Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association Funds UMass Extension Research Projects
The Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association (MFGA) has a long history of supporting research done by the UMass Extension Fruit Team. Research projects are designed to provide growers in Massachusetts, and beyond, with scientifically rigorous information to help make the best management decisions possible on their farms. This year the MFGA has provided funds for seven projects, each headed by a member of the Fruit Team.
Updating Phenological Models under Changing Climate Conditions- Dr Jaime Piñero, Associate Director and Extension Professor Stockbridge School of Agriculture
Accurate pest monitoring and updated phenological models are critical for effective pest management. This project aims to enhance monitoring of codling moth (CM) and Oriental fruit moth (OFM) by: (1) deploying remote camera traps to track both pest activity and apple tree phenology, enabling precise biofix determination and degree-day model updates across at least 10 Massachusetts orchards; and (2) evaluating OFM trap captures under different combinations of benzaldehyde and sex pheromone lures to improve monitoring effectiveness.
Evaluation of New Northern Highbush Blueberry Varieties for Sustainable Field Production in Massachusetts- Dr. Jianyu Li, Sustainable Vegetable and Fruit Assistant Extension Professor, Stockbridge School of Agriculture
Blueberries are a vital crop in Massachusetts, contributing to the state’s agricultural diversity and providing high value fresh fruit for local markets. However, achieving consistent yields and fruit quality in the region requires careful variety selection to account for factors such as winter hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to local soil conditions This project aims to enhance blueberry production in Massachusetts by evaluating five northern highbush cultivars—Chandler, Northland, Reka, Last Call, and Bluegold—for their adaptability to local conditions, including winter hardiness, disease resistance, and soil compatibility. While traditional varieties dominate the region, these newer cultivars may offer improved yield, fruit quality, extended harvest windows, and market appeal. The initial phase focuses on establishing the plants and infrastructure needed for long-term research, with future data collection planned to assess growth, pest resistance, and sustainability. Findings will help growers diversify production, improve profitability, and meet consumer demand for high-quality, locally grown fruit.
Remote monitoring of OFM, CM, and OBLR insect pests; automated apple crop stage monitoring, Orchard Watch Implementing precision apple crop load management at the UMass Orchard- Jon Clements, Fruit Team Leader, Tree Fruit Production Specialist, UMass Extension
The projects described are part of a larger integrated initiative aimed at advancing precision apple production in Massachusetts through remote sensing and data-driven management tools. One project focuses on the remote monitoring of key lepidoptera pests—Oriental fruit moth (OFM), codling moth (CM), and oblique-banded leafroller (OBLR)—using automated camera-equipped pheromone traps and crop stage monitors from CropVue Technologies, which will help growers optimize pest control and crop timing decisions. A second project, Orchard Watch, expands this approach by creating a detailed “Weather Monitoring Grid” across the UMass Orchard using nine remote weather stations to assess microclimate variability and its impact on pest and disease development, enabling block-specific management strategies. A third initiative centers on implementing and validating PACMAN (Precision Apple Cropload Management) practices to help growers accurately manage fruit numbers through a combination of modeling tools and remote sensing, with the goal of improving economic outcomes. Together, these projects represent a comprehensive strategy to modernize orchard management through targeted technology, real-time data collection, and grower-focused decision support.
Understanding of Colletotrichum spp. Diversity, Infection Timing and Management in Massachusetts Orchards- Elizabeth Garofalo, Extension Educator, Tree Fruit IPM Specialist, UMass Extension
Bitter rot and leaf spot of apple, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and gloeosporoides complexes, are increasingly impacting Massachusetts orchards, with apple bitter rot becoming especially severe. These pathogens can cause major crop losses, premature defoliation, and persist long-term in tree tissues and mummified fruit. While removing infected fruit mummies from grassy orchard drive rows is suggested as a non-chemical control method, its effectiveness remains uncertain. Additionally, the two fungal complexes differ in spore dispersal methods, with the gloeosporoides complex producing forcefully ejected ascospores capable of traveling farther than the splash-dispersed spores of the acutatum complex. Understanding these differences is critical to tailoring disease management strategies. Research also highlights variability in fungicide effectiveness across species, underscoring the need for accurate species identification.
Experimental Control of Bindweed in Established Blueberry Plantings- Dr Maria Gannett, Extension Educator, Weed Science Specialist, UMass Extension
Hedge bindweed, a persistent rhizomatous perennial, poses a significant management challenge due to its extensive underground root system. Building on previous research from Oregon that showed promise using Quinclorac—a Group 4 systemic herbicide—against field bindweed, trials were conducted last summer to test similar split pre- and post-emergent applications on hedge bindweed. However, results were limited, even at high rates, suggesting that repeated applications may be necessary to effectively suppress established infestations. This summer, the study will continue with an added focus on a post-emergent abrasive weed management approach, which uses high-pressure applications of organic materials such as corn gluten meal or walnut shell fragments to physically damage newly emerged weeds. This non-chemical method will be evaluated alongside glufosinate, a grower-standard herbicide, to determine its efficacy. By combining systemic herbicide use with aboveground vegetation suppression, this dual strategy aims to improve control of this tenacious weed.