The Comparative Root System Architecture of Declining and Non-Declining Trees in Two Apple Orchards in New York.

Rapid apple decline is a phenomenon characterized by a weakening of young apple trees in high density orchards, often followed by their quick collapse. The nature of this phenomenon remains unclear. In this work, we investigated the root system architecture (RSA) of declining and non-declining apple trees in two orchards in New York State.

Assessment of Fungicide Resistance via Molecular Assay in Populations of , Causal Agent of Apple Powdery Mildew, in New York.

, causal agent of apple powdery mildew, is a pathogen endemic worldwide where apples are produced. In the absence of durable host resistance, the disease is most effectively managed in conventional orchards with single-site fungicides. In New York State, increasingly erratic precipitation patterns and warmer temperatures due to climate change may create a regional environment more conducive to apple powdery mildew development and spread.

'Honeycrisp' Bitter Pit Response to Rootstock and Region under Eastern New York Climatic Conditions.

There are still unknown factors at play in the causation of bitter pit in 'Honeycrisp' as well as in other apple varieties. To investigate some of these factors, we conducted a survey of 34 'Honeycrisp' orchard blocks distributed across two disparate production regions in eastern New York State, representing a variety of rootstocks, over three growing seasons. Weather, soil, horticultural traits, fruit quality traits, pick timing, leaf and peel minerals were evaluated for their impact on bitter pit (BP) incidence; factors were further evaluated for their interaction with region and rootstock.