A-Mazing new technology
Novel spraying system is incorporated into a maze built of rows of apple trees.
New clothing material may better protect workers
Study looks at lightweight, Teflon-like material might have potential for protective clothing for pesticide applicators.
Evaluating technology for orchard use
New orchard technologies must be compatible with high production, said grower Jerry Haak.
Be careful in adopting summer hedging to build fruiting walls
A Pennsylvania researcher warns growers south of New York, where trees grow more vigorously, that they might want to take a cautious approach on adoption of summer pruning and shearing to create fruiting walls.
Four reasons to manage the orchard floor
Several forces at work suggest that orchardists should look more closely at how they manage the floors of their orchards and vineyards.
Organic matter that lasts
Tree fruit growers may one day have a new way to dramatically improve soil quality in low-organic-matter soils. Imagine being able to add organic matter that will last thousands of years, essentially permanently affecting soil tilth and structure, instead of the few years you can get using cover crops and mulches. The “new” form of organic material is called biochar.
Electric orchard equipment progress
Orchardists are showing interest in electric power, and it’s coming, slowly.
Microsprinklers for frost protection
Capturing the orchard heating power of freezing water.
Mechanical thinning can damage spurs, leaf tissue and flowers
A tractor mounted Darwin thinning device. (file photo) Mechanical thinning looks like a promising technique for reducing the
Bee renting tips
Smith helps growers and beekeepers come together agreeably