MARYLAND
STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Established in 1898
"The Society has shifted with the times, has been alert to the complexities facing the fruit industry, and has been effective voice for all in advancing and protecting the vital interests of this industry." - Arthur H. Thompson, The First Ninety Years History of the Maryland State Horticultural Society

Fruit and Vegetable Growers Striving for the Best
NEWS
Save the Date – Events and Training for
Fall 2023
November 7, 2023
Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC)
Fall Apple Workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Agenda
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8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION
APPLE FRUIT QUALITY/ HORTICULTURE
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9:00 a.m. - Apple fruit physiological disorders and their effects on quality. Dr. Macarena Farcuh, University of Maryland
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9:45 a.m. - Plant growth regulators and their effects on fruit quality. Dr. Macarena Farcuh, University of Maryland
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10:30 a.m. - Break
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10:45 a.m. - Weed management effects on fruit quality. Mr. Dave Myers, University of Maryland Extension-Anne Arundel Co.
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11:15 a.m. - Connecting the dots: Orchard management, apple tree decline, and postharvest rots. Dr. Kari Peter, Penn State University
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Noon - Working Lunch
APPLE FRUIT SAFETY
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1:00 p.m.- Sanitization of irrigation water. Dr. Rohan Tikekar, University of Maryland
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1:30 p.m. - Reducing cross contamination risk during washing of fresh produce using sanitizers. Dr. Rohan Tikekar, University of Maryland
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2:00 p.m. - Break
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2:15 p.m. - Picking Baskets, Field Crates and Bulk Bins: What is the Best Way to Clean and Sanitize Them? Ms. Carol Allen, University of Maryland
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2:45 p.m. - Introducing the New Worker Health & Hygiene Video. Ms. Carol Allen, University of Maryland
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3:30 p.m. - Wrap up and evaluation/surveys
New Online Course for Maryland Cottage Food Producers & On-Farm Home Processors
Register here: https://go.umd.edu/mfvcourse
For questions or needing accommodation contact:
Dr. Shauna Henley, shenely@umd.edu
Something New!
The FarcuhLab has started a YouTube channel for you to subscribe and follow!
The Farcuh Fruit Quality Lab's channel showcases latest research and extension activities for improving fruit quality, nutritional value, shelf-life capacity, safety and marketability throughout fruit development, harvest and postharvest storage. The Farcuh Lab 's mission is to find novel strategies to decrease fruit loss/waste, support environmental sustainability and, at the same time, enhance fruit consumption by meeting consumers’ expectations.
To view these videos use the tab below.
Apple Maturity Assessments for the Mid-Atlantic
We do the lab work so you don’t have to.
The determination of apple harvest maturity and optimal harvest dates can be achieved by using different maturity indices.
We take measurements of percent blush apple skin, skin chlorophyll content (DA index), fruit firmness, starch content, soluble solids and titratable acidity.
These measurements are performed weekly using different apple cultivars throughout the course of the season. To subscribe to the weekly updates use the tab below.
2022 - 2023
MSHS Executive Board Officers
Hallie Butler-Van Horn, President
Bryan Butler, 1St VP
Brad Miller, 2nd Vice President
Bob Black, Treasurer
Haley Sater, Secretary
Board members are
Paul Jackson
Stephen Milburn
Daniel Heyser
Stephen Blades
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
The membership year runs from January 1st to December 31st. Membership dues are collected during the registration process for the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. For those seeking membership after the convention click here... for more information.
TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
Tree Assistance Program (TAP) is to provide financial assistance to qualifying orchardists to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, and vines that were damaged by natural disasters. To learn more about this program and eligibility, click here for more info >>
WMREC HORTICULTURAL TWILIGHT MEETING & TOUR
Click here to access handouts >>
PUBLICATIONS
Click on the links below:
Horticultural Technology Newsletter
Spotted Wing Drosophila Monitoring and Management
University of Maryland Fact Sheet 1023, November 2015
SOURCES FOR MD GROWN FRUIT
Click on the links below:
Maryland Apples
Maryland's Best
National Peach Council
University of Maryland Extension: Grapes and Fruit
University of Maryland: Aronia
Mid-Atlantic Aronia Growers Association
FRUIT MEETINGS
Bay Area Fruit School (link to presentations & videos)
Western Maryland Regional Fruit Meeting (presentations)
2019 Summer Tour visiting Arterra Photo Credit:Christopher Black