Publications

Physiological disorders are abnormalities within the different apple fruit tissues that lead to a loss of quality, marketability, and profitability, and therefore an increase in fruit loss and waste. Physiological disorders are not caused by pathogens or mechanical damage but can be a result of several factors, such as: genotype/genetic background (cultivar/strain), maturity at harvest time, orchard/preharvest factors, seasonal variations, and postharvest storage conditions. Different cultivars are more prone to developing certain disorders than others, e.g., Honeycrisp fruits are highly prone to bitter pit development. In the case of maturity at harvest, it is known that fruit that is harvested too early are more prone to developing bitter pit, while fruits that are harvested too late (overripe) are prone to developing chilling injury. Besides, late-ripening cultivars are more susceptible to disorders such as watercore. Preharvest factors such as tree fruit mineral nutrition, rootstock selection, or crop load, have all been shown to play a key role in the development of physiological disorders, as bitter pit has been shown to be exacerbated in Honeycrisp fruit with low calcium levels and larger sizes. Additionally, environmental variations such as high temperatures, increased precipitation or excessive sunlight exposure can all trigger physiological disorder development. Finally, postharvest storage conditions, e.g., humidity levels, temperature, gas concentrations, which are key in maintaining fruit quality during storage, can also increase susceptibility to physiological disorders. In this fact sheet we will take a closer look at nine physiological disorders that can develop in apples during postharvest storage, but can be triggered by the different factors described above. We will briefly discuss their symptoms, why and when do they develop, and how can they be prevented. Authors: Carlos Corte, Candidate for B.S. in Biochemistry, and Macarena Farcuh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist; Title: From the Orchard to Cold Storage: A Closer Look at the Development of Nine Physiological Disorders in Apples (FS-2022-0640)

Rootstocks are a key element in the establishment of any commercial apple orchard. Apple trees are not grown on their own roots, but propagated on rootstocks that can impart important characteristics to the tree, improving the economics and profitability of growing apples. The number of rootstocks available commercially has been steadily increasing. As there is a not a one-size-fits-all rootstock, it is of vital importance to be informed, and select the rootstock that satisfies your needs and performs best under your soil and environmental conditions. Authors: Sinead Claffey and Macarena Farcuh, Ph.D.; Title: All About Apple Rootstocks (FS-2022-0638)

The federal government offers the option of Public Service Loan Forgiveness to ease the burden of student loan payments. This is a program designed to provide an incentive to attract job seekers to employment in the much needed non-profit and government sectors. Those who qualify for PSLF can have their student debt balance paid in full by the federal government. However, there are many rules to follow. Author: Dorothy Nuckols; Title: Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Know the Qualification Rules (EBR-50)

Many people think an estate plan is just a will, but it is much more than that. Your estate plan will typically include documents and tools to distribute your property according to your wishes following your death. When it comes to transitioning your farm or any family business to the next generation, how property is owned and the property transfers prior to your death can be important features of your succession plan or estate plan. Titling property in a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship allows you to choose who inherits upon your death and to transfer the property outside the will. Transferring property, such as through gifting, allows the property to go to the next generation prior to your death and provides control over who gets your property. Author: Paul Goeringer; Title: Property Ownership and Transferring Are Important Features of Your Farm Succession Plan (FS-1056)

Maryland had established a variety of programs to assist in the preservation of farmland. This fact sheet, revised in December 2014, presents information vital for computing the capital gains tax. Authors: Lori Lynch and Paul Goeringer; Title: Taxes and Land Preservation: Computing the Capital Gains Tax (FS-780)

Dectes stem borer (DSB; Dectes texanus) is a native species of long-horned beetle that can be a sporadic pest of soybeans. Damage to soybean plants is caused by the larvae, which feed internally on soybean stems. As the plant matures, the larvae girdle the stem at the base of the plant, which can cause lodging before soybeans are harvested. Continuous soybean production favors Dectes stem borer populations. Few management tactics effectively reduce damage once populations build up, and insecticides provide inconsistent protection. Timely harvest of infested fields can help avoid lodging yield loss. Authors: Kelly Hamby, Alan Leslie, and David Owens; Title: Dectes Stem Borer Management in Soybeans (FS-1196)

Career AGsperience is an agriculture career literacy program designed to increase participants’ knowledge base related to agriculture careers and preparation for careers in Animal Science, Environmental Science, Agri-Business and Leadership, and Agriculture Science and Technology. Authors: April Barczewski, Sheryl Bennett, Thomas Hutson, Christine Johnston, and Becky Ridgeway; Title: Career AGsperience (EC-15)

4-H STEM Adventures is a curriculum of six STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lesson plans that teach STEM principles and 4-H life skills via a challenge to be solved using low-cost, easy-to-find materials. There are two tracks for each lesson: an open-ended exploratory option, and a step-by-step guided option. Videos introduce each challenge and provide sample solutions for viewers. These lessons are appropriate for youth ages 8-13 and can be used in the classroom, 4-H club, home, and out-of-school settings. Authors: Jessica Mellon, and Christine Allred; Title: 4-H STEM Adventures-Facilitator Guide (EC-14)

Selecting an attorney to represent you is not always an easy prospect especially if it is your first time needing legal help. You may not know how to go about finding the right attorney or what questions to ask. Does the attorney have experience handling cases like yours? Do you understand how the attorney will bill you? Are you paying a flat fee or being billed hourly? Selecting the right attorney and understanding expectations on both sides will hopefully lead to a successful attorney-client relationship. Author: Paul Goeringer; Title: Finding An Attorney for Your Case Requires Asking the Right Questions (FS-1097)

Extension Educators have been delivering research-based content to the community for over a century. These informal learning experiences for youth and adults are designed to be relevant, timely and age appropriate. Educators are considered experts in their respective content area and the community depends on their knowledge. Preparation for learning experiences is important for extension educators. The time and care that is taken align to University goals and meet intended learning objectives can make a difference in the amount of skills attained by learners. The tools presented in this document are designed to help the extension educator make written plans for single workshops, multi-session workshops, seminars, and short courses. The tools are intended to be easy to use across program areas and encourages efficient teaching. Author: Vernelle Mitchell Hawkins; Title: Planning Tools and Methods for Extension Educators (FS-1195).