Great article from Kate Prengaman and TJ Mullinax on "Evolutions in imaging" and new orchard technology being developed to improve tree fruit managment and decision making. goodfruit.com/evolutions-in-…

We are pleased to report on a multi-year study investigating the horticultural and juice attributes of several European and North America apples used for (hard) cider. Several showed promise. For more details: cdnsciencepub.com/eprint/NV4SCDZ… cdnsciencepub.com/eprint/RR8UBDV…

Apple replant disease is complex and poorly understood soil disease that affects new apple trees when planted in old ochard site. Meaghan Mechler Meaghan Mechler, a PhD candidate in my lab, has provided a blog on her ongoing mitigation research applereplantdisease.wordpress.com

For those interested in the performance of Rootpac rootstocks for peaches grown in a northern climate, check out our latest study "Early performance of several Prunus interspecific hybrid rootstocks for Redhaven peach in southern Ontario" bit.ly/3u2TEDW

Orchards vanishing from the landscape, says National Trust bbc.in/3wwEB8x

Actual degree days base 5oC, from Jan 1 to April 17/22 with predicted DD to April 29, at UoG Simcoe. Looking similar to the 2019 & 2020 growing seasons when apple bloom was ~May 25th both years. A relief for tree fruit producers that the season will start later than 2021.

The efficicacy of metamitron for thinning apples was studied over several years as a new chemical fruitlet thinner. We studied the influence of rate, timing, and surfactant on reducing crop load. Overall, we found metamitron to be an effect thinner.bit.ly/3EZwaEX

Perfect pollination conditions in our research orchards today.

Today blossom thinners were applied to Honeycrisp: 1) 2% ATS plus 0.05% non-ionic surfactant; 2) 2.5% Lime Sulphur plus 2% mineral oil. Timing guided by the Pollen Tube Growth Model.

Crab apples have great utility in the orchard beyond pollinators and aesthetics. Their high acidity, polyphenols and some with red-flesh cultivars, make wonderful additions for cider.

In a multi-year study, we are investigating the time of of hedging on labour savings and fruit quality in a super spindle hedgerow Gala orchard. June 15/22 represented 30 days after bloom, coinciding with 8-10 fully expanded leaves. Fruit are ~25 mm diameter. Trees 5 yrs-old.

I never tire of watching the flower buds develop each spring, and transition through the stages of bloom, fruit set and fruit development. These are images of Providence, a red-flesh apple reaching full bloom. Not the red leaves, bark, and crimson red flowers. A small miracle.

The Government of Ontario is investing over $8 million in 47 research projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. These projects will help position the province’s agri-food sectors for continued growth and prosperity. Learn more: news.ontario.ca/en/release/100… #OntAg

Through the power of partnership, University of Guelph and @OMAFRA are supporting world-class research for the agri-food and rural sectors.

Reducing labour by regulating plant growth in tender fruits thegrower.org/news/reducing-…

Providence apple trees are in full bloom in our University of Guelph research orchard in Simcoe, Ontario. Providence is an apple developed for rosé cider, jellies, and tart juices. It features red-fleshed fruit that produced cherry-red tart juice. providenceapple.com

Excellent bloom and pollination conditions over the past 7d. Ambrosia, Gala, and Honeycrisp (HC) king fruitlets are 4.7, 4.8, 4.5 mm, respectively (n=50) as of 14-May. However, bloom is quite protracted with plenty of flowers remaining open on Ambrosia. HC and Gala at petal fall.

Feild trip day - Visiting the Simcoe Research Station today for the #AgRobotics Demo day.

Peach harvest is well underway and Sofia and John Cline have been busy harvesting peaches from ACC thinning trials on peach and plums.

I have a MSc and Phd opportunitity available in my lab focusing on tree fruit pomology. The projects focus on the crop load management of peaches and apples. We offer competive stipends and support throughout the entire thesis research. Dettails at bit.ly/46vmC25