Cultivation of Beach Plums for Commercial Fruit Production II

This project is a continuation of the previously funded beach plum work. Research is underway on seed stratification and germination, propagation by softwood and root cuttings, and a variety of field culture practices. Coonamessett Farm operates a beach plum propagation greenhouse facility and an experimental test plot. The test plot contains a controlled beach plum planting that is being used to evaluate the cultural practices of mulching, fertilization, and irrigation in a commercial orchard setting. Measures of biomass, yield, plant nutrient status, and other physiological parameters will be used to evaluate treatment effects. Coonamessett Farm will also be involved in producing a Beach Plum Grower's Manual and forming a Cape Cod Beach Plum Grower's Association.