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

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

Summary

The Appletesters.net website was expanded in 2011 with the addition of more database records (71 total) and an enhanced web interface was created and deployed In particular, more apple testing data from Massachusetts and New Jersey was added. At the end of 2011, appletesters.net includes 317 individual records of apple evaluation(s) of app. 134 different apple cultivar/strain from three states. Guests or registered users may access the database which includes a main report, a fruit maturity report, a picture(s) report, and a search function. (See ‘appletesters layout’ and ‘pictures layout’ below.)

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 317 individual records (as of December 31, 2011)

Accomplishments/Milestones

• •AppleTesters database interface upgraded to more user-friendly layout
  •5 layouts (appletesters, fruit maturity, maturity report, pictures, and search) available in AppleTesters database
  •appletesters layout now includes pest susceptibility information
  •317 records (December, 2011) included in database
  •3 states (MA, NJ, VA) in AppleTesters database
  •134 different cultivar/strain apple varieties represented in database

• •629 unique visitors to appletesters.net for period July 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012
  •United States accounted for 58% of visits

• appletesters2011.png
• pictures2011.png

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The most important financial decision a grower can make is the selection of the cultivars. The right cultivar suited for their growing region is essential. Having data from multiple locations on the performance of specific apple cultivars, in an easily accessible, web based database is an important tool for apple growers. Over 317 records are on file representing 134 different cultivar/strain apple varieties.

Impact is demonstrated with over 600 growers accessing appletesters.net to utilize this information in their decision making process for new orchard establishment.

Collaborators: