1. Evaluation of Aronia yields, cultivar adaptability and optimum
nitrogen requirement for organic production in Maryland
Mathew, *S. A.1; Ristvey, A. G.2
1Agent, University of Maryland Extension, Cambridge, MD, 21613
2Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Queenstown, MD, 21658
Abstract
The Black Chokeberry [Photinia melanocarpa (Michx.) Robertson and Phipps], also known as “Aronia”, is a northeastern U.S native with a long history of fruit production in Eastern Europe. As an
alternative crop, this fruit is part of a growing industry in the mid-western States with great marketing potential. Recent studies have shown that Aronia has a very high Oxygen Radical
Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) compared to other fruit, including blueberries and the tropical palm fruit Açai. Increased interest by consumers to the health-promoting effects of fruits and
vegetables containing high concentrations of flavonoids, considered potent antioxidants, makes Aronia a highly marketable fruit crop. Research conducted at University of Maryland, Wye
Research and Education Center has been evaluating Aronia‟s cultural management, including cultivar adaptability, disease and pest resistance, and fertility requirements to produce optimum
yield. Two popular varieties, „Viking‟ and „Nero‟ were selected because of their availability in the U.S. nursery trade. Our research has been showing that this fruit seems relatively easy to grow,
requiring little fertilizer and pesticide input, which maximizes profit and reduces time for return on investment. A University of Maryland Extension program is presently underway to promote the
interest of this fruit as an alternative crop for farms.
Objective Results and Discussion
• Study 1 – „Viking‟ yield 2008
Determine the minimal organic nitrogen fertility for best yield of Aronia fruit.  Viking plants receiving 3g N (15g N total), average yield 2.8 kg
 Viking plants receiving 6g N (24g N total), average yield 2.2 kg
Materials and Methods  Less N yielded more fruit during establishment period
Study was conducted at Wye Research and Education Center of University of Maryland • Study 2 – „Nero‟ yield 2009 and 2010
from 2006-2010.  No difference in average yield and Brix between treatments
 Nero plants receiving 0, 3, 7 and 14g N, average yield between treatments 2.2-2.4 Kg
• „Viking‟ and „Nero‟ varieties in 2009 (Figures 1 and 2)
• Plants in 4 rows (blocks), 1 meter centers, with black nursery fabric  Nero Plants receiving 0, 3, 7 and 14g N, average yield between treatments 3.5-4.9 Kg
• Study 1-RCBD. Study 2-RCBD with split-plot in 2010 (Figures 3 and 4)
• Response variables were yield in kg and soluble solid content in degrees Brix 6 6
Figure 1 Figure 3
5 5
• Study 1 – May 2006 to August 2008
 Initial fertility - 6g per plant
4 4
Yield in Kg
Yield in Kg
 After, fertility treatments of 3g or 6g N per plant 3 3
 Total of either 15g or 24g of N 2 2
 Parameter measured – average yield in kg per plant 1 1
0 0
• Study 2 – May 2009 to August 2010 0 3 7 14 0 3 7 14
 Same plants used but rows (blocks) as split-plot N Treatments in g N Treatments in g
 Fertility treatments of 0g, 3g, 7g or 14g N per plant 25 25
 Parameters measured – average yield in kg and Brix per plant Figure 2 Figure 4
20 20
15 15
Brix %
Brix %
10 10
5 5
0 0
0 3 7 14 0 3 7 14
N Treatments in g N Treatments in g
• Both cultivars, Viking and Nero showed excellent adaptability to Maryland soil and climatic
conditions. There were no difference in yield between N rates after establishment. This
indicates a low N rate can be utilized after establishment. So far, results show that Aronia
plants need less than 11kg N (25 lb) per acre for maximal production. An increased N
rates during plant establishment will be to be evaluated in future research.
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