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UVM tree-fruit specialist tells committee that limits on paraquat could threaten high-density orchards without careful transition
Summary
Dr. Terry Bradshaw, UVM tree-fruit and viticulture specialist, told the committee high-density orchard systems are more vulnerable to trunk damage and that removing paraquat without effective alternatives could substantially reduce long-term orchard revenue; he urged careful transition planning and noted data gaps on statewide paraquat use.
Dr. Terry Bradshaw, a tree-fruit and viticulture specialist associated with UVM extension, told the Agriculture, Food Resiliency & Forestry committee that high-density apple plantings have increased growers’ exposure to trunk damage and that weed control is essential to orchard profitability.
“I present with the official UVM disclaimer. This is strictly, not testimony for or against either of these bills,” Bradshaw said, then explained his background in cultivar evaluation and extension work before summarizing the current state of Vermont orchards. He said bearing acreage has fallen from about 3,000 acres in 1995 to roughly 1,300–1,500 acres today and estimated the overall apple sector—including cider—at about $30 million.
Bradshaw described how modern ‘‘tall spindle’’ or trellised systems boost trees…
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