Water and Nutrient Uptake, Loss and Efficiency in Container-Nursery Production Systems

Production of Aronia as a sustainable High-Value crop for Maryland farms?

Sudeep A. Mathew & Andrew RistveyUniversity of Maryland Extension

1A wild native fruit bearing shrub inhabiting the Mid-Atlantic region

Most commonly found growing in the piedmont and mountain regions in moist soils

In Eastern Europe it is extensively grown for juice, jelly, wine and color extract production

What is Aronia?Photinia (Aronia) malanocarpaAronia

Potential Uses Include:Jams, Jellies, Juices, Wine

Ornamental value

Mitigation, Restoration

Nutraceutical

Can be value added niche crop for small farmsWheres the Market?

Significance to the Industry

Aronia has one of the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of any food product

Antioxidants flavonoids including anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins

Extracts are being developed as dietary supplementsNutraceuticalsSignificance to the Industry

Aronia Nutrition

Source: USDA 2007Search term Aronia in GoogleNutrition informationSawmill Hollow Organic Farms, IowaProduct LineSalsa BBQ SauceWineExtractshttp://sawmillhollow.com/

Aronia Production in the States

Aronia melanocarpa: Alternative Fruit Crop: Cultural Considerations

7Cultivars and Planting Stock In the Trade Nero from Eastern Europe

Viking from Scandinavia

GalicjankaNew from Poland

Aronia do not require cross pollination-Flowers are apomictic

So far, very little needs to be done after establishment.

Very hardy species.Crop ManagementAverage yield for is 17-25 lbs per mature plant.

Brix between 15 and 22%

Yield is typically consistentYield and Product

Aronia growth habit is relatively predictable - plants are shrub like in appearancePruning is important after 7 years:Prune any low-lying, crossing, dead, diseased or weak woodNext concentrate on removing excess old wood to provide an open canopyPrune in late winter or early springIncreases productivity

Growth Habit and PruningAroniaPest ManagementInsect Control:Aphids on new growthJapanese beetleLate season grasshoppersCherry FruitwormBMSBSome OMRI certified pesticides available

Pest ManagementDisease Control:Aronia not susceptible to major fungal diseases except quince rust or hawthorn rust (Gymnosporangium sp.)

Shows resistance occasional infection seen in fruit and stem tissue

Adjust pH to 6.3-6.8 before planting, although they will grow in lower pHFertilize with 0.25 oz (7g) N per plant and adjust P and K levels based on soils test

Space at > 3 ft x 8-13 ft spacing, depending upon desired plant size, maintenance (mowing), clipping and harvesting EstablishmentAfter amending soil, fertilize with oz NIrrigationWinter/Early Spring:Apply Dormant oil for scale/lace bugsFertilizePruning - remove dead/diseased tissue

Production TimelineLate April Plant will begin bloomFlowers apomictic

MayEvaluate YieldLook for Lace Bug and Aphids

JuneEvaluate disease (Rust)Look for aphids on fresh growthWatch for Japanese BeetlesProduction TimelineJulyContinue to watch for rust symptomsWatch for Japanese BeetlesWatch for Lace bug

AugustBegin Harvest mid-to end of August based on BRIX target of 16 to 20%

October or early MarchFertilize 0.2 oz N per plantProduction TimelineHarvest begins in mid to late August on the shore based on target BRIX 16% 20%

Hand harvest may be time consuming

Mechanical Harvesting is used in Europe

Hand held blueberry scoops Harvest

Nitrogen Effects on Yield of Aronia melanocarpa: An Alternative Fruit Crop

20High N increased yield, but lowered anthocyanin content and had no effect on BrixSwedish study showed N affects on yield and fruit quality (Jeppsson, 2000)

Nitrogen Fertility

Recommended 50 kg N / ha for optimum yield and qualityOrganized Field Twilight MeetingsStarted in 2010, after harvest August SeptemberAttended by apx. 50-60 interested individualsOver 30 Aronia growers in Mid-Atlantic as a result of the programThrough Extension and Ag Industry grower programs reached over 2500 people since 2010Twilight Meeting Impacts - For 18% of attendees thought Aronia will add $100 per acre economic impact to their operations. While majority of the program attendees looked at Aronia for farm diversification while 18 % want to pursue Aronia to increase their farm profits.

AroniaExtension Technology Transfer Grower programsAronia Outreach EducationMaryland Day/Ag Day

Founded Mid-Atlantic Aronia Growers AssociationTechnical guidance and support for Mid-West Aronia AssociationCoordinating growers, suppliers , processors nad manufactures national forum.National Aronia Council

Empowering Growers

Thank You!

Contact us:Andrew Ristvey410 827-8056aristvey@umd.edu

Sudeep A. Mathew410-228-8800samathew@umd.edu