Orchard management and profitable production of tree fruits has become driven by robust science and thorough research. In light of this fact, this multidisciplinary questionnaire has been put together by a group of AHS Jr.-AREC scientists to help them identify and set research questions that reflect the interests of Virginia tree fruit growers and stakeholders. A similar questionnaire was distributed 6 years ago and has served to guide AHS Jr.-AREC scientists designing their field-blocks and shaping their research directions. Based on this survey, many experiments in pomology, plant pathology and entomology have been initiated. This includes, but is not limited to, experiments on crop load management practices, orchard tree planting density, variety and rootstock evaluation, physiological disorders, fungicides and insecticide efficacy trials, mating disruption trials and organic practices. This year’s questionnaire is meant to investigate the new trends and interests of Virginia fruit producers that may ignite new ideas or further promote researching the existing ones.
We are expecting responses from tree fruit growers, private agricultural consultants, agribusiness field representatives, VCE specialists and VCE extension educators in Virginia. An online version of the 2017 questionnaire can be accessed here (https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ezHdupTmKNcdO05). Please complete before March 15th.
A paper version of this questionnaire will be distributed during the upcoming fruit school meetings (Feb 13-17).