Extension Educator for Tree Fruit Pest Management
Join Our Team
The Extension Coordinator is responsible for providing oversight and leadership for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension and Outreach program, including originating and/or developing formal education programs related to IPM. This position will function as an integral member of the WSU Tree Fruit Extension Team and the Codling Moth Task Force and will work with a network of research and Extension faculty, tree fruit producers, allied industry and industry partners to deliver educational programs, consultations, and resources on IPM.
Application deadline: November 26, 2023
Learn more and Apply HERE
Organic Apple Pre and Post Harvest Management Survey
Please help us identify current practices utilized preharvest and postharvest to reduce rots and extend the shelf life of organic apples. This effort will help us identify needs and will be used as a baseline to assess impact of future research findings. Your responses will be collected anonymously.
Organic Apple Survey
Project Title: A Systems-Based Approach To Enhance Quality, Safety, And Shelf Life Of Organic Tree Fruit In The Pacific Northwest. Funded by USDA NIFA.
We appreciate your support
For more information contact
Dr. Achour Amiri, Principal Investigator at a.amiri@wsu.edu or Bernardita Sallato, Extension Specialist at b.sallato@wsu.edu
WA38 Pre-Harvest Field Day and Tour Scheduled
WSU has scheduled our annual WA 38 pre-harvest field day for Sept 15th
The first stop is at WSU Sunrise Orchard for project updates and the introduction of the CAHNRS Dean, Dr. Wendy Powers. The second stop will be at Monument Hill Orchard north of Quincy. The third and fourth stops will be south of Quincy. Research update topics include horticulture, fruit set, crop load, nutrition, and rootstocks.
Registration is requested. This will allow us to provide updates and reminders as details are finalized. Registration link
Contact:
Karen Lewis
Program Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources
kmlewis@wsu.edu
(509) 754-2011 ext 4307
Consumer Preferences for Pears
Consumer Preferences for Pears will be the topic of a session hosted by WSU and OSU on Tuesday, August 16th at 10:00 am. Carolyn Ross, Ann Colonna, and Karina Gallardo will discuss their extensive research conducted last winter with over 20 pear varieties. The aim of the work was to gain a greater understanding of which characteristics consumers in the Pacific Northwest prefer, what their willingness is to pay for these varieties and insights into consumer purchase behavior. Time is allotted for a question and answer session. Zoom details including the link are in the event notice on our website.
Please use this link to join the Zoom webinar.
Meeting ID: 898 1040 0942
Passcode: 526112
Contact:
Karen Lewis
Program Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources
kmlewis@wsu.edu
(509) 754-2011 ext 4307
AgWeatherNet ports Fruit Surface Temperature (FST) Model
Written by Sean Hill, Lav Khot and R. Troy Peters, WSU IAREC, Prosser, WA, June 2022
Registered users of AgWeatherNet (AWN) can now access the Fruit Surface Temperature (FST) model through the web portal at FST Model (Beta) | AgWeatherNet at Washington State University (wsu.edu). Users can also find the tool in the left-hand menu by clicking the “Models” option and finding the “FST Model”. The AWN portal also allows user to setup an email or text-based alert by sign-in to account and customizing a new alert, see left figure, so they get real-time notification when estimated FST surpasses the user’s defined threshold temperature.
The AgWeatherNet ported FST model was developed by Dr. Troy Peter’s team, and it has been collaboratively refined and validated for Honeycrisp cultivar through USDA-NIFA funding. The model employs a heat energy balance approach to predict apple FST. The model utilizes grower-subscribed, AWN station-specific weather data (e.g., air temperature, dew point temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed) and crop parameters (e.g., fruit diameter, emissivity, albedo, and shading condition) to estimate apple fruit surface temperature. This model also forecasts future apple fruit surface temperature, up to 7 days, for effective heat stress and sunburn management decision making.
The 7-day model forecast is based on weather parameters from the ‘National Digital Forecast Database’, and Clear Sky solar radiation calculations. The Clear Sky calculation provides a maximum FST estimate, while lower FST values could be expected in cloudy or overcast conditions.
This model has default input values for the Honeycrisp cultivar, while research continues for additional cultivars. As the model is extremely sensitive to input values, users may need to tune the model based on their own data including fruit size, albedo, or emissivity estimates. The model output can be visualized in tabular or graphical format and pertinent data can be downloaded to share with your field team. Feedback about effectiveness, user interface, questions, or comments on the beta page can be sent by email to weather@wsu.edu.
Additional reading:
Li, L., Peters, R.T., Zhang, Q., Zhang, J., Huang, D., 2014. Modeling Apple Surface Temperature Dynamics Based on Weather Data. Sensors. 14, 20217-20234. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/s141120217
Ranjan, R., Khot, L. R., Peters, R. T., Salazar-Gutierrez, M.R., Shi, G., 2020. In-field crop physiology sensing aided real-time apple fruit surface temperature monitoring for sunburn prediction. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 175, 105558. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105558
Protecting your fruit from frost and freeze resources
Given the cold weather that started April 10, 2022, that our region experienced, there were a lot of questions from the growers regarding the frost protection on apple and cherry trees. Below are a few resources with information on the use of wind machines for fruit frost protection in commercial tree fruit crops.
Factsheets
Frost Protection: Tips and Techniques https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2017/01/frost-protection-tips-techniques-1qelzi6.pdf
Wind machines for minimizing cold injury https://brocku.ca/ccovi/wp-content/uploads/sites/125/Research-Wind-machines-3.pdf
Peer-reviewed journal articles
Towards a physics-based understanding of fruit frost protection using wind machines https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168192319304848
Non-peer reviewed publications
Orchard Frost – Protection with Wind Machines https://extension.psu.edu/orchard-frost-protection-with-wind-machines
Wind machines for minimizing cold injury to horticultural crops https://www.ontario.ca/page/wind-machines-minimizing-cold-injury-horticultural-crops#section-6
Protecting your fruit from frost and freeze https://fruitgrowersnews.com/article/protecting-your-fruit-from-frost-and-freeze/
Frost protection strategies https://www.goodfruit.com/frost-protection-strategies/
Frost protection for fruit trees https://www.fruitandveggie.com/frost-protection-for-fruit-trees-20672/
Research Assistant (Temporary)
This position will support the USDA-ARS Hop Breeding Lab stationed at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (WSU-IAREC) in Prosser, WA. In this field and greenhouse-based position, the research assistant(s) will perform routine tasks in support of hop breeding research. The research assistant(s) will be required to work 20-40 hours a week (Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend work). Pay is $15-18/hour, depending on experience. Four positions are available from May 2nd—November. There is some flexibility with start and end dates but preference will be given to applicants with extended availability.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with hop research trial establishment, involving planting and weeding plots in the field
- Work on potting, trimming, and maintaining plants in the greenhouse
- Participate in breeding activities, including preparing plants for crossing and pollination
- Aid in plant propagation efforts
- Maintain a clean, safe working environment
- Prepare for and assist with the hop harvest
- Help with other tasks, as needed
Requirements
- Must pay attention to detail and be able to follow instructions
- Ability to work well both alone and with a small team of people
- Must have the physical ability to perform the duties of the position, including the abilities to: lift 50 lbs, walk on uneven ground, bend over to plant/transplant materials, and utilize garden tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes.
- Willingness to work outside in hot, dry conditions
- Participation in safety training in order to use and operate equipment appropriately
- In accordance with Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 21.14.2, as a condition of employment, you must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical/religious accommodation by the time of hire.
If interested, please send a resume/CV, cover letter, and application (found here), to Anna.Tawril@usda.gov. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Screening will begin February 14th, 2022 and the position will remain open until filled.
Next Generation Network – Soil Fertility
Do you want to know how to improve soil fertility and root health for sustained and consistent yields of high-quality fruit? Join us for the next generation tree fruit network event. A presentation of about 30 minutes will be given by Bernardita Sallato followed by a facilitated discussion, networking, and lunch. Bring your experiences to discuss. Lunch is provided sponsored by NCW Fieldmen’s Assoc.
TOPICS
We will discuss calcium intake, NPK balance, optimal application timings, differences in soil fertility needs between varieties, relationship between soil fertility and soil health, and its interaction with plant pathogens.
SPEAKER
Bernardita Sallato is a Tree Fruit Extension Specialist with experience in applied research, extension, and outreach for the PNW tree fruit industry. Her goal is improving orchard efficiency and fruit production through horticultural management practices and technology. Her main areas of interest are soils and plant nutrition, tree fruit stress management and general horticultural practices for tree fruit production. In this event, she will talk about calcium intake, NPK balance, optimal application timings, differences in soil fertility needs between varieties, relationship between soil fertility and soil health, and its interaction with plant pathogens.
REGISTRATION
click link below.
Registration is required.
SPONSOR
North Central Washington Fieldmen’s Association and WSU Extension are sponsoring the Next Generation Tree Fruit Network, supporting the Future Faces of Farming. The aim is to offer educational opportunities for Young and Next Generation Growers, Managers & Field staff.
Opportunity – Pesticide Education Specialist, Bilingual
Within the Pesticide Management Division, the Technical Services & Education Program (TSEP) exists to educate the agricultural community on pesticide safety, licensing, and usage requirements. The Bilingual Pesticide Education Specialist position collaborates with other Pesticide Education Specialists, including a supervisor, to conduct a variety of content-relevant pesticide safety training to individuals at all levels of agricultural operations. The team partners with the agricultural industry to deliver training in order to maximize program resources and reach as many individuals in need of training as possible. The actions of this position directly support the agency’s mission of protecting people and the environment and ensuring the economic vitality of the agricultural industry.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov
Apply here.
Opportunity – Financial Research Administrator
An exciting new opportunity here at Washington State University! The Financial Research Administrator will provide all manner of financial grant support to the recently funded AgAID Institute and the Soil To Society Project, including both pre-and post-award grant administration. This position is responsible for coordinating all research and extension grants associated with these major research institutes, including managing an extensive list of subawards, managing all funds associated with these institutes, acting as grant advisor to all faculty associated with the projects, and helping them apply for new grant funding.
Learn more about the project here https://www.goodfruit.com/the-promise-of-ai-is-becoming-clearer/
Apply here