and the United States. The invivo collections of genotypes and breeding populations provided by this project at Geneva were instrumental in providing field data to verify biochemical results. At last count 13 newly reported alleles had been discovered by this collaboration. In 2003, this project announced the creation of a novel grower-cooperator program where-in trials of elite test selections bred here were moved into industry tester-channels by creation of a new organization designated as the International Plant Management Testers Network which published a new notebook detailing the characteristics of 24 elite test selections of sweet cherry, 11 elite test selections of plum, two elite test selections of apricots, and one hardy peach test selection, all bred at Geneva. From 1990 to 2004, this project accessioned an average of 30 immigrant stone fruit cultivars and test selections per year and evaluated their performance and distributed information about this research to commercial fruit industries throughout the United States and Eastern Canada. Food science research dealing with health benefits of plums and cherries was fostered by this project and led to the publication of graduate thesis and scientific journal articles. Marketing research about commercialization of Eastern-grown peaches and plums was fostered by this project leading to publication of graduate thesis research and formation of a beach plum growers association for this newly domesticated crop. In 2004, other faculty at Geneva have assumed project leader status for future work with stone fruit in addition to their berry and apple breeding efforts.

Impacts
Commercial tree fruit producers and marketers in the Great Lakes, Northeastern, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S.A. are using the results of this research to diversify the profit centers within their farm businesses. This increases not only their potential profitability, but also reduces their risk of business failure. State and federal governments' economic statuses are improved by such gains in agricultural profitability. Integrated pest management decisions that lead to better pest control and safer environmental conditions are improved by the pest tolerant cultivars bred by this project.

Publications

• Andersen, R. L. 2004. Editorial, WhiteGold: A New White Fleshed Sweet Cherry from Geneva. NY Fruit Quarterly 12 (2) Summer issue, page 1.
• Andersen, R.L. 2004. Sweet Cherry Varieties for Eastern U.S.. Proceedings of the Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show. Web pages of NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station, http://www.maes.msu.edu/nwmihort/swtvarieties.htm .
• Andersen, R. L. 2004. A century of cherry breeding at Geneva. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day, July. (Abstract)
• Andersen, R., Weber, C., and Freer, J. 2004. A century of plum breeding at Geneva.. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day. July (Abstract)
• Andersen, R., Robinson, T., and Freer, J. 2004. Recent stone fruit rootstock research at Geneva. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day. July. (Abstract)
• Hoying, S. A., Robinson, T. L. and Andersen, R. L. 2004. Protecting Sweet Cherries from Rain Cracking. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day. July. (Abstract)
• Hoying, S. A., Robinson, T. L., and Andersen, R. L. 2004. Training & Pruning Young Sweet Cherries. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day, July. (Abrstract)
• Robinson, T. L., Hoying, S. A., and Andersen, R. L. 2004. Performance of Gisela cherry rootstocks in theNortheastern United States. Acta. Hort. 658:231-240
• Robinson, T.L., Andersen, R. L. and Hoying, S. A. 2004. Performance of six high density cherry training systems in the northeastern United States. 8th International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems. Program and Abstracts p.81 (Abstract)
• Robinson, T. L., Hoying, S. A., and Andersen, R. L. 2004. High Density Sweet Cherry Planting Systems. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day, July. (Abstract)
• Robinson, T. L., Hoying, S. A., and Andersen, R. L. 2004. Mature Management of Sweet Cherries. Proceedings of the NY State Agricultural Experiment Station Centennial Fruit Field Day, July. (Abstract)

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Grower-cooperator trials of elite test selections bred by this project were moved into commercial tester industry channels by creation of a new organization designated as the International Plant Management Testers Network and by this organization having published a new notebook detailing the characteristics of 24 elite test selections of sweet cherry: NY 007, NY 032, NY 033, NY 38L, NY 113, NY 119, NY 132, NY 252, NY 270, NY 299, NY 304, NY 311, NY 518, NY 1003, NY 1038, NY 2068, NY 2131, NY 7091, NY 7679, NY 7690, NY 7855, NY 8139, NY 9127, NY 9165, and NY 9295. Subsequent to that notebook being published six of these test selections (NY 007, NY 270, NY 299, NY 311, NY 2131 and NY 7091) were dropped from further U.S.A. testing due to discovery of major faults during the 2003 evaluation season. Similarly, 11 elite test selections of plum were described and distributed to commercial testers via the same notebook. These were designated as: NY 051PL, NY 61J, NY 081PL, NY 097PL, NY 101PL.NY 111PL, NY 202PL,NY 858PL, NY 1456PL, NY 1466PL, and NY 9041PL. Two apricots were similarly offered: NY 535A and NY 604A. One hardy peach test selection was offered: NY 2769.

Impacts
Plantings of hardy new sweet cherry variety releases are increasing in acreage in the Great Lakes, New England and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the U.S.A. Plantings of Castleton, Longjohn, NY 6T and NY 9T plums, all varieties bred by this project, continue to increase in popularity, thereby increasing profitability for U.S. farmers growing both fresh market and processing plums.

Publications

• Andersen, R.L. 2003. Fresh Market Sweet Cherry Varieties for Eastern North America. New York Fruit Quarterly Vol. 11, No. 2, Summer 2003, page 11-14.
• Andersen, R.L. 2003. Stone fruit varieties: peaches sweet and tart cherries, and plums. Proceedings of New England Stone Fruit School, Sectrion 3, page 1-7.
• Andersen, R. L., J. Nugent, and G. Lang. 2003. Processing Sweet Cherry Varieties for eastern United States. The Fruit Growers News. February. Pg. 16-18.
• Choi, Cheol, Ryutaro Tao, and Robert L. Andersen, 2002. Identification of self-incompatibility alleles and pollen incompatibility groups in sweet cherry by PCR based s-allele typing and controlled pollination. Euphytica 123/1: 9-20.
• Hoying, Stephen A., T. L. Robinson, and R. L. Andersen. 2003. High Density Systems. Proceeding of New England Stone Fruit School, Section 7, page 1-3.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Two sweet cherry test selections reached the status of plant-patent-applied-for. Their cultivar names are 'Haas' = NY 1725 (dark fleshed, processing-type, self-incompatible, with rugged tree that is well adapted to Eastern USA conditions), and 'Pendleton' = NY 8182 (light fleshed, processing-type for brining, self-incompatible, with high yielding tree that is well adapted to Eastern USA conditions). Spring frosts eliminated all sweet cherry breeding evaluations at Geneva in 2002. Plum and apricot breeding pollinations and evaluations of seedlings were also reduced, but some progress was made in culling breeding populations of these crops. No new test selections were propagated. Market acceptance research about fresh peaches initiated in 2001 was expanded in 2002 to encompass telephone focus groups in major cities in New York. The SARE grant addressing beach plums for diversification of value added fruit crops, reported about in 2001 in this project, made further progress in identification of a collaborative group of northeastern U.S.A. fruit producers who will form an applied research organization at the grassroots level. High density sweet cherry production systems research had a second, consecutive-year, major crop and publications about this Geneva, NY experiment were invited to an international conference on fruit tree rootstocks in Zaragosa Spain.

Impacts
Commercial tree fruit producers and marketers in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic Regions of the U.S.A. are using the results of this research to diversify the profit centers within their farm businesses. This increases not only their potential profitability, but also reduces the risk of business failure. State and federal governments' economic statuses are improved by such gains in agricultural profitability. Integrated pest management decisions that lead to better pest control and safer environmental conditions are improved by the pest tolerant varieties bred by this project.

Publications

• Andersen, R.L. 2002. Promising Sweet Cherry Varieties for the Eastern US. Abstr. of invited paper for Cherry Section of Educational Program at Great Lakes Fruit Expo, Grand Rapids, MI.
• Andersen, R.L. 2002. Exotic pests, diseases, and nursery stock - the stone fruit industry at risk. Abstr. of invited paper for Peach Section of Educational Program at Great Lakes Fruit Expo, Grand Rapids, MI.
• Andersen, R.L., Terence L. Robinson and Stephen A. Hoying. 2002. Performance of Gisela Cherry Rootstocks in the Northeast of the United States. Abstr. of invited paper at International Society for Horticultural Science Rootstock Conference, Zaragosa, Spain.
• Andersen, R.L., J.E.Nugent, G. Lang. 2002. Sweet Cherry Varieties for the Eastern US: Thoughts on Briner-types. The Fruit Grower News: December, 2002.
• Choi, Cheol, Ryutaro Tao, and Robert L. Andersen, 2002. Identification of self-incompatibility alleles and pollen incompatibility groups in sweet cherry by PCR based s-allele typing and controlled pollination. Euphytica 123/1: 9-20.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Two sweet cherry and two plum cultivars reached the status of plant patent applied for. Their cultivar names are Newfane = NY 13688 (sweet cherry, self-fertile with light flesh), Rigdewood = NY 13791 (sweet cherry, self-fertile with dark flesh), Jayfree = NY 66.609.6 (European-type plum, partially self-fertile, mid-season blue processing fruit), and Kenmore = NY 58.900.9 (European-type plum, self-fertile, mid-season, blue, dual purpose fruit). Twenty test selections were newly elevated to elite sweet cherry test selection status and are now available for experimental trials off-Station. Hybridization between imported Greek cultivars and late and firm Cornell cultivars was successful in transferring new, exotic to New York, germplasm into the Geneva sweet cherry breeding program. Pollination research continued to ascertain fertility levels between elite test selections of plums of both the P. domestica, P. insititia and P. salacina types. Market acceptance research with fresh peaches initiated under a Federal Formula Funds grant. It demonstrated that urban New York consumers prefer locally grown, fresh peaches. A SARE grant addressing beach plums for diversification of value added fruit crops made it possible to initiate collaborative trials between food scientists and horticulutrists. Nutricuetical content of these novel, Atlantic coastal dune specific fruit is under study. High density sweet cherry production systems research reached the fruiting stage. Preliminary results demonstrate that Zahn Central Axis and Spanish Bush tree habits are promising for early yields and high efficiecy for labor.

Impacts
Having market research results from this project that prove the desirability of locally grown produce strengthens the confidnece of growers that they should accept the risk of making capital investments in new stone fruit orchards. Nutricueticcal research that integrates horticultural variety testing with food scince experiments is garnering biochemical results about metabolic pathways. This ties directly to the idea that was on the cover of Time magazine in January. Time showed a woman holding a glass apple -- meaning American consumers are increasingly looking inside things to become more aware about human nutrition. This project is helping accomplish that objective.

Publications

• Choi, Cheol and Andersen, R. L. . 2001. Hedelfingen sweet cherry fruit and tree growth responses to thinning and five rootstocks. J. Am. Pomological Soc. 55(2): 114-119.
• Choi, Cheol and Andersen, R. L. . 2001. Variable fruit set in self-fertile sweet cherry. Can. J. Plant Sci. 81: 753-760.
• Reighard, G, and NC-140 collaborators. 2001. Five-year performance of 19 peach rootstocks at 20 sites in North America. Proc. 7th Int. Symp. On Orch. & Plant Syst., Eds. J. w. Palmer & J. N. Wunsche, Acta Hort. 557, ISHA. 2001, 97-102.
• Andersen, R. L., Choi, Cheol and Freer, J. . 2001. Sweet cherry pollination considerations for 2001. NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 9, No.1, 25-30.
• Andersen, R. L. and Freer, J. . 2001. Plum variety picks for New York. NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 9, No. 2, 3-5
• Andersen, R. L., Hoying, S. A., Robinson, T. L. and McKay, S. A. . 2001. A communications model (NY Peach News): A collaborative effort to evaluate peach/nectarine cultivars for suitability to New York climates and markets. Abstr. of poster paper presented at 5th Int. Peach Symp. Davis, CA.
• Andersen, R. L. 2001. Breeding and genetics - Sweet cherries, New sweet cherry variety and selection showcase: Cornell, New York program. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 3.
• Andersen, R. L. 2001. Breeding and genetics - International S-allele Workshop. S-allele repository, pollination groups. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 7.
• Choi, Cheol and Andersen, R. L.. 2001. The influence of accelerated flower development on pollen quality in sweet cherry. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 63.
• Choi, Choel and Andersen, R. L. . 2001. A preliminary study of physiological and S-allele specific breakdown of self-incompatibility in sweet cherry. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 61.
• Hoying, S. A., Robinson, T. L. and Andersen, R. L. . 2001. Improving sweet cherry branching. . NY Fruit Quarterly Vol. 9, No. 1, 19-24.
• Jacyna, T. and Andersen, R. L.. 2001. Natural growth habit of sweet cherry maiden trees. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 70
• Perry, Ronald, Crasweller, R., Reighard, G. Andersen, R., Lay, B., Kappel, F., Lang, G. and Stefanelli, D. 2001. Preliminary performance of `Montmrency' sour cherry on eleven rootstocks in the 1998 NC-140 trial. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 55.
• Perry, Ronald, Roper, T., Greene, G., Anderson, L. ,Andersen, R., Lay, B.,Kappel, F., Lang, G. and Stefanelli, D.. 2001. Preliminary performance of `Montmrency' sour cherry on eleven rootstocks in the 1998 NC-140 trial. Abstract of poster paper presented at 4th International Cherry Symposium. Hood River, OR & Richland, WA. pg 56

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Five years of research work on sweet cherry pollination biology led to the identification of 3 previously unreported alleles. Numerous previous mistakes in identity of pollination incompatibility genotypes were corrected by this work. Growers are planting a much more diverse group of cultivars, many of which have potential pollinizer complications if poor choices are made at planting time. Bacterial canker tolerance breeding has been ongoing in field observations at Geneva and orchards along Lake Ontario. This disease is much more serious in sites with high humidity, a characteristic of orchards located near Lake Ontario, especially if they have poor air drainage. Field ratings of disease severity at Geneva have shown that some genotypes have severe foliar symptoms but little canker expansion, others have severe bud blast symptoms but also have minimal canker expansion, while the most severely affected genotypes are those that have all three types of symptoms. These almost always have fruit symptoms as well. Tedious field evaluations that often span 3 to 5 years duration are needed to characterize a genotype's disease symptom expression accurately. Recent research in Oregon with in vitro leaf innoculations show promise of the development of laboratory techniques to shorten the evaluation time requirements. Over 70 new stone fruit hybridizatrions were accomplished in 2000. Plumcot breeding was added to the objectives to attempt combining of adapted eastern North American apricot cultivars and Japanese-type plums seeking hardy trees which have regular pollination success in eastern climates.

Impacts
So commercial cherry production increases throughout the world, information about pollen compatibility and bacterial canker will help growers make the best cultivar selection.

Publications

• Andersen, Robert L. 2000. Selecting a cherry cultivar for the 21st century. Proc. of the Oregon Horticultural Society 114th Annual Meeting Vol. 91: 28-36.
• Andersen, Robert L. 2000. Cherry rootstock selection and management, Plus: choosing between 'Gisela 5' and Gisela '6'. Proc. of the Oregon Horticultural Society 114th Annual Meeting Vol. 91: 39-41.
• Andersen, Robert L. 2000. More: On stone fruit diversification options. Proceedings of the 106th Massachusetts Horticultural Society pgs. 36-42.
• Andersen, Robert L., Robinson, Terence, and Lang, Gregory A. 2000. Managing the Gisela Cherry Rootstocks. New York Fruit Quarterly Vol. 7(4): 19-22.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Sweet cherry pollination studies were successful in proving the presence of 3 new alleles affecting the self-incompatibility of pollen. This brings to 9 the total number of known alleles and to 36 the total number of possible pollination groups. Additionally this research corrected many previous mistakes that were in the literature which had been based solely on field pollination tests. These breakthroughs and corrections were made possible by combining Cornell's historic field pollination records with PCR and RFLP techniques and through collaboration with Michigan State University, Guelph University, and Kyoto University. The breeding efforts with sweet cherries at Cornell/Geneva identified 9 additional selections of dark and light flesh sorts. Breeding decisions were made to elevate six more selections to elite status wherein they will now be made available for semi-commercial and public breeder evaluations in differing climates.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
Frost during early, pre-bloom stages caused sizable economic losses to NY orchards but created conditions for selection of genetic resistance to frost at Geneva. Tests in Geneva with NY13688 and NY 13791 sweet cherries reconfirmed that these sweet cherry selections deserve release. Virus-status-certified propagating material of them was dispersed in 1998 to interested commercial nurseries via Cornell University working in collaboration with National Research Service Project No.5. NY1368 is an elite, brining-type sweet cherry selection with colorless flesh and a blushed skin; and NY13791 is a dark-juiced sweet cherry with a mahogany skin color, exceptionally late bloom time and frost resistance as well as frost avoidance characteristics. Off-campus trials were expanded and/or continued with NY growers of stone fruits and now encompass over 40 farm trials. Stone fruit hybridizations at Geneva produced 1500 new hybrid seedlings from 1997 seed. Pollination research with the "S" locus was continued with the initiation of molecular genetics techniques to attempt to corroborate traditional field test crossing data. Fifteen new sweet cherry selections were made from 14 different parental combinations.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Andersen, R. L. 1998. Overview Lecture: Current status of sweet cherry breeding. Lofthus, Norway. Proceedings of the Third International Cherry Symposium. Volume 1: 35-44.
• Choi, C., R. L. Andersen and J. Freer. 1998. Frost injury to New York cherries in 1998: notable lessons. NY Frt. Qtrly. 6 (3): 2-7.
• Kappel, F. G. Lang, R. Perry and R. Andersen, R. 1998. A new NC-140 regional cherry rootstock trial for 1998. Lofthus, Norway. Proceedings of the Third International Cherry Symposium. Volume 1:241-248.
• Perry, R. G. Lang, R. Andersen, LaMar Andersen, A. Azarenko, T. Facteau, D. Ferree, A. Gaus, F. Kappel, F. Morrison, C. Rom, T. Roper, S. Southwick, G. Tehrani, and C. Walsh. 1998. Performance of the NC-140 cherry rootstock trials in North America. Lofthus, Norway. Proceedings of the Third International Cherry Symposium. Volume 1:291-296.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
Twenty-one new selections were made emphasizing adaptation to NY weather and pest complexes, fruit quality (taste and firmness), and fruit size. Twenty-seven different parents were represented in these, mostly from Canadian and NY origins. Culling undesirable parent combinations was based on the same selection criteria, with the most frequent short-falls being fruit size and/or bacterial canker susceptibility. In all, 43 other parents gave no outstanding progeny. New immigrant accessions totaled 22 new cherries. 'S' locus research continued and 4 of the 5 previously unavailable pairings were tentatively identified.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
New selections were made that emphasized fruit quality (taste and firmness) and fruit size. The parentage of 4 of these 7 new seletions was NY 7690 x OP (Prosser 1-638 x NY 5656). NY 1507 (Schmidt x Bing) was again a successful progenitor for high quality, firm progeny, although less outstanding in fruit size. NY 13688 (Em. Francis x Stella), a self-fertile, elite brining-type proved to be substantially hardier in the nursery under 2 severe cold stress situations than Em. Francis, Starks Gold or Napoleon. NY 13791 (Starks Gold x Stella), a very late blooming, self fertile, dark fleshed, elite selection responded well to giberillic acid treatments to firm and delay fruit maturity. It will be released in 1997. Surefire, a recent Cornell sour cherry release, exhibited susceptibility to European brown rot. New immigrant accessions totalled 16. Cherry breeding produced about 5,000 new seeds utilizing 103 parental combinations. S locus research focused on creating and identifying 5 previously unavailable pairings: S1S5, S1S6, S2S6, S4S6, S5S6.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Hampson, C.R., R. L. Andersen, R. L. Perry and A. D. Webster, editors. 1996. Proceedings of the International Cherry Symposium. Acta Horticulturae 410.
• Perry, Ron, et. al. 1996. Performance of the NC-140 cherry Rootstock trials in North American. Compact Fruit Tree. Volume 29. pp 37-56. Patent/Invention No.: USPP # 9638. September 3, 1996.
• Watson, John P. , Robert L. Andersen, and Kennesth G. Livervore. PLUM CULTIVAR CASTLETON.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Tests in Geneva with NY13242 reconfirmed that this sour cherry selection deserves elite status due to large fruit size and favorable tree habit; off-campus trials were initiated with Eastern u-pick growers. NY13688, an elite brining-type sweet cherry selection, progressed toward release within the next 2 years. NY13791, an elite dark juiced sweet cherry that was slated for 1996 release was delayed for 2 years due to X-disease infection. New immigrant accessions totaled 52. Cherry breeding produced 4000 new hybrid seeds utilizing 81 different parental combinations. Pollination research with the S locus was greatly expanded with the initiation of Ph.D. research focusing on genetics and physiology of its function. Eight new sweet cherry selections were made.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Commercial tart cherry production was economicaly better in NY than in 1993 partially because NY supplies were down due to tree grubbing, and partially because NY growers have strengthened their business relationships with major processors in Michigan. Tests in NY and Michigan with Surefire and two Hungarian cultivars gave promising results for Surefire and Ujfehertos Furtos. Both cultivars have red flesh and juice making more diverse processed cherry products more feasible. Sweet cherries for fresh market were very successful because of limited rainfall and modest supply levels. Briner-type, processed into Maracino, also enjoyed good prices, but most had to be exported to Canadian and Michigan briners, since only one NY briner still receives fruit. New immigrant accessions totalled 12. Cherry breeding produced 13,000 new hybrid seeds utilizing 109 different parental combinations. Pollination tests with elite selections and self fertile cultivars continued. Six new cherry selections were made. Two elite self fertile selections, NY 13688 & NY13791, advanced to "Possible Release Status" because of continued outstanding performance. NY13242 was elevated to elite status amongst sour cherry selections because of large fruit size and a favorable tree habit.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• ANDERSEN, R. L. 1994. New cherry rootstocks: Go cautiously. New York Fruit Quarterly 2:3-6.
• ANDERSEN, R. L. 1994. Diversity in New York tree fruit orchard businesses. New York Fruit Quarterly 2: 1-2.

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
Commercial tart cherry production was an economic disaster for NY due to low prices and over production of the Montmorency cultivar. Sweet cherries fared much better, with briners bringing 4 times the price of tarts and dark fresh cherries in moderate supply with good prices. New immigrant accessions totalled 39. Partial virus indexing was accomplished with elite selections. Cherry breeding produced 4409 new hybrid seeds utilizing 185 different parental combinations. Pollination tests with elite selections and self fertile cultivars continued. Self fertile pollination test continued. Fourteen new s. cherry selections were made and 76 others were marked watch for possible selection. The 2 elite self fertile selections, NY 13688 percent NY13791, again proved worthy. A tart cherry was named Surefire and released with a patent pending. A sweet cherry was named Somerset and released with a patent pending. Regeneration experiments with Gi 148/1 and Colt rootstocks were concluded. In vitro environmental factors affected in vivo livability. Experiments involving fruit thinning through flower removal were concluded after 2 seasons evaluation. Fruit size distribution was narrowed and the mean raised by thinning.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
New immigrant accessions totalled 37. Partial virus indexing was accomplishe with elite selections. Cherry breeding produced 6,692 new hybrid seeds utilizing 155 different parental combinations. Pollens of 'Cerna' from Romania and a series of U. of California elite selections were used. Pollination tests with elite selections and self fertile cultivars continued. Preliminary results point to two or three categories of self fertile types based on percentage fruit set. Seven new s. cherry selections were made. Two self fertile selections, NY 13688 & NY13791 were moved to elite status making them available for off-station trials. Oregon research results indicate that NY 7679, a large fruited, white fleshed, highly blushed sister of NY 7690 has commercial potential in arid climates. Regeneration experiments with 'Gi 148/1' and 'Colt' rootstocks were initiated. The research hypothesis is that in vitro environmental factors affect in vivo livability. Experiments involving fruit thinning through flower removal were initiated and coupled with early season irrigation treatments to determine effects on fruit size and quality. T. cherry wines were made with an array of red juiced selections. They will be blended with honey wine. NY 3308 s. cherry was patented and released and named 'Hartland.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• ANDERSEN, R. L., BROWN, S. K., WAY, R. D., LIVERMORE, K. G., AND TERRY, D. E 1993. 'Hartland' Black Sweet Cherry. NY Food and Life Sci. Bull. Number 141.
• ANDERSEN, R. L., BROWN, S. K., WAY, R. D., LIVERMORE, K. G., AND TERRY, D. E 1993. 'Royalton' Black Sweet Cherry. NY Food and Life Sci. Bull. Number 140.
• CUMMINS, J.N. AND ANDERSEN, R. L. 1992. A New York test of some advanced rootstock candidates for sweet cherry. Proc. Australian Soc. Hort. Sci. 1:165- 169.

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
Currently there are 306 accessions (125 old immigrant accessions + 25 new immigrant '91 accessions + 51 pre-'91 NY s. cherry sel. + 7 new NY s. cherry sel.in '91 and 31 immigrant accessions + 65 pre-'91 NY tart cherry selections + 2 new NY t. cherry sel. in '91. The 1991 cherry season was exceptionally good for NY growers and the Cornell breeding project. Small fruit size due to oversetting occurred in older orchards. Dry conditions in June and July prevented serious brown rot. NY 11390 was patented and released and named 'Royalton.' NY 3308 again was exceptional in crop set and it will be named in 1992. NY12716, a morello-type tart cherry was rated as excellent and, along with NY13272, was placed in grower cooperator trials. Pollen from public breeders in eastern Europe was used in part of the '91 crosses along with NY, British Columbia, and Ontario selections and cvs.. Over 9,000 hybrid seed resulted. Romanian research results indicate that NY7690, a large fruited white fleshed sweet cherry, has exceptionally high yield and fruit size in a long term, replicated trial. Regeneration and transformation research with P. avium was initiated. Putative transgenic plants were obtained. They were derived from explants of sweet cherry seedling embryonic axis tissue. A plant patent application has been filed and is pending for 'Royalton.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• ANDERSEN, R. L., BECKHORN, D. A., LAMB, R. C., and LIVERMORE, K. G. 1991. T Stone Fruit Program at Geneva. Proceeding of the New York State Horticultural Society. Volume 136:164-170.

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
The Cherry Breeding Project at Geneva was changed this year to discontinue hybridization of P. cerasus so that greater emphasis can be placed on breeding P. avium. Currently there are 49 sweet cherry and 73 tart cherry selections from Cornell breeding efforts in this program. The 1990 cherry season had excessively hot weather during bloom and little or no crop was set by trees under six years of age; and bloom period passed so quickly that no hybridizations were attempted. NY 3308 & NY9801 sweet cherry selections had exceptionally heavy crops in grower/cooperator trials in Western NY. S5N35-15, a black cherry selection from British Columbia, had excellent fresh market quality and much better shelf-life than other sorts. It was repropagated for more extensive grower/cooperator trials. Plans continue to move forward toward naming NY11390. Electrophoresis was used to "fingerprint" several Cornell selections and cultivars. Tart cherry selections NY12716 nd NY13272 had continuing favorable records and were distributed to several Great Lakes Region nursery cooperators to make grower/cooperator trees for 1992 distribution and collaborating cherry breeders received propagating material of them upon request.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• SJULIN, T.M., JONES, A.L. and ANDERSEN, R.L. 1989. Expression of partial resistance to cherry leaf spot in cultivars of sweet, sour, duke, and European ground cherry. Plant Dis. 73:56-61.

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
Several winter and early spring frosts markedly affected fruit set so that we were able to rate the hardiness of our advanced selections. Research continued on finding additional sources of resistance to the fungal pathogen, brown rot (Monilinia fructicola). Wounding fruit prior to inoculation resulted in a much higher rate of infection proving the importance of epidermal integrity in resistance. Therefore, brown rot resistant cultivars must also have resistance to rain-induced fruit cracking if the resistance is to be useful. The epidermal characteristics of a range of resistant and susceptible cultivars are being examined to assess the role of epidermal components in resistance. A modification of a force gauge was used to assess fruit and skin thickness of tart cherries. This method is inexpensive, can be done in the field, and was able to discriminate among varieties. Crosses to determine the incompatibility grouping of several advanced sweet cherry selections was successful.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
A cooperative project with Dr. Wayne Wilcox of the Department of Plant Pathologyresulted in the screening of 40 sweet and 25 sour cherry genotypes for resistance to brown rot (Monilinia fructicola), a fungal disease of the fruit. An effective technique for evaluation was developed after examining the importance of phenological stage and inoculum concentration in testing. Promising sources of resistance were identified in both sweet and sour cherries. Titratable acid levels, soluble solids content, intensity of juice pigmentation and fruit removal force values were determined for all sour cherry cultivars and selections in our collection. This information was needed to aid in the selection of parental material. Instron testing of fruit firmness was continued, using a modification that allowed us to obtain a mean puncture force value for 30 cherries at a time. Several sour cherry cultivars and selections were examined throughout the season to determine how the quality characteristics of sugar, acid, firmness and color changed with time. Our objective was to learn more about the window of optimum maturity. The project on genetic dwarfism is continuing with several promising candidates identified for propagation trials.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• BROWN, S.K. 1988. Assessment of fruit firmness in selected sour cherry genotypes. HortScience 23:882-884.
• BROWN, S.K. and BOURNE, M.C. 1988. Assessment of components of fruit firmness in selected sweet cherry genotypes. HortScience 23:902-904.
• BROWN, S. K. and CUMMINS, J. N. 1988. Rootstock influenced peach flower bud survival after a spring freeze. HortScience 23:846-847.

Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

Outputs
Thirty sweet cherry cultivars and selections and 13 tart cherries were tested for components of fruit firmness using the Instron Universal testing machine. Many selections were found to have significantly firmer flesh and skin than the commercial cultivars that they are (or will be) in competition with. The soluble solids, fruit size and fruit weight of many of the selections were also found to be superior to the standard varieties. Controlled hybridizations resulted in the confirmation of the following incompatibility group designations: 'Kristin' (S3S4), NY 3308 (S3S6), and NY 6574 (S3S4). Techniques to enhance seed germination, such as Chlorox presoaks, removal of the endocarp, use of sterile water, filters and bags, fungicidal treatment and a low temperate regime where only seeds were in the system produced excellent results. Seed germination rates are approaching 80%. The experiments on genetic dwarfism are proceeding. Both greenhouse and field measurements of height, stem diameter, and internode length have been made and the correlations between these two sets of measurements are being established. Many additional progeny will be examined in 1989.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications