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 vector management for 2020
Managing the leafhopper vectors of X-disease phytoplasma post-harvest is important this season to slow the spread of the pathogen. Here we cover basic considerations. Keep…
New People and Projects to Address Little Cherry Challenges
WSU welcomes new people and highlights new projects to address the little cherry challenge.
Interactions between scion, rootstock, and the soil environment
Nutrient related disorders such as bitter pit and soggy breakdown in apples are the result of a mineral nutrients imbalance in fruit. The relationship between…
Resources for Pear Irrigation
As part of a larger project we have identified several common challenges to irrigation in pears and conducted case studies looking at irrigation upgrades designed…
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
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…
Irrigation Sensors with Jac LeRoux – Improving Irrigation Efficiency in Pears Virtual Field Day
Jac LeRoux, Wilbur Ellis company discusses irrigation sensors at WSU Extension ‘Virtual Field Day’ May 2020. Virtual Field Day hosted by Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension, Troy Peters, WSU Biological Systems Engineering, Lee Kalcsits, WSU Horticulture….
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…
