Sanitation of Maple Tubing Systems: Second Year of Testing – Report on the Season 1999 Tests in the College D’Alfred Maple Bush
Report on the microbial load of sap collected through plastic tubing systems.
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Sanitation, Clogging, or Both: A Comparison Study of 3/16″ and 5/16″ Maple Tubing
It is well recognized that microbial contamination of tubing systems can result in a substantial loss in sap yield if untreated. Over a decade of research and maple industry experience has produced a range of possible strategies to address sanitation-related issues in 5/16Ó tubing systems (Perkins et. al. 2019). Although rapidly adopted by many maple producers, due to the relatively short time period in which it has been in widespread use, there is far less understanding of sanitation in 3/16Ó tubing systems (Wilmot 2018). To address this knowledge deficit, we conducted a multi-year study at the UVM Proctor Maple Research Center to examine sanitation-related losses in 3/16Ó tubing systems to determine which approach(es) might best mitigate sap losses due to sanitation.
Sap Collection from Small-Diameter Trees
For several years, we conducted research on the collection of sap from small-diameter maple trees. This document outlines the basic concepts, techniques, and applications of this type of sap collection.
Sap Prices
Table presenting suggested prices per gallon for a maple producer to purchase sap.
Shelf Life Extension of Maple Cream
Pure maple cream has a shelf life of less than one month if stored at room temperature. The maple cream may mold and physically separate into its maple syrup component during this period. The current product requires refrigeration to achieve an acceptable shelf life of 6 months. Our goal was to develop a process to attain 6 months shelf life at room temperature.
Should Lateral Lines Be Vented?
A great deal has changed since the 1960s and 1970s in terms of maple production and recommended practices, especially given the introduction of the new polyethylene tubing formulations and new types of spouts. Consequently, we are occasionally asked whether lateral lines in gravity tubing installations should be vented. As a result of these questions, we compared sap yield from standard non vented (closed) 5/16″ lateral lines alongside a vented 5/16″ installation under gravity conditions.
Silviculture, and Why it Belongs in a Sugarbush
We are seeing new challenges for our maples and their offspring. Invasive species, climate change, poor forest management, and other factors are all serious threats to the productivity of harvesting maple sugar in the decades to come. However, there are things we can do to protect the tradition of maple sugaring in our regions. Silviculture is our primary tool.
Some Background on the Asian Longhorned Beetle
The beetles were first discovered in Brooklyn, New York in 1996 and spread to neighboring Queens, infesting areas in Sunnyside, Woodside, Astoria, Long Island City, Maspeth, Ridgewood and later in Bayside and Flushing. Small infestations were also found in Flushing Meadows Park, Forest Park in Woodhaven and Kew Gardens Hills. New York city has lost over 4,000 trees because infested ones have to be cut down, chipped and burned.
Some in maple season and out of season tests on 3/16″ maple tubing
3/16″ tubing can provide some yield benefit by creating natural vacuum. That benefit will be directly related to the elevation drop of the lateral line.
Spotted Lanternfly: A New Sugarbush Threat
A new foreign invader could have a substantially negative impact on the eastern North American hardwoods in general, and sugarbushes in particular. The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) was first detected near Philadelphia, PA in 2014 and since has spread throughout much of the Commonwealth and has been sighted in about a half dozen New York counties and in several sites in southern New England.