Station News

Extension Associate Chris Gerling was quoted extensively in the article “Spirits rising between the Finger Lakes,” which appeared in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the Ithaca Journal on Nov. 16. The story features Myer’s Farm Distillers and discusses the growing interest in distilling both regionally and nationally. The story also mentions the Vinification & Brewing Technology Laboratory at NYSAES and Chris’s Artisan Distilling Workshop. Read the article

Michael Loos, interim director at the New York State Seed Testing Lab at NYSAES, and purity analyst  Joyce Wicksall were featured in the article “A Centennial of Seeds,” which appeared in Lancaster Farming on Nov. 24. In addition to seed analysis, the story also discussed educational outreach to growers and the lab’s 74th annual Cornell Seed Conference held on Nov. 29. Read the article

Justine Vanden Heuvel (right), viticulturist in the Department of Horticulture, was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor effective November 1, 2012.

Vanden Heuvel’s research focuses on the environmental and economic sustainability of wine grape production systems in cool climates. “My goal is to invigorate the rapidly expanding Northeastern grape and wine industry,” she says.

In collaborations with food scientists, Vanden Heuvel has studied the effects of viticultural practices and site characteristics on wine flavors and aromas of Vitis vinifera and hybrid cultivars. She has developed practical methods for growers to measure and manage grapevine canopies to optimize winegrape production and improve wine quality.

Vanden Heuvel has worked with economists to study the impacts of vineyard management practices on the costs of production and consumers’ willingness-to-pay for the resulting wines. “Our recommendations growing from this research help growers make money – not just great wine,” she says. She has also undertaken a series of studies on how vineyard floor management and other practices can help reduce disease and fungicide use and the movement of nutrients and pesticides from vineyard soils.

To put her findings into practice, Vanden Heuvel works with Extension educators in the major winegrape producing regions of Northeast to help growers improve their profits and reduce their environmental impacts.

Vanden Heuvel is also extremely active in teaching as the instructor for Viticulture and Vineyard Management (HORT/VIEN 3440), and co-instructor for Grapes to Wines (HORT/FDSC/VIEN 2204). She also co-teaches Sustainable and Organic Grape Growing and Winemaking (HORT/VIEN 3120). Students in that class planted and manage a block of about 500 grapevines at Cornell Orchards – a little more than half an acre – that is now certified organic by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York Certified Organic, LLC. “To our knowledge, we are the only university in the country with a student-run organic vineyard or a course devoted entirely to organic viticulture,” she says.

“We started the course in 2010 because viticulture and enology students told us that they wanted to focus specifically on sustainability issues,” says Vanden Heuvel. “That’s something you can’t just learn in the classroom. You have to go out in the vineyard and do it.”

Vanden Heuvel teaches students how to assess cluster light environment in grapevine canopies, a key practice for optimizing winegrape production and improve wine quality.

Titles in eCommons

Two years ago I posted to Station News a description of Cornell University Library’s eCommons which was created to provide users with a stable online location to deposit Cornell related digital material for permanent preservation and open access distribution.  Since that time many additional titles from Lee Library’s collection have been digitized and uploaded.  Important examples include Concord tables grapes…, Growing Vitis vinifera grapes in New York State…, and The first 100 years of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station… .

In the past year these efforts have been expanded to include posting some material to Internet Archive.  This increases online exposure and makes it easier for potential users to find items of interest.   In some cases a title may be posted to both sites.  Titles in the public domain but not necessarily Cornell or NYSAES related are more likely to be posted to Internet Archive.  An example of a print title from Lee Library’s holdings which was scanned and made available in this way would be Survey of Wineries and Grape Processing Plants, New York State 1954-1976.  This is an obscure but important source of historical data which can now be freely accessed online by authors and students.

Internet Archive

As Lee Library’s digitization projects continue to make research materials available online please feel free to suggest titles which should be preserved in this way.  Perhaps your department or unit produced an informational pamphlet, meeting program or conference proceeding some years ago.  Anything within our technical ability to scan which is also in the public domain or the NYSAES holds the copyright to can be digitized.

Thank you.

You can also access this post via our facebook page!

by Rhoda Maurer, Greenhouse & Grounds Manager

No doubt, spring, summer and fall are spectacular in the Finger Lakes.  But the winter months are often a time that brings to mind some of the most profound small pleasures.  In the bleakness of the winter landscape, discovering a flowering shrub or a perennial that still has foliage glistening in the morning frost brings a feeling of hope and lightheartedness.  Carefully chosen containers planted for winter interest offer us a chance to brighten up entrances or frequently viewed areas of the garden in the stark days of winter.  This past week, the Greenhouse & Grounds Crew started planting the large white containers on campus for the winter season.  Jordan Hall and B&P containers are finished while we are waiting on a donation from Larry Smart’s willow program to finish the containers at Barton Lab.

one of the two containers at Jordan Hall

Environmental conditions will influence both the container materials and plant palette from which you choose.  Concrete, metal, lead, or fiberglass composite containers weather best.  Terra cotta often breaks from effects of temperature fluctuations and some plastics become brittle in cold temperatures due to degradation from UV light exposure.  Many parts of a plant are affected by winter conditions.  Roots are exposed to the freezing and thawing of the media within the container; generally, the larger the container the better the insulation from low temperatures.  Above soil level, branches, leaves, flowers, berries and buds experience drying winter winds, scalding rays of the sun on a bright winter’s day and air temperature extremes.  Therefore, plant selection based upon a zone or two hardier than the one for our growing area helps to ensure adequate hardiness for winter container culture.

Adequate drainage is required in winter containers along with good water retention.  It will be necessary to monitor water requirements and water as necessary.  Plants still transpire even if they are not actively growing; this will be especially true of broad-leaf or needled evergreens on a windy day.

In winter, our local landscape becomes simplified in color and forms prevail.  Designing winter containers with this concept in mind can assist you in either integrating them into the garden or making them a dominant feature.  Unusual forms as that of Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’) or corkscrew willow (Salix matsudona ‘Torulosa’) will make a dramatic statement about form.  The colorful stems of many shrubby dogwood or willow cultivars will make a colorful addition to any container.  As a point of technique, you can place cut branches from Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’, C. sericea ‘Silver and Gold’ and many other shrubby dogwoods  in containers after planting the under planting to create the “effect” of a shrub surrounded by groundcover.  The branches remain turgid and colorful throughout the winter months and only start to desiccate after the temperatures begin climbing in spring.

Gardening at this time of year heightens one’s appreciation for simple beauty and a respect for the perseverance of plants in a harsh environment.  Walking by a fragrant flowering shrub, noticing the way the light on a winter’s day plays with snow covered berries, or catching a glimpse of bright color from the stems of a dogwood certainly lifts the spirit.  With careful planning containers can add significant pleasure to the winter garden.  I hope you enjoy what we’ve created for you.

Brettanomyces study with Alejandra from Cornell University, by Sean McKenzie

Maria Aguilar Solis at the entrance of Mondavi Winery

This summer we were lucky to be approached by Alejandra Aguilar Solis from Cornell University to do some research on analyzing the effectiveness of several different Brettanomyces (or Brett) treatments for barrels.  Brettanomyces is a very important microbe for the wine industry.  It is a type of yeast that causes undesirable aromatic and pallet changing characteristics to wine.  We analyse all of our wines regularly to positively identify any lots that have Brettanomyces.  Once a lot is identified as “Brett positive” we manage that wine lot’s contact with other wines and equipment.  We also manage the wine chemistry to minimize growth of Brettanomyces and production of their sensory pounds.

Alejandra looked at some barrels that we have identified as being Brett positive and took core wood samples and distilled water soak samples to see how much Brettanomyces we had in each barrel, and how deep into the wood it had penetrated.  We then treated these barrels with Steam for various times, Ozone for various times, Sulphur Dioxide for various times, Chlorine Dioxide at different strengths, and Peracetic Acid at different strengths.  After each of these treatments she again took core wood samples and distilled water soak samples from each barrel.  We used 100x barrels for this study, and as a result have 600x samples that Alejandra is currently working on back in her lab at Cornell.  Preliminary results indicate that we did indeed have Brettanomyces in all barrels that we used to test the treatments.  Also that some of the treatments effectiveness was really good, and some might not be as good as the wine industry believes them to be.

Thanks to Coco, Zoran, Brian, the Moore Lane Barrel Team, Simi Winery and Lab, Coppola Winery, and our CdB Lab Team for their time and for help us out through various areas of this project.

This year’s smaller apple crop didn’t stop graduate students from continuing a favorite fall tradition at NYSAES: using apples from the station’s field trials and breeding programs to press cider, and selling that cider to fund scholarships for high school seniors. One thing that sets the students’ cider apart is how fully local it is. Not only are the apples grown and harvested at NYSAES, but some of the varieties used were first developed by Cornell apple breeders. The Empire apple, developed in 1966, is one of 66 Cornell-developed varieties and one of the most successful varieties ever released by the station. Even the pasteurization process is homegrown. The ultraviolet pasteurization technique the students use was developed at NYSAES by Randy Worobo, associate professor of food microbiology, and his lab members as an alternative to thermal pasteurization.

Cider from the Nov. 15 pressing is now available. The price is $4 for a half gallon or $7 for two half gallons. Contact Lauren at lem248@cornell.edu to order in bulk for $7 a gallon. Cider will be available for purchase outside the Food Science pilot plant and in the lobby of Barton Hall. Read the full Chronicle story.

Graduate students and SAGES members Maria Solis, Lindsay Springer, Lauren Musumeci, Jessie Usaga Barrientos, Peung Nongnuch (front, from left), Ben Orcheski, John Gottula and Erik Smith (back, from left) participated in the first cider pressing of the season. They pressed 20 bushels of apples into 45 gallons of cider with help from Research Support specialist Tom Gibson. Photo: Rob Way

How can farmers battle marmorated stink bugs in vineyards or late blight threatening a tomato crop? Can urban trees help mitigate climate change? What breeding programs will keep American crops competitive? Cornell faculty and extension educators will tackle these and other questions this year with $9 million in Federal Formula Funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Read the full Chronicle story.

Professor of Entomology Gregory Loeb received federal formula grant funding this year for research on the invasive species spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, which invaded New York last year and threatens soft-skinned fruits. One focus of Loeb’s research will be developing traps like the apple cider vinegar lure pictured here. Photo: Stephen Hesler

Two accomplished geneticists whose work benefits farmers in New York and around the world, a skilled entomologist whose results are applicable to insects and human immune systems, and a respected adviser on nutrition and school lunch policy were among those honored Nov. 5 for outstanding achievements in their fields. Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences, presented awards to 17 faculty and staff members as part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ (CALS) ninth annual Research and Extension Awards. Staff awardees included NYSAES employee Amy Anderson (see below). Read the full Chronicle story.

Amy Anderson receives a staff core values award from CALS Dean Kathryn Boor. Photo: Kathryn E. Coldren

San Francisco Chronicle: Pumpkin 2011 U.S. Sales $113 Million: Stephen Reiners, associate professor of horticulture, on the rising popularity of the pumpkin since the late 1980s.

Spirits rising between the Finger Lakes: Chris Gerling, enology extension associate,  was extensively quoted in this Democrat & Chronicle article on artisan distilleries in the region.

Bon Appetite: Sneak Peak: Hot New Apples for 2013!: Susan Brown, the Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences and associate chair of the Department of Horticulture, discusses the New York’s newest apple varieties, NY1 and NY2, and how they are being prepped to hit markets next fall.

Post Standard: New York Beer, Wine and Spirits Summit to Focus on State’s Rapidly Growing Alcoholic Beverage Industry: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences researchers and experts in fields related to beverage production and economics on topics covered in Governor Cuomo’s “Beer, Wine and Spirits Summit.”

NPR: Too Busy to Peel Garlic? Try The 20-Second Microwave Tip: Gavin Sacks, associate professor of food science, on the perks–and potential taste peril–of using your microwave to making peeling your garlic easier.

Photo: Kate Frazer

Assistant Director of NYSAES Marc Smith, who has also served as an extension associate in the Department of Applied Economics and Management since 2008, was promoted to Senior Extension Associate on November 1st.

As Extension Associate, Smith has brought the various strands of his education in economics and experience in public and private sectors to bear on problems facing agriculture. Of his many achievements, Smith has played a lead role in organizing and presenting the annual Becker Forum, a one-day conference on important agricultural issues such as problems related to securing a reliable supply of labor on farms.

As Assistant Director of Cornell’s New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Smith has also led on organizational and emergency management projects and on a variety of special initiatives as part of the station’s mission to serve food and agricultural industries. He plays a lead role in organizing and working with the NYSAES Advisory Council, serves as Cornell liaison to grower research boards, and acts as administrator for NYSAES in five public and private New York State fruit and vegetable research funding programs. Please join us in congratulating Marc Smith!

Read Marc Smith’s Chronicle story on last year’s Becker Forum.

Susan Brown, the Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences and associate chair of the Department of Horticulture, was one of two recipients of this year’s CALS Outstanding Faculty Awards. These awards recognize individuals for “outstanding contribution to the college in one or more of the following areas: teaching, research, extension or administration.”

Susan Brown is an outstanding scientist with a passion for breeding apples. She oversees the apple breeding program at Cornell—one of the largest fruit breeding programs in the world—and serves as the Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences and associate chair of the Department of Horticulture. Brown’s breeding program targets unique flavors, exceptional crispness, enhanced storage and shelf life, and resistance to disease and insect pests.

Brown works extensively with growers throughout the state to test promising new selections that show the potential for commercialization. She has released four apples (Fortune, Autumncrisp, New York 1 and New York 2) and was the co-inventor of 10 sweet cherries and one tart cherry. A recent hybrid was only 12 years from cross to commercialization, a breakneck pace for a perennial fruit crop. In 2010, Brown ushered through the first licensing agreement between Cornell and a newly formed grower cooperative, the New York State Apple Growers (NYAG) LLC, which will streamline the commercialization process and increase CALS’s return on investment.

Read more about the CALS Outstanding Alumni and Faculty Awards.

Amy Anderson, administrative assistant in plant pathology and plant-microbe biology, was one of three recipients of this year’s Core Value Staff Awards. This award was created in 2010 to honor those who show exceptional respect, honor and integrity; who promote a collegial and supportive work environment; who positively influence others and show true commitment to the College.

Anderson’s colleagues give her much credit for the growth and success of their Summer Scholars program, which brings promising undergraduates from around the country to the Geneva campus for an intensive research experience. In particular, they recognize her as the program’s “go-to” person, who consistently goes the extra mile to make sure the visitors have a smooth time. She is also regarded as the program’s “surrogate Mom,” making sure the visiting students feel welcome and comfortable in Geneva. The faculty and staff rely on her when they are in a pinch and to make sure that the department runs smoothly. 

One of her colleagues described her “remarkable ability to know what people are going to need, and have things ready even before you ask.” And they praise her consistently upbeat attitude having a positive effect on the “esprit de corps” of the department. In short, Amy Anderson was recognized as a model coworker who helps make our college a better place to work.

Read more about the CALS Research & Extension and Staff Core Values Awards.

Kevin Maloney selected as the 2012 Station Employee of the Year.

Kevin Maloney, research support specialist in the Department of Horticulture, was named the NYSAES outstanding employee for 2012 at the annual Station Banquet. Maloney is the 30^th station employee to receive this recognition. He has worked at the station in the grape program, the small fruits program, the apple breeding program and, along with Jim Ballerstein, is responsible for operations in the Raw Products Building.

“He is an advocate for the apple breeding program, and this was the same with the other crops,” said one colleague. “Kevin is at ease speaking to visiting scientists or an undergraduate class. He often steps in to talk to legislative groups and other groups visiting the station, often arranged at short notice.” Another colleague noted that Maloney frequently travels to off-station grower test orchards for sample collections and has developed great relationships with testers.

One coworker added: “Kevin has worked at the station for many years and has provided consistent and vigorous support – from growing plants, to managing technical equipment, to fixing farm equipment, to analyzing data, to speaking about research to audiences ranging from youth to commercial growers.”

“Kevin is one of those hard workers that makes Cornell looks good,” said another of Maloney’s nominators. “He gives back not only to the college but also to the entire community.”

Watch an interview with Kevin Maloney on apple breeding.

We are very pleased to announce that Gavin Sack’s promotion to Associate Professor with indefinite tenure in the Department of Food Science has been approved by Dean Kathryn Boor, President David Skorton, and the Cornell Board of Trustees following a unanimous recommendation for promotion by the tenured faculty in the Department.

Promotion to Associate Professor with tenure is a distinct honor reserved for faculty members who have demonstrated consistently outstanding achievements in teaching, research, and/or extension during their appointment as assistant professors.  Professor Sacks is internationally recognized for his creative and productive research program.  He is also highly regarded by students in the Department as an effective and dedicated teacher and  as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.  We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our faculty.

Please join us in congratulating Associate Professor Sacks on this well-deserved promotion.

By: Amara Dunn

 For the fourth year, SAGES (Student Association of the Geneva Experiment Station) has awarded its Advancement of Agricultural Studies scholarship to two local high school students. Sean Murphy (Penn Yan Academy) and Katrina Amberg (Geneva High School) each received $500, this past spring, to help them pursue college degrees in the agricultural sciences. Sean is starting at Finger Lakes Community this fall and is planning to study plant science or horticulture. Katrina is hoping to become a large animal veterinarian and is matriculating at Cornell University this fall. Congratulations Sean and Katrina!

Each spring, SAGES solicits applications from high school seniors in the greater Ithaca and Geneva areas who plan to study one of the agricultural sciences after high school. Recipients are selected by members of the SAGES scholarship committee and scholarships are funded by SAGES fundraisers (especially sales of fresh-pressed apple cider in the fall) and donations from the Station community. Past recipients of this award include Heidi Lott (Romulus High School) and Kristen Anderson (Penn Yan Academy) in 2011, Elizabeth Marten and Sadie Lewis (both from Penn Yan Academy) in 2010, and Meagan Wheatley (Geneva High School) in 2009.

Watch your email for the upcoming SAGES apple cider pressing and sale in November, and help us support local students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture!