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.
Announcement
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 maintaining your safety from Covid19. Opportunities will include webinar series,…
Recent News
2020 Apple Residue Report
Since 2011, the WTFRC has conducted studies in apple and cherry to generate pesticide residue data for commonly used insecticides and fungicides to help Washington…
Tree Removal for X-disease and Little Cherry Disease Case Studies Two
Here are case studies four to seven in our tree removal case studies series.
Fall kaolin sprays suppress next spring’s psylla, 2020-2021 season update
Written by Robert Orpet and Louis Nottingham, WSU TFREC, Entomology October 2020. Kaolin clay (Surround WP) is a white sprayable powder that discourages pear psylla…
Fall Nutrient Sprays for Tree Fruit
Plants need light, CO2, water, and minerals for their development, growth, and producing quality fruit. Most nutrient uptake for tree fruit occurs through the roots,…
End of Year Spray Program Evaluation
Now that the growing season is coming to a close, you might be wondering what parts of your pest management program worked well, and which…
We need your help – X-disease, Little Cherry Disease Impact Survey
If you have removed trees due to Little Cherry Disease or X-disease please fill out the survey here. Survey results will help justify grants and…
JOBS
ITT Publications Coordinator for Tree Fruit Extension
Opportunity to work with the WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team to help deliver outreach across multiple platforms.
Extension ITT Coordinator for TF Postharvest Systems
Fantastic opportunity to collaborate with WSU researchers and tree fruit industry to solve postharvest system challenges.
WTFRC Opportunity: Administrative Officer
WTFRC is seeking an Administrative Officer (AO) in our Wenatchee or Yakima office to fill a crucial role on our team.
WTFRC Opportunity: Human Resource Consultant
WTFRC is seeking a Human Resource Consultant to fill a crucial role on our team.
Upcoming Events
Featured Videos
WA38 Cosmic Crisp® Grower/Manager Q&A Meeting 9/23/2020
This WA 38 Q&A session, hosted by Bernardita Sallato, focused on all issues related to production, preharvest, conditions of the crop, crop load volume and yield, size and color, fruit finish, weather and smoke related…
WA 38 Cosmic Crisp® Packer/Shipper Q&A Meeting 9/30/2020
This WA 38 Q&A session, hosted by Karen Lewis, focused on storage and shipping, and anything that happens at harvest going forward. Topics included marketing and quality standards, clarifications to color definitions, starch evaluation, shape…
Síntomas de Fitoplasma X en Frutas de Hueso
X-disease in peaches, plums and nectarines causes yellow leaves, shot hole and small deformed fruit.
WA38 / Cosmic Crisp® Pre-Harvest Virtual Field Day
The WA3 8 / Cosmic Crisp® Pre-Harvest Virtual Field Day covered discussion on defects and disorders, PVM guidelines and recommendation, harvest and storage criteria, using the starch chart, crop load and dry matter considerations, and…
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…
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…
