February 4, 1998

Press Conference: February 10

ATTENTION: Business, Ag, Farm & Garden Editors

by Linda McCandless

Geneva, NY - Cornell University will hold a press conference on Tuesday, February 10, from noon-1 pm, at the New York State Vegetable Conference and NYS Berry Growers Meeting, in the Salina Room of the Four Points ITT/Sheraton, at NYS Thruway Exit 37, 7th North Street & Electronics Parkway, in Liverpool, NY (near Syracuse; hotel phone: 315-457-1122). The purpose of the press conference is to officially introduce six new varieties of fruits and vegetables developed by Cornell plant breeders. The new varieties are an improvement over existing varieties, either in their degree of disease resistance (which reduces pesticide use), their quality, and/or their adaptability to New York growing conditions.

• 'Prelude' and 'Encore' red raspberries, bred to extend the season
  
• 'Whitaker' summer squash, resistant to 3 viruses and 1 fungus; self-pollinating
  
• 'Onondaga', an Ithaca-type head lettuce, resistant to 2 diseases
  
• 'Salem' and 'Reba' potatoes, specifically bred for the NYS chip and table stock

Participants will include: John Sanford and Kevin Maloney (raspberries); Richard Robinson and Joe Shail (squash and lettuce); and Robert Plaisted (potatoes). Daryl Lund, Dean of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Jim Hunter, Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, where four of the varieties were developed, will introduce the scientists. Industry reps will comment, including John Meyer, president of the Empire State Potato Club; Larry Eckhardt, president of the NYS Vegetable Association; and Skip Jackson, vice chair of the NYS Berry Association.

The vegetable industry in New York contributed over $222 million to the economy of New York State in 1996, including $111 million from fresh market vegetables, $44.5 million from processing vegetables, $55 million from potatoes, and $12.3 million from berries.

Note: February 10 is the opening day of the 87th annual NYS Veg Conference. It runs through Feb. 12 and includes educational sessions and a trade show. This is an excellent opportunity to cover both events. Press packets on the new varieties will be available at the press conference.

Contact: Linda McCandless, Communications Services
Telephone: (315) 787-2417
e-mail: llm3@cornell.edu

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