The Physics Alive Podcast
Episode #48
The Maple: Sweet Siren and Physics Phenom
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Maple Syrup. Champion of breakfast, the perfecter of pancakes. Sweet addition to butter, beans, and even bacon. But how does that treat travel from tree to table? Phenomenal physics is in no short supply, and Abby van den Berg, a Research Associate Professor at the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center, shares her joy and her expertise. She discusses the wonder of sap flow, long-term tree health, production methods, and the pigments associated with autumn foliage.
Today's Guest:
Abby van den Berg
Abby van den Berg is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Vermont’s Proctor Maple Research Center. Her areas of expertise and research include plant physiological ecology and maple syrup chemistry.
She writes: Much of my research focuses on the ecophysiology of maple sugaring, including the effects of tapping and carbohydrate extraction on tree growth and health, the physiology of stem pressure and carbohydrates in xylem sap, and ultimately on helping to develop management practices and tapping guidelines to ensure the long-term sustainability of maple syrup production. Recently, my work has expanded to include studying the physiology of stem pressure development in birch trees, and investigating sap yields and the potential profitability of adding birch syrup production to existing maple operations in the Northeastern US.
This only scratches the surface of Abby’s work. Learn more about her work:
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Episode Notes and Resources
Where to go for all your maple news?
Start at the Proctor Maple Research Center website:
Also visit other University of Vermont webpages:
Other links Abby suggested: