The new Bartlett training, spacing and rootstock systems trial at Kurt Ashurst”s farm in Hopland has completed its second growing season. The plot is one of four similar trials in California, New York, Oregon and Washington.
The University of California Cooperative Extension will host an informal open house at the trial site on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon to view how the trees have performed this season, as well as to detail the various challenges encountered and what might be expected next season. Besides viewing tree growth, the extension office will have the fruit load data summarized and will discuss various topics such as irrigation, weed control, fertilization, rat-tail bloom and related issues.
Rachel Elkins from the extension office and UC Davis orchard management specialist Bruce Lampinen will join Ashurst in making the presentation.
The trees in the systems trial were planted in early May of 2013, using stock from Washington. A fire blight resistent trial was planted on May 16 of last year, with stock from West Virginia.
Ashurst”s Shadowbrook Farms is located at 13850 Old River Rd. in Hopland. Please contact the extension office for further information or questions. The meeting will be postponed in the event of significant rain.
