NCCC022: Small Fruit and Viticulture Research
Statement of Issues and Justification
Small fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, table grapes, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, and currants, are high value horticultural crops used in both fresh and processed fruit markets. The commodity value of these crops in U.S. production in 1997-1999 averaged $2.6 billion (USDA National Ag Statistics, 2000). Wine grapes provide an additional $1.9 billion. In addition, grower profitability can still be realized with small plantings and relatively small investment inputs, thus making small fruits a suitable venture for many small farms. At least one commercial berry species is grown in every state. Despite high profitability and considerable grower interest, acreage in most states is limited. Few states have more than one berry crop researcher, and many have none. Due to the wide dispersal of berry crop researchers, it is critical that a venue be provided to allow small fruit horticulturists to coordinate and collaborate.Collaboration across states is needed to: 1) evaluate and exchange germplasm in a systematic way 2) develop protocols for testing and evaluating new selections 3) determine how widely adapted are new selections and cultivars 4) determine if new selections and cultivars are resistant to pests across a representative host range 5) develop joint proposals for field trials 6) share research plans to avoid duplication and inefficient use of resources
The interaction of researchers in NCCC-22 enables exchange of up-to-date information on the latest research trends as well as problems encountered in regions and states. These interactions have resulted in improved small fruit germplasm (Lewers et al., 2004; Hancock et al. 2002; Finn et al., 2004), improved production practices including sustainable agriculture systems (Hancock and Luby, 1995; Perkins-Veazie and Nonnecke, 1992; Pritts et al., 1999), a clearer understanding of the nutritional value of berries (Meyers, et al., 2003; Moore et al., 2005; Weber et al., 2005), the identification of commodity-specific pest and new pest control strategies (Bristow and Moore, 2004), and development of innovations in extension education programs.
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