Tree Fruit Research and Extension
WSU Tree Fruit Research and Extension develops and applies research-based information for sustainable tree fruit production in Washington and the world.
Recent News
Winter Educational Opportunities
WSU Tree Fruit Extension will provide a variety of learning opportunities this fall and winter in order to continue to bring growers research-based information while…
Ambrosia Harvest Indices and CA Storage Protocols in British Columbia
To date, Ambrosia maturity has largely been determined by starch index. The general recommendation is to start harvest at a starch of 2.6 and finish…
X-disease, Little Cherry Disease Impact Survey
In order to provide data to build awareness, justify grants, assistance and county funds disbursement WSU Extension is surveying Little Cherry Virus and X Phytoplasma…
2020 Cherry MRL Report
Since 2011, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission has conducted annual studies to provide the Northwest cherry industry basic information about residues of commonly used…
WA 38/Cosmic Crisp® pre-harvest events scheduled and 2020 Documents available
It’s T minus 50-60 days before WA 38/Cosmic Crisp® harvest season begins. Color and size are coming on and there is great anticipation for a sizable…
Case studies on tree removal for X-disease phytoplasma and Little cherry virus
August and early September are good times to remove trees infected with X-disease phytoplasma and Little cherry virus. Quick removal reduces the time infected trees…
Opportunity
Extension ITT Coordinator for TF Postharvest Systems
This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the tree fruit industry to capture opportunities and solve challenges in postharvest systems. The application is online only here. If you have specific questions about the position…
ITT Publications Coordinator for Tree Fruit Extension
Here’s a great opportunity to work with the WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team to ensure outreach is effectively delivered across multiple platforms to communicate with a diverse audience including tree fruit growers, allied industry, orchard…
Upcoming Events
Featured Videos
Symptoms of X-disease Phytoplasma in Stone Fruit
X-disease in peaches, plums and nectarines causes yellow leaves, shot hole and small deformed fruit.
The Role of Dendrometers for Irrigation Management in Apple
This video is a recording of the webinar “The Role of Dendrometers for Irrigation Management in Apple” presenting information on the types and uses of dendrometer sensors and the data they collect. Includes discussion on…
Pear Rootstock & Systems Virtual Field Tour Webinar
“Pear Rootstocks & Systems Virtual Field Tour” webinar recording featuring the pre-recorded demonstrations, live presentations of research results, and live Q&A sessions with presenters and webinar attendees.
Quince Rootstock on Bartlett Pear Trial Virtual Tour
WSU’s Dr. Stefano Musacchi gives a virtual tour of his quince-Bartlett rootstock trial and discusses the research results and which combinations show the most promise for commercial orchards.
Quince Rootstock on Anjou Pear Trial Virtual Tour
WSU’s Dr. Stefano Musacchi gives a virtual tour of his quince-Anjou rootstock trial discussing the research results and which combinations show the most promise for commercial orchards.
Stemilt Bi-axis Pear Block Virtual Tour
WTFRC’s Tory Schmidt hosts this virtual tour of the Stemilt pear block that utilizes the bi-axis technique.
Recent Publications
Apple Scion and Rootstock Contribute to Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning under Different Belowground Environments
Soil environment strongly contributes to tree growth and development, affecting nutrient and water uptake. Composite woody perennials, like apple, are a combination of two genetically different parts: a rootstock and a scion, and yet, the…
Optimization of Light Interception, Leaf Area and Yield in “WA38”: Comparisons among Training Systems, Rootstocks and Pruning Techniques
As apple orchards have transitioned to high-density plantings, proper training systems are required to manage increased leaf area. Leaf area index (LAI) is defined as the ratio between leaf area to ground area (m2/m2) and…
Compost Use For Tree Fruit
Compost can help improve soil quality and nutrient, water, and pest regulation. High-quality soil holds water and nutrients like a sponge, slowly releasing them over time to meet tree needs. High-quality soil can also suppress…
Soil Health in Orchards
Orchard soil health, or soil quality, is the capacity of soil to support productive trees over time without negatively affecting the surrounding environment. Soil health is influenced by interacting biological, physical, and chemical properties of…
Perceptions and outcomes of conventional vs. organic apple orchard management
Highlights: Management goals were similar for organic and conventional apple orchards; Organic orchards employed more selective pesticide programs; Conventional and organic orchards did not differ in soil quality and insect counts; Integrated practices may be…
