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
Manejo de la carga frutal: De vuelta a lo básico
El manejo de la carga frutal es un tema de gran importancia para los productores de fruta. Con todos los factores que pueden afectar el…
Questions and Answers on Insect Vectors of X-disease Phytoplasma
Interview with Tobin Northfield, WSU Entomology.
Wildfire season has arrived
The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID issued its Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook on August 1, 2020. The agency predicts that the northwestern…
Achieving higher dry matter pears with better quality using pruning
Fruit dry matter is becoming a prominent thought in growers’ minds as accumulating research suggests a direct connection between fruit dry matter content and consumer…
Featured
New COVID-19 Requirements for Washington Agriculture
Yesterday, Gov. Inslee released Proclamation 20-57, “Concerning the Health of Agricultural Workers” which provides required protections that must be in place by June 4. Full details of requirements can be found here: COVID-19 Agricultural Safety…
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…
Upcoming Events
Featured Videos
Symptoms of Little Cherry Virus and X-disease Phytoplasma
X-disease phytoplasma and Little cherry virus 2 cause small, pale deformed fruit in cherries. This video shows symptoms in a number of varieties.
X-disease Vector Management
Tobin Northfield, WSU Entomology shows how to identify and trap for important leafhopper vectors of X-disease phytoplasma.
Using Irrigation Sensors – Troy Peters
WSU Biological Systems Engineering’s Troy Peters describes common types of irrigation sensors and how to use them. Part of ‘Virtual Fielday’ May 2020. Virtual Field Day hosted by Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension, Troy Peters, WSU…
Monitoreo y muestreo para la enfermedad de la cereza pequeña
Recomendaciones para el monitoreo y toma de muestras para identificar la presencia o ausencia de la enfermedad de la cereza pequeña en sus huertas.
Scouting and Sampling for Little Cherry Disease
Tips on scouting and sampling for X-disease and Little cherry disease which cause small, pale unmarketable fruit in cherries. By WSU Extension, OSU Extension and the Good Fruit Grower. Funding provided by a grant from…
Cost Share Availability – Irrigation Efficiencies Virtual Field Day
Sandy Letzing, Cascadia Conservation discusses cost share availability at ‘virtual field day’ May 2020. Virtual Field Day hosted by Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension, Troy Peters, WSU Biological Systems Engineering, Lee Kalcsits, WSU Horticulture. Project funders…
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…
