Developing improved management systems for mechanically harvested fruit crops in Utah

Utah is the 2nd leading tart cherry producing state in the US. In order to remain competitive, new methods are needed for tart cherry production. Other alternative crops are needed that utilize the fruit processing infrastructure that exists with the tart cherry industry. This project has two major objectives. The first is to develop new management strategies for tart cherry, using dwarfing rootstocks, high density plantings, and over-the-row harvesters. The second major objective is to evaluate native fruiting species for suitability to commercial fruit production and processing using existing over-the-row systems.