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
X-disease Phytoplasma & Little Cherry Virus Scouting & Sampling
It is critical to scout and sample for X-disease phytoplasma and Little cherry virus-1, 2 this year in order to stop the spread of the…
New Export Training Coordinator
After 15+ years of acting as the export training coordinator for stone fruit exports to Mexico and B.C., Canada, and for apple exports to Taiwan…
Research Reviews – Busted!
The WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) presents research reviews for cherry and stone fruit, apple horticulture/postharvest, apple crop protection, and technology. WTFRC also administers…
The COVID-19 Q&A is here to support your operation!
We know that many of you are having to adjust to the new restrictions and a sea of information tied to COVID-19. Our Extension team…
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…
Upcoming Events
5
Aug
Aug
Summer 2020 Exporter Workshops – Wenatchee Region
Wenatchee Convention Center
Featured Videos
WSU – OSU Webinar: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber-Physical Systems and Robotics for Agriculture
Decreasing availability and increasing cost of farm labor is a critical challenge faced by the agricultural industry around the world. Robotics has played a key role in reducing labor use and increasing productivity in farming….
How to build a soil pit to evaluate and improve your apple orchard
Bernardita Sallato demonstrates how to create and use soil pits to better manage, and improve the health of commercial apple orchards. Sallato is a Washington State University tree fruit extension specialist in Prosser, Washington.
Como construir una calicata para evaluar y mejorar tu huerto de manzana
Bernardita Sallato demuestra como crear y utilizar una calicata para mejorar la salud de los huertos de manzana comerciales y la administración de los mismos. Sallato es una especialista de la extensión de fruta de…
Flowering Fruit Set & Pollination
Flowering is a critical time for growers because fertilization rate has a fundamental relationship to yield and there is a short window of opportunity to set the crop for the year. The processes of pollination…
Taking time when testing WA 38 (COSMIC CRISP®) maturity
Ines Hanrahan, executive director of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, shows differences in testing apple maturity between Granny Smith and WA 38 (COSMIC CRISP®) using an iodine starch test. Learn more about the recently…
Recent Publications
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…
Tree Fruit Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition in Cropping Orchards in Central Washington
Healthy trees need healthy roots to take up water and nutrients; healthy soils to provide water, nutrients, and protection from plant pathogens; sufficient water; and exemplary horticulture. When considering tree nutrition, it is essential to…
Fire blight in the plant nursery
This article discusses recommendations for preventing fire blight from arriving in your nursery, and for cleaning up the disease, should infected plants be detected there.
