Perennial Cropping Systems Dale and Cindy Secher. Presentation by: Cory Secher

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1 Perennial Cropping Systems Dale and Cindy Secher Presentation by: Cory Secher

2 Family owned and Operated since 1969 Oldest Pick-Your-Own farm in Dane County Primary cash crop is Strawberries Secondary Crops include Concord Grapes, Organic Aronia, Quince, and Black Current Located in Oregon WI Hardiness zone 4-5

On-farm research was initiated at Carandale Farm in 2003 - Present Supported by a grant from DATCP and shared with the public by the uncommon fruit website hosted by the UW Center of Integrated

3 On-farm research was initiated at Carandale Farm in Present Supported by a grant from DATCP and shared with the public by the uncommon fruit website hosted by the UW Center of Integrated Agriculture Systems (UW CIAS) We hope to provide information about perennial systems and why they contribute to a diverse and healthy agriculture system. We intend to be brief, but compelling enough for you to visit the CIAS website for more information. And we would like to show how together we can improve quality of life by producing healthy, nutritional, and environmentally friendly foods.

socially) Reduce long distance crop transportation needs (smaller footprint) Economic Crop alternatives to replace mono-culture

4 Perennial Cropping Research (2003-Current) On-Farm Research was designed to: Facilitate local regional food system for replication Provide local access to healthy & affordable food alternatives Be Sustainable (economically, environmentally, and socially) Reduce long distance crop transportation needs (smaller footprint) Economic Crop alternatives to replace mono-culture systems Cost sharing assistance provided by an Agriculture Development and Diversification (ADD) grant from the WI Department of Agriculture.

Carandale Farm Research 3 acres 500 plants established

Research Trials 1. Stone Fruit (Prunus) 2.

Uncommon/Lesser known Fruits Many Uncommon Fruit Crops are

5 Carandale Farm Research 3 acres 500 plants established Representing 100 cultivars and 42 Fruit Crops Three Research Trials 1. Stone Fruit (Prunus) 2. Current/Gooseberry (Ribes) 3. Uncommon/Lesser known Fruits Many Uncommon Fruit Crops are from Northern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and North Asia, as well as North America Cindy Secher In the Research Plot

Research parameters Plant selection Perennial, edible fruit-bearing plants Cold hardiness Zones 2-5 (mostly 3 and 4) with minimal winter hardiness of -20 degrees F Soil ph range 5.5-7.5 (generally 6.

6 Research parameters Plant selection Perennial, edible fruit-bearing plants Cold hardiness Zones 2-5 (mostly 3 and 4) with minimal winter hardiness of -20 degrees F Soil ph range (generally ) No plant size restrictions, but mostly bushes and shrubs with mechanical harvesting potential Plant screening Horticultural adaptability Invasive potential Pest issues Fruitfulness Fruit quality

Research parameters (Continued) Research Objectives Low maintenance Consistent performance Non-invasive High productivity Hardiness Processing versatility High nutritional value Other guidelines

7 Research parameters (Continued) Research Objectives Low maintenance Consistent performance Non-invasive High productivity Hardiness Processing versatility High nutritional value Other guidelines Native species given priority Considered all temperate climate species from around the world Avoided known invasive species Screening is being done to maximize nutraceutical and nutritional benefits.

8 What Makes Certain Foods so Healthy?? Important Definitions Nutraceutical: Food source with EXTRA health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional values found in foods. Promotes general well-being. Anthocyanins: A blue, purple or red pigment found in plants. Water soluble and belonging to a class of compounds called Flavonoids. Flavonoid: are a POWERFUL ANITOXIDANT found in certain foods having twice the antioxidant value of vitamin C. Lycopene: A red pigment (commonly known in tomatoes) that has Antioxidant properties, and promotes a healthy heart and is being researched for its possible anti-cancer properties. Insectory Plant: Plants that attract beneficial parasitic and predatory insects. ORAC: (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)- capacity to absorb free radicals, used to determine antioxidant effects of foods.

9 Why are Anthocyanins so Important? Foods high in Anthocyanins May: Fight against oxidative damage Have anti-cancer effects Reduce bad Cholesterol Reduce risk of heart disease Relieve arthritis helping restore/preserve memory. - Clinical trials suggest - increases good cholesterol study found a 32% reduction in risk - anti-inflammatory properties

balanced system, but also have similar characteristics for management, equipment sharing, processing and

10 Dales Philosophy of Perennial Cropping Systems The concept of an integrated cropping system is based on incorporating a variety of plant species that have complementary ecological functions that contribute to a balanced system, but also have similar characteristics for management, equipment sharing, processing and marketing which provide the economics of scale needed for sustainability. Good Health Comes from the FARM NOT the Pharmacy

11 Why Diversify into Perennial Cropping Systems? 1. Diversification = Economic Risk management & progressive crop revenues 2. Symbiotic relationships can increase soil fertility = lower inputs needs 3. Stabilizes soil structure & improves water quality 4. Promotes microbial relationships & nutrient cycling = Healthy Soil 5. Beneficial insect habitat diversity for wildlife and

12 What Perennial Crops to Grow? Basic Crop Selection Considerations Knowing Your Land. Climate Length of growing season & Cold Hardiness Requirements Weather Changes in Temperature, Wind, & Precipitation affect Dormancy and Chilling requirements needed by perennial crops. Meso-Climate Topographical variations, Slope aspect, or Proximity to large bodies of water. (Frost Protection / Frost Pockets, etc. ) Basic Soils - Amendments change Fertility, PH, Organic matter, etc., but Soil Type determines internal drainage/h2o holding capacity which are critical considerations for crop selection. Ultimately, you will need to do your own on-farm-trials before making a major investment.

13 Evaluating Economic Potential 1. Horticulture Practices (grower friendliness) Input requirements - Cost of production Years to fruiting - Return on investments Yield potential - Determines pricing Crop Consistency - Risk management Harvesting options - Determines labor costs Harvest window - Assess risk management Pest Resistance - organic potential 2. Marketing Factors Fresh or Processed Health Benefits & Public awareness Infrastructure requirements

14 Observations from the Field Examples of Economic Pairing 1. Crops with similar harvest, processing, and market appeal * Aronia * Ribes * Honeyberry * Bush Cherries * Gumi * Bush Plums * Saskatoon * Black Currents 2. Crops with Outstanding nutritional values * Seaberry * Aronia * Black Current * Elderberry 3. Unique Crops with Nitch appeal * Quince * Persimmons * Cornelian Cherry * Paw Paw

15 UNCOMMON & LESSER KNOWN FRUITS There are many lesser known fruits that could be incorporated into a local and regional marketing system (or your back yard) where nutrition and sustainability can be emphasized. Biggest challenge for All growers: Regional and site specific adaptability. Commercial Growers: Labor requirements, public outreach & education. More information Or

16 EXAMPLES of UNCOMMON & LESSER KNOWN FRUITS Research Plot

17 Honeyberry (Lonicera caerula ssp.) Specialty Crop Frost Hardy Processed and Fresh Markets Great Potential

18 Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia) High in Protein Good Fats & Dietary fiber Wide range of soils Native to North America

19 Gumi (Elaeagnus multiflora) Rich in Lycopene High in other Nutraceuticals Nitrogen fixer insect/disease resilient Organic Potential

20 European Black Current (Ribes nigrum) Extremely broad processing potential. Most balanced of all fruits in Minerals, Vitamins, & Nutraceuticals 17 th Century used for Medicinal purposes

22 American Black Currant (Ribes odoratum) Similar qualities as European Current but Has a stronger more Resinous Flavor Uneven ripening

23 Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) Great fresh fruit appeal Grower friendly crop

24 White Currant (Ribes petraecum) Great fresh fruit appeal Grower friendly crop

25 Pink Currant (Ribes sativum) Great fresh fruit appeal Grower friendly crop

26 Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa: R. hirtellum) Vitamin A,C, Potassium, & Manganese Good source of fiber

27 American Elderberry (Sambucus candensis) High in Flavonoids Used as a cold and flu nutraceutical 2 times the ORAC value of Blueberries Great Processing Potential Native to North America

28 Seaberry (Hippophae rhomnoides) High in Omega Fatty Acids Very High in Vitamins A, E, C Medicinal Uses in Europe & Asia Nitrogen fixer *Potentially invasive in some areas*

29 ARONIA (Aronia melanocarpa) Anti-Oxidant Superstar! Very High in Nutraceuticals High in Anthocyanins and Flavonoids *North American Native*

30 Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) Used for medicinal purposes for7,000yrs in Greece Vitamin C & calcium pectate fiber High in Anthocyanins Resistant to Frost Insectory Plant

31 Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) Very Grower Friendly Organic Opportunities Anecdotal evidence of high nutritional value

32 Cherry Plum Sapalta (Prunus bessyi x P. ssp) High in Anthocyanin Good for processing Could be mechanically harvested Heavy Fruiting Soil range (clay sand)

33 Quince (Cydonia oblonga) High in Fiber and Pectin Low on Carbohydrates High in Nutritional value Insectary Plant Dale (Brainius maximus) High in Fiber

34 American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) Vitamin C & Calcium Native to North America Cold hardy -25F Dynamic Accumulation (Deep Tap Roots)

35 European Pear (Pyrus communis) Vitamin C & Calcium Phosphorus & Potassium Dynamic accumulator

36 Asian Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) Vitamin C & K Dietary Fiber

37 Fruiting Rose (Ramanas rose) High in Vitamins C, A, E Salt tolerant = roadside plantings(?)

38 Ivans Beauty (Sorbus aucuparia x Aronia) Potentially high in Anthocyanins Insectary Plant

39 Fall Blackberry (Rubus spp.) Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids Vitamin C, K, B, & manganese High in anthocyanins Salicylic acid aspirin qualities Ellagic acids cancer prevention Native to North America

40 Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) Contains minerals and nutraceuticals Contains melatonin sleep aid Healthy heart

41 Plum Black Ice Plums are the most diverse prunus species & found in almost every temperate climate

42 Plum 17-7 Plums are high in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other phytonutrients

43 Plum Superior Plums have good economic potential

44 Plum Alderman

46 Bee End Of our presentation And now more on an upcoming Superfruit ARONIA!!

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