Appletesters.net, A grower directed research tool for growers to access apple variety characteristics in order to better make planting decisions

2010 Annual Report for ONE09-096

Project Type: Partnership
Funds awarded in 2009: $9,999.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2011
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Winfred Cowgill
Rutgers University

Appletesters.net, A grower directed research tool for growers to access apple variety characteristics in order to better make planting decisions

Summary

Appletesters.net, a web-based database was enhanced in 2010 to include more database records (122) and a more robust interface. In particular, apple test data from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Virginia was added. At the end of 2010, appletesters.net includes 246 individual records of apple evaluation(s) of 95 different apple cultivar/strain from three states. Guests or registered users may access the database including a main report, a fruit maturity report, a picture(s) report, and a search function.

Objectives/Performance Targets

  • AppleTesters home page accessible at:
    http://www.appletesters.net

    AppleTesters home page allows guest access to database, users may browse, search, and sort records

    AppleTesters home page allows registered user access to database; users may browse, search, sort, create new, delete, and modify records

    AppleTesters database populated with 246 individual records (as of December 31, 2010)

Accomplishments/Milestones

  • AppleTesters database interface upgraded to more user-friendly layout

    5 distinct layouts (appletesters, fruit maturity, maturity report, pictures, and search) are available in the AppleTesters database

    Appletesters layout now includes pest susceptibility information

    246 records (December, 2010) included in database

    3 states (MA, NJ, VA) are represented in the AppleTesters database

    95 different cultivar/strain apple varieties are represented in the database

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

AppleTesters enables a uniform method of data collection and input for cooperators from any location. In addition, anyone can search or browse the database using search criteria defined by the user. Such information should allow the user to select apple varieties most suited to their growing and marketing environment, including disease- and insect-resistant apples. Future effort recruiting cooperators and adding to the AppleTesters database will make it an even more useful too for all apple growers.

Collaborators:

Jon Clements

clements@umext.umass.edu
Extension Fruit Specialist
UMASS Amherst
393 Sabin St
Belchertown, MA 01007
Office Phone: (413) 478-7219
Website: http://www.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/clements/index.html