Progress report for FS24-361
Project Information
To address the problem, the proposed solution entails a systematic, data-driven approach to select the most suitable hawthorn species for cultivation. By meticulously documenting and analyzing the characteristics of each hawthorn plant on Mr. Gilbert’s property, the project seeks to determine which species exhibit superior qualities in terms of berry yield, quality, and resilience to environmental stresses. This will involve evaluating soil conditions,, plants vigor, resistance to pests and diseases, and interrelations with surrounding flora. The chosen species will undergo breeding to establish cultivars that are well-adapted to local conditions, thereby offering a viable new crop for Southern agriculture.
The project’s solution will leverage Mr. Gilbert’s extensive experience in horticulture and his commitment to sustainable practices on his farm. The partnership with Good Agriculture will ensure a robust design for the collection and analysis of data. The intended result is not only the development of a new sustainable agricultural product but also a model that can empower other farmers, particularly those in underserved communities, to explore and optimize native species for commercial agriculture.
The methodology for Ted Gilbert’s project involves a detailed phenological and environmental assessment of hawthorn species across his farm. Each specimen will be evaluated quarterly for characteristics such as plant size, soil composition, canopy coverage, pests and disease prevalence, surrounding vegetation types, and berry production metrics including count, size, and quality.
A grid based mapping system will be established to monitor and record the specific location of each hawthorn, which will aid in tracking the plants’ growth and health over time and ensure repeatability of data collection. Soil samples will be collected and analyzed to assess the nutrient profile and determine the suitability for hawthorn cultivation. Good Agriculture will assist in developing a standardized data collection format and provide training to hired specialists to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Data analysis will be conducted after each quarterly collection, with an extensive final review at the end of the two-year period to identify the top-performing hawthorns. The criteria for selection will include not only individual plant performance but also how well each plant’s characteristics align with the ideals of sustainable farming practices, such as low input requirements and resilience to environmental stresses.
Cooperators
- (Researcher)
Research
The process involved in conducting the project started with locating, mapping and indentifying the hawthorn plants by variety. This is a two year study which started in April 2024. Each location was marked by installing handmade signs that included the variety of hawthorn and a number.
A collection of soil samples was done at each location and sent to the UGA soil laboratory where the analysis and recommendations were made. This information was processed and the recommendations were followed.
During the second year of this study, a comparative analysis will be made of the overall performance of these plants to include those from the first year.
A primary focus is to determine to what extent these plants respond to the recommendations provided by the soil laboratory, thus helping to identify which variety offers the most promise for selection as a front runner for crop production.
To begin, Hawthorn specimens were located on the property consisting of 350 acres. They were found concentrated on three relatively small areas on the large tract. A total of 86 plants were identified as Hawthorns, ranging from small to large and juvenile to mature. Of the 86 plants found, fifteen were used in the study since they were mature.
GPS mapping was done for each location, and soil samples were taken from each location as well. The samples were analyzed at the University of Georgia Soil Testing Laboratory for the purpose of determining the effects soil fertility could have on the overall health of the plants as well as the production of berries.
Soil test analyses for the 15 specimens in the study revealed a deficiency in P and K in all but two of the specimens. Ca, Mg, and Zn levels were more than sufficient in all 15 specimens. The pH for each specimen’s growing location was insufficiently low in varying levels for all specimens except for one, which was a 5.8 pH, hence lime was not recommended. Recommended lime applications were made in mid-January 2025.
One observation worthy of mention was that the predominant location of Hawthorne specimens in the forest was always adjacent to the open road when they were found. This could suggest that this location allows access to sufficient sunlight, in some cases, unless competition from surrounding plant specimens was compromising this access.
Pruning and removing surrounding competition from the Hawthorne specimen has started and should be completed by March 2025. Fertilizer recommendations per soil test results will be followed. These applications are scheduled to be made by April 10 to allow time for green-up or leaf-out on the Hawthorne specimen.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
C. Outreach Plan
The outreach component of this project is vital in sharing the results with a broader audience and especially targets the engagement of local farmers and researchers. Over the two-year span of the project, Mr. Gilbert has planned two farm outreach days. The first will occur in the first half of the second year of the project and is designed to educate participants about the ongoing data collection project. This will not only serve to illustrate the methods of importance of the research but also to foster community interest and involvement in sustainable agricultural practices.
The second outreach day, scheduled towards the end of the second year, is intended to disseminate the findings of the project. Mr. Gilbert will share insights into the most successful hawthorn varieties identified and discuss the criteria for their selection as cultivars. This will provide invaluable information to other farmers and landowners, highlighting the potential for improved crop management and increased income sources.
In addition to these on-farm educational opportunities, Mr.Gilbert is set to present the accumulated data and conclusions at the GA Organics conference in the second year of the project. This presentation will not only highlight the successes and learnings of his work but also foster wider conversations about the role of native species in sustainable agriculture. This multifaceted outreach plan aims to ensure that the project’s findings reach a diverse audience, providing the maximum benefit to the agricultural community in the Southern region.