Research Projects
Research Projects
The Cranberry Research Foundation (CRF) funded over $14,800.00 in research projects in 2009 and $14,000.00 in 2010. CRF makes an ongoing effort to strategically fund projects that have immediate impact on the ability of Massachusetts cranberry growers to grow cranberries. CRF focuses on projects that improve the sustainability of cranberry production while protecting the environment.
The 2009 research projects that CRF contributed funding are as follows:
Title: Implementation of Periodic Mowing in the Management of 'Stevens': An Alternative to Sanding or Pruning?
Principal Investigators: Carolyn DeMoranville and Hilary Sandler UMass-Amherst Cranberry Station
Research objectives:
- Evaluate 'Stevens' sites that are mowed and compare to unmowed sites, following yield over a four year period, conduct economic analysis.
- Compare mowing and pruning at Rocky Pond Bog. Investigate weed management protocols for mowed vine areas.
Title: Postemergence Dodder Control Options.
Principal Investigator: Hilary A. Sandler
Research Objectives:
- Establish field studies (Year 2) to evaluate various rates of Callisto for control of emerged dodder populations and seed production and viability.
Title: Preliminary screening of growth regulators to reduce or eliminate dodder flowers.
Principal Investigator: Hilary A. Sandler.
Objectives:
- Screen several growth regulator compounds at various rates for ability to negatively impact dodder flower development and viability.
- Evaluate vine injury and yield reduction potential of cranberry associated with application of the tested compounds.
- Pursue use and registration avenues as appropriate for any successful candidate product, including IR-4 trials, Section 18s or other use permits.
Title: Efficacy data for the use of Quinclorac for postemergence dodder control.
Principal Investigator: Hilary A. Sandler.
Objectives:
- Establish field studies to collect efficacy data for the use of quinclorac as a postemergence control option for dodder.
- Work with scientists in other cranberry growing regions to collate data and submit needed information to secure Section 18s or other use permits.
The 2010 research projects that CRF contributed funding are as follows:
Title: Postemergence Dodder Control Options
Principal Investigator: Hilary A. Sandler, UMass Cranberry Station
Research Objectives:
- Establish field studies(Year 2) to evaluate various rates of Callisto for control of emerged dodder populations and seed production and viability.
Title: Efficacy data for the use of Quinclorac for postemergence dodder control-Year 2
Principal Investigator: Hilary A. Sandler, UMass Cranberry Station
Research Objectives:
- Establish field studies to collect efficacy data for the use of quinclorac as an early postemergence control option for dodder.
- Collect fruit samples from QuinStar and Drive plots for residue analysis. Work with Ocean Spray scientists who will conduct laboratory tests.
- Work with scientists in other cranberry growing regions to collate data and submit needed information to secure Section 18s or other use permits.