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Apple Day – North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days 2026

January 20, 2026 @ 8:45 am - 3:30 pm

Join us for the latest research-based information. 4 WSDA pesticide update credits (with approval). In person event with hybrid virtual option.

North Central Washington Tree Fruit Days

Join us for WSU Tree Fruit Extension Programs in North Central Washington. Co-sponsored by Northwest Cherries, Pear Bureau Northwest, NCW Fieldmen’s Association, and the Okanogan Horticultural Association. These events provide the latest research-based information on horticulture, pest and disease management. We hope you will join us to network and learn this winter. Apple, Pear and Cherry Day will be held in Wenatchee, WA January 20-22, 2026 with a virtual webinar option. Okanogan Horticultural Day February 11, 2026.

Format

NCW Tree Fruit Days events in 2026 will be held in person with a virtual option through zoom webinars for Apple, Pear and Stone Fruit Days.

Apple Day Topics

Session 1: Pest and Disease Management

  • Organic codling moth management
  • Conventional codling moth management

Session 2: Biocontrol

  • Lacewing release research updates
  • Natural enemy releases panel
  • Netting impact on codling moth and natural enemies

Session 3: Improving Pack outs by Preventing Post Harvest Problems in the Field

  • Preventing storage rots
  • Pre-harvest techniques to improve pack-outs

Session 4: Profitability

  • Efficiencies panel
  • Benefits of field sorting

Credits

4 pesticide update credits will be available with WSDA approval.

Registration

Registration is required for virtual webinar attendance. Walk-ins okay for in person participation. In person event is free (sponsored, a $150 value). Thank you sponsors: Washington State University, Northwest Cherries, Pear Bureau Northwest, NCW Fieldmen’s Association. Virtual attendee registration fee ($30 for 3 day event) covers additional cost of audio visual technician/live streaming for event. Virtual registration. Registered attendees should receive a confirmation from zoom the next business day.

Networking Lunch

Join us for the sponsored networking lunch which provides an opportunity to learn and network with your peers and visiting speakers. Sponsored lunch limited to the first 100 attendees per day. Apple Day Networking Lunch Sponsored by USDA SARE Grant. Register here.

Agenda (Draft)

NCW Apple Day
January 20, 2026 @ 9:00am-3:30 pm
Wenatchee Convention Center
Session 1: Pest and Disease Management
9:00 AM Organic codling moth management
Tobin Northfield, WSU Entomology
Organic management. Update on virus resistance.
9:25 AM What is the minimum conventional program for hard economic times
Betsy Beers, WSU Entomology
Critical timings with the most cost-effective materials for conventional insect management.
9:55 AM Break: Apple Tasting
Session 2: BioControl
10:20 AM Lacewing release research updates: Making progress towards scientifically-based recommendations
Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, USDA-ARS
This talk will provide updates on an ongoing project that is determining how to successfully release lacewings at for aphid and mealybug management in apples. Topics addressed will include methods and timing of releases and compatibility of lacewings with organic spray programs.
10:45 AM Grower experiences with natural enemy releases on-farm
Chuck Weaver, GS Long/Parabug; Teah Smith, Zirkle; Aaron Avila, GS Long
11:10 AM Maximizing Lacewing Releases
Erik van der Sluys, Beneficial Insectary
We will be looking at Chysoperla rufilabris (red-lipped green lacewing) life cycle practically, discussing different predatory behaviors between life stages and other organisms. We will also be covering some of the largest pitfalls of releasing lacewing eggs, learning how to overcome them. Attendees should leave with a new sense of confidence knowing more about Green Lacewings as pieces in the IPM toolbox.
11:35 AM Netting: codling moth control and natural enemy impacts
Betsy Beers, WSU-TFREC
12:00 PM Lunch Sponsored by USDA-SARE first 100 registrants.
Session 3: Improving Pack outs by Preventing Post Harvest Problems in the Field
1:20 PM Preharvest sprays to prevent post harvest rots
Achour Amiri, WSU Plant Pathology
1:45 PM Pre-harvest techniques to improve packouts
Thiago Campbell, WSU Extension
Session 4: Profitability
2:10 PM Efficiencies Panel
Hedgers, power pruners and other tools with a 1-year return on investment. When cost cutting goes to far.
2:35 PM Benefits of field sorting for your bottom line
Karina Gallardo, WSU
Dollar and cents benefits of getting only marketable fruit in the bin.
3:00 PM Closing and Pesticide Credits

Vendors

To join the tradeshow please contact the NCW Fieldmen’s association at ncwfieldman@nwi.net

Speakers

Betsy Beers, Professor and Entomologist, WSU Department of Entomology, Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. Beers has worked for 30+ years on integrated pest management of apple and cherry pests.

Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, Research Entomologist USDA ARS. Her lab focuses on biological control of arthropod pests of tree fruit, including apples, pears, and cherries.

Tobin Northfield is an Assistant Professor for WSU Department of Entomology. He leads an interdisciplinary task force comprising researchers and representatives from government and industry that works to improve management X-disease and Little cherry disease. He leads a project focusing on X-disease vector management including the use of cultural controls such as Surround and Extenday.

and many more coming soon

Credits Q&A

WSDA pesticide update credits.  To receive credits for online attendance, participants must:

  1. Register each participant including pesticide license information. Make sure registrant name matches name on license.
  2. Attend the full morning session. The webinar software tracks the number of minutes each attendee has participation. 3 credit sessions require 150 minutes of pesticide related content.
  3. Respond to poll questions and check-ins during the workshop.

Common Zoom Problems and Trouble Shooting

  • Cannot enter the webinar.
    • Early? If you are early you will receive a message that the meeting has not started yet. Just wait and we will have webinar open soon.
    • Enter the passcode: you can attend the meeting without a zoom account, but you have to enter the passcode to get in. Passcode: 1111.
  • All online participants will be required to have a zoom account to sign in due to WSU security policies. Go to https://zoom.us/ to sign up (free) and don’t forget to check your email to confirm. Please make sure to sign in early and check that zoom is working for you and that recent updates have been downloaded.
  • No sound
    • Check your audio settings in zoom. Click on the up arrow close to the microphone icon at the bottom of your screen. Choose audio settings and check that you have the correct speaker and microphone checked.
    • Check your audio in your computer settings.
  • Still having trouble. Call (509) 293-8792. Note these phone numbers will be forwarded to volunteers during the hour before and after the webinar starts as Tianna will be running the meeting.

Common questions:

  • Can I have multiple people watching on one computer? The webinar host can only verify attendance for each logged in participant. If it is not possible for each participant to login separately, please contact Tianna (509) 713-5346 in advance to designate a host for your site who can verify attendance.

Details

Date:
January 20, 2026
Time:
8:45 am - 3:30 pm

Organizer

WSU Extension – Tianna DuPont
Phone:
(509) 293-8758
Email:
tianna.dupont@wsu.edu

Venue

Wenatchee Convention Center
Wenatchee, 98801 United States + Google Map
Washington State University