UMass Amherst Researchers Receive $1.19 Million to Explore Solutions for Managing Cranberry Fruit Rot
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Cranberry farming is woven into the history and economy of Massachusetts. Cultivation of the native crop began centuries ago and continues to be an important export – Massachusetts ranks second in cranberry production nationwide.
However, since the early 1900s, the cranberry industry has been threatened by cranberry fruit rot (CFR), the most widespread and frequent cranberry-affecting disease that growers face. Researchers know that at least 15 fungal species are associated with the rot, and it is unknown how other microbes contribute to CFR, or how climate change will affect the disease.
To shine a light into these mysteries, a team of UMass Amherst researchers has received $1.19 million to explore sustainable solutions to address fruit rot and reduce the threat to the cranberry production in Massachusetts.
UMass Amherst Cranberry Station researchers Leela S. Uppala, Giverson Mupambi and Peter Jeranyama, are working with Jill Fitzsimmons, assistant research professor in resource economics, on the project, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture–National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative Grant.
The effort in Massachusetts is part of a larger $4.1 million endeavor that has brought together a diverse and multidisciplinary team of scientists. The University of Wisconsin Madison is leading the initiative, in collaboration with Rutgers University, University of Oregon, the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service researchers and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
The primary objective of the project is to assess the dynamics of fungal pathogens causing CFR, while examining the influence of environmental stress on disease manifestation. The overarching aim is to pinpoint stress-tolerant traits and CFR resistance mechanisms for potential crop enhancement. Additionally, this project aims to gain insight into the decision-making process of growers, as they strive to strike a balance between business and environmental considerations. This understanding will pave the way for the widespread adoption of best management practices for effectively addressing CFR.
More information about the UMass Amherst Cranberry Station and the work being done by its researchers on the Massachusetts state fruit can be found at https://ag.umass.edu/cranberry.
This story was originally published by the UMass News Office.