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Fruit Matters – Tree Fruit News – February 2026

NEWS

Lenticel breakdown disorder: preharvest and postharvest considerations

Although lenticel breakdown disorder (LBD) is well-know, the latest research published by Torres et al. (2025) has shown: (1) sanitizers used at commercial doses do not impact lenticel breakdown development of fruits; and (2) filtration…
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2026 WA Tree Fruit Research Commission Grant Awards for Cherry

For 2026, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) approved $228,176 to help fund six (6) new projects. The Oregon Sweet Cherry Commission (OSCC) is co-funding three (3) new projects, and the Northwest Nursery Improvement…
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OPPORTUNITIES

WSU Study Seeking Farmers to Interview About Compost Use and Incentive Program Participation ($30 Visa Gift Card Incentive)

Study team hopes to learn about farmer perspectives, motivations, and challenges to identify barriers and support equitable access. All perspectives welcome – farmers are encouraged to participate regardless of whether or not they use compost…
Visit WSU Study Seeking Farmers to Interview About Compost Use and Incentive Program Participation ($30 Visa Gift Card Incentive)

Weather with AWN Webinar: New Web Portal

Join the WSU AWN team on Feb 17 to learn about using the new portal to access weather data, decision‑support models for crop, human, and animal health systems, and more.
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Agricultural Leadership Conference

The Agricultural Leadership Conference is on February 20th, 2026, in Yakima WA. This full-day bilingual conference (English and Spanish) is designed for farm supervisors and managers.
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2026 International Orchard Meetup Webinar Series: The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability

The International Virtual Orchard Meetup program brings together growers, researchers, government, and Extension agents.  This year the meetups will discuss challenges related to heat stress, identify opportunities to improve fruit quality, and remain profitable.
Visit 2026 International Orchard Meetup Webinar Series: The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability

WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS

Innovative Tools to Combat Emerging Diseases and Boost Pollination

Join us on February 18 in Wenatchee for a full-day workshop on emerging diseases and pollination.
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WSU Tree Fruit Heat School

Join us March 11th from 8:30 AM-2:30 PM for the WSU Tree Fruit Heat School. This free event will focus on understanding and managing heat-related challenges in apple and pear production. The program brings together…
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EVENTS

Okanogan Horticultural Society Meeting 2026

Feb 11 | Okanogan County Agriplex

Weather with AWN Webinar: New Web Portal

Feb 17 | Zoom Webinar

Innovative Tools to Combat Emerging Diseases and Boost Pollination

Feb 18 | Confluence Technology Center Wenatchee

2026 NW Pear Research Review

Feb 19 | Confluence Technology Center/ Virtual

Agricultural Leadership Conference

Feb 20 | Yakima Convention Center

Fire Blight Fruit School

Feb 24 | Confluence Technology Center/ Virtual

2026 International Orchard Meetup Webinar Series: The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability

Feb 27 | Zoom Webinar

Organic Apple Integrity Workshop

Mar 4 | Confluence Technology Center Wenatchee

WSU Tree Fruit Heat School

Mar 11 | Wenatchee Valley College

TEAM

Karen Lewis
Tianna DuPont
Dani Gray
Gwen Hoheisel
Marcella Magby
Manoella Mendoza
Claire Murphy
Bernardita Sallato
Tory Schmidt
Corina Serban
Thiago Campbell
Lexie McDaniel

EDITOR

The February 2026 edition of Fruit Matters was edited by Manoella Mendoza, WTFRC.

Washington State University