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APRICOT PRUNING AND GROWTH REGULATOR STUDY
Established in 1990 to help develop the apricot as a crop for New Jersey by identifying proper
pruning and other crop production practices. Two standard cultivars were pruned to two different
systems-central leader or open center-to determine best standard practice for apricots in
northwestern New Jersey. The use of growth regulators to delay bloom was also evaluated.
Bloom has been delayed 3-5 days consistently with the use of ethephon. This study was terminated
in 1997. Data is being compiled for publication. Supported with Snyder farm local needs grants.
W.P. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, W. TIETJEN, D. POLK, M. MALETTA, T. GIANGIFANGA


APRICOT CULTIVAR EVALUATION
Plantings established in 1990 and 1994. Development of the apricot as a crop for New Jersey by
identifying the best selections and named cultivars from the NJAES breeding program is the goal.
These advanced selections are being evaluated and compared with standard varieties for vigor,
disease resistance, cold hardiness, tree mortality, bloom date, fruit yield and quality. Supported
with Snyder farm local needs grants.
W.P. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, M. MALETTA, J. GOFFREDA, A. VORDECKER


APRICOT ROOTSTOCK TRIAL
Established in 1994. Advanced selections of apricot rootstocks from NJAES and
Washington State breeding projects are being evaluated for adaptability to northwestern
New Jersey. Identifying the correct rootstock for apricot production in North Jersey is
vital if this crop is to be successfully grown. Preliminary observations indicate there is
tremendous variation in tree performance and mortality with various plant materials utilized
in apricot rootstocks. NJPC 5 is establishing itself as the superior stock in this trial as to
yield efficiency and total cumulative yield. It is also showing a high tolerance to
phytophthora and good dwarfing characteristics.
W.P. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, M. MALETTA, J. GOFFREDA, A. VORDECKER,


DWARFING CHERRY ROOTSTOCKS/CULTIVARS EVALUATION, 1995
Sweet cherries are a highly prized commodity that could provide an additional source of revenue
for commercial fruit growers in New Jersey. Sweet cherries are a vigorous growing tree reaching
25 feet in height. Only a dwarfing rootstock will enable this highly valued crop to be grown in NJ.
Recent introductions from two breeding programs in Europe are being evaluated for the
adaptability to sweet cherry production in North Jersey in conjunction with cultivars that show
promise for commercial production in the east. Giesla 7 cropped in the 2nd leaf and looks to be
highly precocious. Supported with Snyder Farm local needs grants.
W.P. COWGILL, J. COMPTON, W. TIETJEN, M. MALETTA, N. VINCENT.


SWEET CHERRY TRAINING SYSTEM
The Spanish Bush training system, developed for sweet cherry production in California is being
evaluated for adaptability to New Jersey. The goal of the system in to maintain a highly productive
tree at a mature height of 8 feet. Two cultivars on mazzard root were established in 1995.
J. COMPTON, W. COWGILL


EVALUATION OF SIX FOOT, 10 WIRE HIGH TENSILE ELECTRIC FENCE
A twenty-two acre field was fenced with the above noted design. This fence was designed from
other successful fencing programs. A solar powered charger, cattle grates, 10 wires (to exclude
rodents and deer) are being evaluated for efficacy, cost effectiveness and practicality.