Advancing Tree Fruit Production

Cornell AgriTech is a cornerstone of New York’s tree fruit industry, supporting growers from Western New York and the shores of Lake Ontario, to the Hudson Valley and the tip of Long Island. As the second-largest apple-producing state in the U.S., New York grows apples on over 50,000 acres, produces more than 31 million bushels annually, and contributes over $2.1 billion in direct and indirect economic impact while supporting over 12,000 jobs statewide. Cornell AgriTech’s research and extension programs have played a pivotal role in this success, helping growers improve fruit quality, manage pests and diseases, and adapt to changing climate and market conditions.

Breeding for Flavor, Resilience, and Market Success

Cornell AgriTech is home to the oldest apple breeding program in the United States and has released 70 apple varieties. These include iconic cultivars like Empire, Jonagold, SnapDragon®, and RubyFrost®, as well as newer releases like Cordera®, Pink Luster®, and Firecracker®. Each variety is bred for superior flavor, texture, disease resistance, and adaptability to New York’s diverse growing regions. While apples are the flagship, breeding research also informs best practices for other tree fruits grown across the state.

Statewide Impact and Regional Relevance

Cornell AgriTech’s tree fruit research reaches growers across New York through field trials and region-specific extension support. Whether it’s managing high-density orchards in Western NY, optimizing fruit quality in the Hudson Valley, or addressing salt spray and coastal conditions on Long Island, our work is tailored to meet the needs of New York’s fruit producers.

Advancing Orchard Production

Our experts lead research in canopy management, crop load regulation, rootstock selection, and precision irrigation—tools and techniques that benefit tree fruits. These innovations help growers increase yields, reduce labor costs, and improve sustainability. Research into soil health, nutrient management, and orchard design supports long-term productivity and environmental stewardship across fruit crops.

Leading Pest and Disease Management

Cornell AgriTech scientists are developing integrated strategies to combat major threats like apple scab, fire blight, codling moth, and apple maggot, while also addressing emerging challenges in other tree fruit systems. Using tools like rapid disease detection, fungicide resistance monitoring we help growers make informed, timely decisions to protect their crops and reduce chemical inputs.