Showing 131 – 140 of 232 resources

Is there Another Invasive Pest in your Sugarbush?

We found significant populations of snake worms devouring the organic matter, causing soil conditions that discouraged growth of understory native plant species. We are looking at their distribution in maple stands throughout the region relative to forest management practices, and assessing their impact on understory diversity, maple regeneration and various soil characteristics.

Comparison of Digital Refractometers for Use by Maple Producers

The purpose of the present experiment was to test the precision of a variety of digital refractometers available to maple producers. Additionally, the effect of temperature on refractometer accuracy and precision was investigated, in order to assess the reliability of the automatic temperature compensation feature now present in the majority of refractometers.

Are NASS Maple Surveys Underestimating Production?

Some have questioned the accuracy of NASS’s Maple Syrup estimates. The most common criticisms typically include: some producers don’t return their report, some don’t report accurately, and some don’t receive a report. I will address each one separately.

Could Maple Syrup Help Cut Use of Antibiotics?

Recent findings, published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, suggest that combining maple syrup extract with common antibiotics could increase the microbes’ susceptibility, leading to lower antibiotic usage.

When to Stop: Some Factors Affecting The Economics of Processing Grade Syrup

Near the end of each sugaring season, producers must make a decision when to stop making maple syrup. Sometimes the decision is an easy call, such as when the onset of bud break and cessation of sap flow coincide. The decision to stop production can also be the result of careful economic analysis of the cost of production versus value of the product. The variable costs (fuel, labor, filters, etc.) of any maple operation are a key component to this sort of analysis.

2015 3/16″ Maple Tubing Cooperator Trial

During the 2015 maple sap season the Cornell Maple Program conducted a small trial, testing sap yield from 5/16″ tubing vs. 3/16″ tubing. This trial was not conducted at the Arnot Research forest but with a small maple operation cooperator. The tubing system consisted of six lateral lines, three 5/16″ and three 3/16″ alternating between the two treatments across the hillside.

Chemical composition of five standard grades of pure maple syrup

The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of the five maple syrup grades, including their pH, conductivity, mineral and carbohydrate contents. In general, quantification of the range of chemical composition for each standard maple syrup grade will strengthen the existing knowledge of maple syrup chemistry.