NC-140 Multi-State Research Project: Improving Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Tree-Fruit Production Through Changes in Rootstock Use

The North Central Project 140 (NC-140) was established in the mid-1960s to facilitate evaluation of apple rootstocks and interstem trees in the north central region of the U.S. over the years, the project has grown to include cooperators from more than 20 states, four Canadian provinces and one Mexican state. The project played a major role in the rapid adoption of intensive orchard systems by the North American apple industry. This paper summarizes the history, accomplishments, participants, and potential future of the project.