Progress report for FNE24-104
Project Information
From Mar.2024 to Nov. 2024 We prepare to provide the right condition by adding compost, laying out the irrigation system, pruning consistently during the growing season and harvesting the fruit in the few months.
Low temperatures in the fall and early spring have a negative
impact on fig growth, yield, and production. Furthermore, frost
occurrences induce fig fruit ripening delays, abscission of
growing buds, and corresponding economic losses at the farm.
Cultivation of fig in protected areas will aid in overcoming
these production constraints. We propose to investigate the
increase in fig yield under high tunnels in the cold environment
of Maryland's Zone 7A. We have 40 one-year-old fig trees planted
within the high tunnel and 10 fig trees planted outside the high
tunnel. This germplasm is local with unknown varieties;
therefore, this work also helps in selection and conservation of
local germplasm. In addition, 5 new varieties will be selected
for the current work. We will measure and record temperatures in
several spots within the high tunnel throughout the experiment.
We will also track the waking hours of the fig trees inside and
outside the high tunnel to compare production and ripening times.
Based on preliminary data, we predict figs planted within the
high tunnel will yield at least five times more and ripen several
months earlier. Figs are a subtropical fruit that is difficult to
ship across great distances. As a result, fresh figs are scarce
in Maryland farmers' markets. Fresh figs will help to fill a void
at the farmers' market. We are convinced that there is a large
demand for figs in the area, as indicated by social media posts
in which individuals express an interest in purchasing fresh
figs.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the yield potential and season extension capabilities of figs in Maryland's 7A zone. The project will put high tunnels to the test, along with naturally easy overwintering methods and specific trimming procedures. The ultimate goal is to provide vital information that will help local farmers maximize revenues by selling fresh, locally farmed figs. The research findings and information will be shared with other local farmers in order to stimulate and enable the production of fresh figs in the region. The goal is to disseminate knowledge about successful production procedures in order to make the availability of locally grown fresh figs a feasible and sustainable choice for local farmers, thereby contributing to the community's economic development. Furthermore, identifying locally available unknown fig germplasm at our farm will aid in the conservation of fig biodiversity in our region.
Fig is a subtropical plant that can resist temperatures well below freezing (about -10°C), making it suitable for USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 8 and above. In contrast, Maryland is in USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 7, making fig production problematic and challenging. During harsh winters, fig trees die back to the ground. Surviving roots develop several stems the next spring and summer. Because of this annual stem and branch rejuvenation, fruit growth and ripening time have been decreased. Because figs do not ripen on the plant, it is necessary to lengthen the growing and harvest season in Maryland. Following approaches have been used to successfully overwinter fig trees (Lee, 2021).
- Growing in containers and moving them inside in winter.
- Planting in the ground each spring and digging up each year.
- Wrapping the stems of the outdoor-planted fig to protect from harsh winter cold.
- Laying down or burying stems.
- In-ground cultivation in a cool or unheated greenhouse or hoop house.
The first four methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making them appropriate for small-scale home gardening but inefficient for large-scale commercial cultivation. To address these issues in fig production, we intend to use a high tunnel to extend the growing season. During the harsh winter, the high tunnel provides single-layer protection by collecting solar radiation and deflecting frigid winds. As seen this year, the temperature within the tunnel is higher than outside, stimulating early shoot growth in spring and rapid fig development in summer. In Maryland, figs normally ripen in October, with the first average frost day occurring around October 15. Within the tunnel, however, the ripe time may advance to September, and the additional protection in the fall can avoid early frost damage, extending the harvest season to early November. High tunnels may serve an important role in fig production in the USDA Cold Hardy Zone 7A of Maryland, providing a regulated microclimate that mitigates the obstacles of frost and low temperatures (Tom, 2022). These structures extend the growing season, allowing figs to thrive outside of their natural range. This season extension is critical for increasing yields and guaranteeing consistent fruit output, which helps to ensure local food security. High tunnels not only protect against harsh weather, but they also create a favorable environment for figs, boosting sustainable agriculture methods in colder regions and supporting the region's economic sustainability of fig production. We intend to evaluate the use of water barrels, hay bales, wood chips, and other similar materials to give passive heat to the tunnel. These natural materials aim to improve overwintering success rates by providing additional protection and balancing temperature fluctuations. The presence of passive heat in high tunnels improves sustainability by minimizing reliance on external energy sources. Utilizing solar heat supports environmentally friendly agricultural methods while reducing carbon emissions. Longer growing seasons boost production, promoting local food resiliency. This environmentally friendly technique ensures the long-term viability of both crops and ecosystems. Inside the greenhouse, figs may grow rapidly and create numerous new shoots, potentially reducing yield. To overcome this, we aim to use a fig tree pruning strategy that involves training the figs as espaliers (plants trained into two-dimensional patterns). This method simplifies future pruning, enables more light on the branches, and requires only 2-4 major branches to be kept close to the ground. Additional protection measures will include placing hay bales on both sides of the branches and covering them with row covers during extreme cold conditions. Local unidentified fig germplasm is also accessible at our farm and will be evaluated for yield and climatic adaptations in the current study. Conserving unknown native fig germplasm is critical for biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. We can unlock potential benefits such as disease resistance and adaption to local climates by preserving these distinct genetic resources. Conservation initiatives help to maintain a resilient and diverse agricultural landscape, which promotes food security for future generations. In addition, five new varieties will be tested in the current study. These varieties will be chosen based on the advice of fig specialists/technical advisor, who believe these varieties will perform better in USDA Cold Hardy Zone 7A.
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor
Research
There are four different variety We are recording the different growth and fruiting behavior, including the leaves shapes, fruit size, color and yield. One of the varieties is big, light green color, with yellowish flesh, it is very sweet once they fully mature, but it has very thin skin and very easy get bruise, also the ants are very easy to go into the center through the big holes. The most early and product fig have purple skin and red flesh, it matured very early and have a very long harvest period. Another variety is media size with green firm skin and red flesh, very good for commercial use. The last variety has small purple fruits, but it takes long time to mature, and the taste are not very good either.
We recorded the amount of the fig harvest during the harvest season as a referral for next year yield.
We putted about 3 inches compost under each tree in springtime to provide the nutrients during the growth season. We also did the soil test at the beginning of the growing season to get the baseline of the soil situation.
We installed the smart irrigation system; it automatically waters the fig trees during the hot summer months and save us lots of time and efforts.
We also installed the automatic temperature recording sensor which provide us the consistent temperature data.
High Tunnel, Infrastructure, and Plant Varieties: The central structure of our project is the 34ft x 72ft high tunnel. Within the high tunnel, 40 one-year-old fig trees are planted, while 10 additional one-year-old fig trees are positioned outside. These trees represent unknown local fig germplasm. This germplasm will be screened for yield and season extension under high tunnel and outside conditions (10 fig trees are planted outside). For information on locally farmed fig types, trees will be recognized with the assistance of local experts, farmers, or agricultural extension organizations. We will also reach out to local or online communities of fig enthusiasts and specialists, who may be able to contribute significant insights based on their experience and knowledge. We will also track growth trends, fruiting behavior (time of fruit development from flower to fruit harvest), fruit color, fruit yield (fruit yield (lbs) per plant throughout the harvesting season), pest and pathogen resistance (by monitoring canopy biweekly for pest and pathogen infestation), and adaptability to local conditions (effect of high and low temperature on yield and fruit behavior). This information will aid in the identification of this unknown fig germplasm and may provide unique varieties for use by fig breeders in the Northeast United States. Miaochan Zhi has been collecting this germplasm for the past ten years. Data will be gathered on both recognized and unidentified fig varieties under high tunnel and outside conditions. Because the number of trees for a particular variety is undetermined, data will be collected on available trees for identified variety or unknown type. The number of trees for each identified and unknown germplasm will be recorded. Pictographic data on tree morphology, fruit shape and color, and inner mass for each identified variety or unknown type will also be collected and shared on the Facebook Page for other stakeholders. Season extension will also be evaluated for each fig variety by documenting first and last harvest of the season under high tunnel and outside conditions.
In addition, five new varieties will be planted in the high tunnel and outside. These cultivars will be chosen based on technical consultant feedback and will be acceptable for USDA Cold Hardy Zone 7A. In high tunnel and outdoor conditions, five 1-year old trees of each type will be planted. Five trees will be studied for growth trends, fruiting behavior/development time, fruit color, fruit yield, pest and pathogen resistance, and adaptability to local conditions. Season extension will also be evaluated for each fig variety by documenting first and last harvest of the season under high tunnel and outside conditions. These plants will be purchased from a commercial nursery using Miaochan Zhi's personal finances, as perennial tree purchases are not permitted under this award. Fruit yield will be determined per plant, and a sales record will be kept throughout the harvesting season to track the demand for a certain fig type as well as for the ultimate economic benefits at the farm.
Soil Preparation and Installation of Temperature Sensor and Irrigation System: In the spring of the first year (2024), we will concentrate on preparing the soil and installing the irrigation system within and outside the high tunnel. This includes conducting soil tests to assess soil conditions and purchasing compost or fertilizer based on the results of the testing. Furthermore, we will install a comprehensive system that includes temperature measurement equipment as well as a record-keeping mechanism for both inside and outside the high tunnel. In addition, two fans will be installed to improve air circulation within the high tunnel.
Pruning Technique: The 40 one-year-old fig trees will be pruned and trained by picking a robust main stem or "trunk" and trimming off the tip, leaving roughly 18 inches in height. Buds directly below the cut will sprout new shoots. Two branches will be trained along a temporarily installed horizontal bamboo cane, either opposite each other or perpendicular to the trunk, making what we call "cordons." The goal is to have upright shoots around 8 inches apart along the cordons, and during rapid growth phases, we will choose strong, healthy shoots while cutting downward-growing or fewer than 8 inch shoots from a nearby branch. Fig trees bear fruit on new growing shoots, and our expectation is to see the first harvest in 2024.
Harvest: We will meticulously record fruit appearance times (fruit behavior), the location of fruit on the shoots, ripening durations, and observe the growth variations inside and outside the high tunnel among different fig varieties. As autumn approaches, we will prune tips and unripe fruit to accelerate fruit ripening. Harvest times will be recorded, and the fig trees' ability to withstand frost will be compared inside and outside the high tunnel. We will also document the timing of leaf fall for both environments.
Passive Heat in High Tunnel: To protect fig trees during extreme cold days, hay bales will be arranged on the sides of the cordons, and a row of large water barrels filled with water will be placed on the northern side of the high tunnel. These water barrels will absorb excess heat during sunny days and gradually release it during colder periods, helping regulate temperature changes inside the tunnel. In January or early February, major pruning will occur. Vertical shoots grown the previous season will be cut down to the cordon from which they originated. Additionally, any root sprouts or shoots developing along the trunk will be trimmed to maintain the desired structure. This pruning strategy, retaining the length of trunk and cordon, promotes earlier shoot growth and, consequently, an earlier main crop ripening.
Fertilizer and Irrigation: Plants will be fertilized three times a year, in the early spring, mid-May, and mid-July, with an 10-10-10 fertilizer. Each time, new plants will be treated with 1½ ounces of fertilizer. During the second year, each plant will receive 3 ounces of fertilizer. Fertilizer application for 3-year-old plants will be based on 1/3 pound of fertilizer per foot of plant height. 1 to 1½ inches of water per week will be provided to growing plants.
Economics: Economic data will be collected based on yield per plant and market value. Data will be collected on 5 plants each for each variety and mean will be calculated. However, for unknown and identified germplasm data will be based on number of available plants of each type.
Data Analysis: Data for all parameters will be collected on 5 plants for each variety, and the mean will be determined. However, statistics for unknown and identified germplasm will be based on the number of plants of each type that are accessible.
The outlined management plan will be repeated in the second year, culminating in a comparative harvest analysis in the fall of the second year. This comprehensive approach aims to not only optimize fig growth and fruiting but also contribute valuable insights to local farmers, fostering the profitable cultivation of fresh, local figs.
Annual report 12/2/24
We observed the growing condition during the spring, summer and fall. Numbering each tree, recording the status of the tree including how may new branches, old branches and the 2nd shoots from the old branches. These trees are very vagarious, it is very important to keep checking the suckers from the base, side shoots we don't want and pruning them, we also pruned the tips in Augst to make sure to put all the energy to mature the fruit. During the Aug-Nov. we recorded all the fig harvest and analysis the results with the branches for each tree.
We observed the growing condition during the spring, summer and fall. Numbering each tree, recording the status of the tree including how may new branches, old branches and the 2nd shoots from the old branches. These trees are very vagarious, it is very important to keep checking the suckers from the base, side shoots we don't want and pruning them, we also pruned the tips in Augst to make sure to put all the energy to mature the fruit. During the Aug-Nov. we recorded all the fig harvest and analysis the results with the branches for each tree.
Education & Outreach Activities and Participation Summary
Participation Summary:
We help the CAPA high school for their 2024 CAPA National Youth Leadership and Innovation Showcase Howard County Chapter Community Service Project.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aErTAj0Z5u0fXM5IjLCXRPaCMohWe0nZ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109748250345285536590&rtpof=true&sd=true
We visited threefold farm to learn and communicate the fig growing skill.
We provide few youtube videos regarding the growth of the fig inside the greenhouse.