The ENYCHP Tree Fruit Program provides research-based education, applied research, and technical assistance to commercial apple, pear, peach, cherry, and other tree fruit growers throughout eastern New York. Our specialists work directly with orchardists to address challenges related to orchard establishment, training and pruning systems, pest and disease management, crop load management, fruit quality, and postharvest handling and storage. Through on-farm research, field demonstrations, educational workshops, and timely production updates, the program helps growers adopt practices that improve orchard productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Tree Fruit Specialists Mike Basedow and Dan Donahue bring complementary expertise to the program, with Mike, based in the northern part of the region, focusing on orchard establishment, training systems, cultural practices, weed management and cider apple production, while Dan, based in the Hudson Valley, specializes in orchard management, horticultural practices, fruit quality, and postharvest storage. Together, they provide technical support to tree fruit growers across the region.
