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
How to effectively remove cankers and associated pathogens in sweet cherry orchards
Effective disease management in sweet cherry begins with informed pruning decisions. Recent observations indicate that pruning at least five inches below visible cankers during hot/dry…
Four different types of fire blight pathogen existed in Washington Orchards: What does this mean to growers?
It is often believed that the pathogen causing fire blight is genetically similar in every orchard. A recent study by Washington State University researchers found…
Understanding Listeria Behavior on Pears During Cold Storage
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness and mortality. Recent outbreaks in other tree fruits have highlighted the importance of understanding…
How Many Kinds of Pear Psyllids are There? And Where Did Ours Come From?
A surge in the importing of pear trees from Western Europe in the early-1800s led to psylla’s entry into the eastern US. This article examines…
Highlights from the international meeting of fire blight scientists this year
Fire blight researchers from around the world met in Washington state this summer for the International Symposium of Fire Blight on Rosaceous Plants. Here are…
‘WA 38’ Harvest and Storage Parameters for 2025
‘WA 38’ have been coloring on trees and preparing for harvest time! Remember to pick, pack and store with due diligence, using this guide as…
Upcoming Events
28
Jan
Jan
WTFRC 2026 Apple Crop Protection Research Review
Yakima Valley College Conference Center
29
Jan
Jan
WTFRC 2026 Apple Horticulture and Postharvest Research Review
Yakima Valley College Conference Center
18
Feb
Feb
Innovative Tools to Combat Emerging Diseases and Boost Pollination
Confluence Technology Center Wenatchee
Get Connected
Featured Videos
Virtual Orchard Meetups: Heat Session Grower Panel with Garrett Henry, WA & Steve Frecon, PA
Managing the Uncontrollable: Resilience to extreme events. Heat session Grower Panel.
Virtual Orchard Meetups: Heat Session with Randolph M Beaudry, Michigan State University
Managing the Uncontrollable: Resilience to extreme events. Heat Session with Randolph M Beaudry, Michigan State University.
Virtual Orchard Meetups: Heat Session with Lee Kalcsits, Washington State University
Managing the uncontrollable: resilience to extreme events
Fire Blight of Apple and Pear
This animation illustrates the biology of fire blight infections in apple and pear. Video produced by Tianna DuPont, Washington State University. Animation by Dani Abram. Funded by USDA SCRI grant #2020-51181-32158. Thank you to reviewers…
New codling moth tools- NCW Tree Fruit Days 2025
Betsy Beers, WSU Entomology described efficacy information on new codling moth products at North Central Washington Apple Day. Part of North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days sponsored by WSU Extension, NW Cherry Growers, Pear Bureau…
Recent Publications
Evaluation of biopesticides for the control of Erwinia amylovora in Apple and Pear
In a recent study, we evaluated non-antibiotic materials for fire blight control in 8 Washington, 3 Oregon, 3 New York and 2 Pennsylvania field experiments conducted between 2013 to 2022.
Investigations of Multiple Approaches to Reduce Green Spot Incidence in ‘WA 38’ Apple
A pre-harvest apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) disorder named “green spot” (GS) was recently identified on ‘WA 38’ apples. Previous work indicated a tentative association between GS and fruit mineral imbalance, and an influence of…
Soil Health Indicators for Central Washington Orchards
To help growers in Central Washington orchards, Washington State University scientists demonstrated that all soil health indicators should include measurements of water availability and root health in addition to standard fertility indicators to meet stakeholder…
Field scale application of Brassica seed meal and anaerobic soil disinfestation for the control of apple replant disease.
Study published June 2021 in Applied Soil Ecology shows potential of anaerobic soil disinfestation and biorenovation with mustard meals for mitigation of replant disease.
Towards rapid detection and mapping of powdery mildew in apple orchards
Chandel, Khot, Sallato Dec 2020. Powdery mildew (PM) in apples is a critical fungal disease that adversely affects yield and fruit quality. Conventional PM identification techniques are laborious. This study evaluated the suitability of non-destructive…
