2013 Maple Tubing Research
In 2013 a variety of spout and tubing cleaning and replacement options were tested to determine the extent of sap yield changes that would result. Most of these tests were done at the Cornell Arnot Research Forest.
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A Future Without Maple: The threat of the Asian Longhorned Beetle
The ALB poses a grave threat to maple trees, and to the maple syrup industry.
A Mathematical Model for Maple Sap Exudation
Sap exudation refers to the process whereby sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) are capable of generating significant stem pressure in a leafless state, something that occurs to a lesser extent in only a few other related species such as birch and walnut. This exudation pressure is what causes maple sap to flow from a taphole in sufficient quantities to be harvested and processed into syrup. Exudation has been studied for well over 100 years and has been the subject of many scientific studies, but there is as yet no definitive explanation for how such large pressures can be generated in the absence of transpiration (i.e., when no photosynthesis occurs to drive the flow of sap).
A model of the tapping zone
This article is intended to accompany the Tapping Zone Model available to download at the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center (UVM-PMRC) website. It provides a general explanation of the model and how it can be used. The model can be used to estimate the chances of hitting conductive and nonconductive wood when tapping, and this can be used to assess the sustainability of current or planned tapping practices.
A Model of the Tapping Zone
A model that calculates the proportions of conductive and nonconductive wood in the tapping zone of a tree over time given user-input values for tree diameter and tapping practices.
A New Take on Sap Collection
A new method of gathering sap from sugar maple saplings is being tested.
Annual Meeting Research Presentations
Summaries of research presentations at the 2014 annual NAMSC meeting.
Cleaning Tubing Systems
There are a number of ways to clean tubing systems to avoid microbial contamination of tapholes and sap.
Cloudiness’ effect on refractometer measurements
Accurately measuring density is critical to the production of pure maple syrup. This article explores how impurities in syrup can affect the accuracy of tools used to measure density.
Collect More Sap Without Vacuum Pumps
Using 3/16″ tubing can create non-mechanical vacuum that can increase sap yield.