Authors: Paige Beuhler, Tory Schmidt, and Ines Hanrahan
For 2025, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) approved $481,297 of pear reserve funds to help support four new special projects largely focused on infrastructure to support pear research programs. Although originally collected from Washington pear growers before the 2005 Federal Marketing Order for pears, these funds were not previously used for traditional research projects, a function now handled by the Fresh and Processed Pear Committees (FPC & PPC). The WTFRC approved these special projects based on recommendations from all Washington members of the Pear Research Subcommittee (PRSC) of the FPC & PPC.
2025 New WTFRC Pear Reserve Fund Projects:
Project Title: Vital Pear Research Infrastructure Needs
Organization(s): Washington State University
Principal Investigator(s): Curtiss, R.
Total Funding Amount for All Years: $80,000
Length: 1 Year
Washington State pear pest management is currently challenged by inconsistent practices and high grower costs. A team of WSU-TFREC entomology and extension faculty is addressing these issues through research on improved spray timing, updated economic thresholds, and conservation of beneficial insects. However, their efforts are hampered by outdated or failing equipment that is difficult to replace through traditional funding sources.
The Pear Insects Lab urgently needs new leaf brushing machines to continue essential pest quantification studies. The lab once had seven machines, but now only one remains functional due to discontinued manufacturing and worn-out components. The lab plans on purchasing eight machines and a decade’s worth of spare parts to ensure long-term functionality. The lab also requires upgraded microscopy, computing, and imaging equipment to support insect identification, technician training, and documentation. The current equipment is either outdated or of low quality, hindering accurate research and communication. Another critical need is a new Potter Spray Tower, the global standard for insecticide testing. The current unit, dating back to 1970, is beyond its expected lifespan. This apparatus is essential for screening insecticide effectiveness, supporting resistance management, and assessing non-target impacts on beneficial insects.
Additionally, the Pear Scouting Network, launched as a pilot project, has shown strong industry benefits by improving pest control timing and supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To expand the network, scouting equipment such as microscopes and leaf brush machines will be distributed to four satellite locations. This shared equipment will allow more scouts to participate and support grower decisions across a larger area. These investments will enable the continuation and expansion of high-quality research and extension services vital to the Washington pear industry.
Objectives:
- Purchase new leaf brush machines with spare parts (Pear Insects Lab).
- Purchase new microscopy, computing, and imaging equipment (Pear Insects Lab).
- Purchase a modern Potter Spray Tower to conduct insecticide testing (Pear Insects Lab).
- Purchase tools for Scouting Network expansion to share with cooperators (Tianna DuPont, Extension Lab).
Project Title: Plot Sprayers to Expand Capacity and Increase Efficiency
Organization(s): Washington State University
Principal Investigator(s): DuPont, T.
Total Funding Amount for All Years: $112,817
Length: 1 Year
Fire blight is a major disease in pear production, especially during warm, wet springs, causing significant economic damage. In severe years, such as 2018 in Washington, losses reached tens of millions of dollars. Although new treatments are released annually, many have limited effectiveness, making reliable product screening essential. Appropriate spray equipment improves trial efficiency, safety, and accuracy.
Pear psylla is another costly pest. Recent advances in biologically based IPM have helped manage it more effectively, but ongoing research is needed to evaluate additional products and timing strategies. Suitable sprayers are essential to conduct these trials, along with research into decay control, fruit quality, and storability. Sprayers will be stationed at two research farms to reduce transfer time. A shared reservation system and usage fees will support maintenance. Designated staff at each site will oversee scheduling and upkeep, ensuring consistent availability and functionality.
Objectives:
- Purchase a Four-Tank 25-Gallon Plot Sprayer: This compact sprayer will replace labor-intensive backpack sprayers in small plot trials. It improves efficiency by reducing the number of applicators needed, enhances safety by minimizing physical strain, supports trials requiring mechanical agitation, and eliminates the need for a tractor operator.
- Purchase a Four-Tank Airblast Plot Sprayer: This new unit will replace an outdated airblast sprayer used in large-scale field trials. It expands research capacity by allowing more treatments, improves reliability, and supports additional programs conducting on-farm trials.
Project Title: Shared Resource Infrastructure for Pear Research and Extension
Organization(s): Washington State University
Principal Investigator(s): Kalcsits, L.
Total Funding Amount for All Years: $103,480
Length: 1 Year
Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (WSU TFREC) has identified key infrastructure needs to support pear research and improve industry outcomes. The two main initiatives are intended to strengthen field and postharvest research capacities and include a plan for shared use and maintenance to ensure long-term functionality and collaboration across programs.
Shared-Use Pear Research Plots at Sunrise Research Orchard
Objectives:
- Shared-Use Pear Research Plots at Sunrise Research Orchard: To support modern, applied pear research, a new shared-use orchard will be established at Sunrise Research Orchard. This planting will feature moderate-density systems suited to research on training, irrigation, pest management, and productivity in the absence of dwarfing rootstocks. A phased, multi-year approach will create research blocks at varying stages of development to support long-term and interdisciplinary studies.
- Controlled Atmosphere Storage for Pear Research: A dedicated controlled-atmosphere (CA) chamber will be added to WSU TFREC’s postharvest facilities to address the current gap in pear storage research. The chamber will support studies on fruit physiology, storage disorders, and optimization of storage protocols, enhancing the ability to align postharvest practices with industry needs.
Project Title: Development of Pear Specific Greenhouse Space at WSU TFREC
Organization(s): Washington State University
Principal Investigator(s): Kalcsits, L.
Total Funding Amount for All Years: $185,000
Length: 1 Year
Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (WSU TFREC) is expanding its pear research capabilities as part of the new Plant Growth Facility. This includes the development of a dedicated greenhouse space specifically for pear research. The facility will support studies on pear rootstock breeding, pest and disease management, and pear physiology.
This grant will provide for four climate-controlled greenhouse rooms, equipped with rolling benches for flexible experimental design. To support efficient operations, the facility will also include a pot filling station and a pot cleaning and sterilization system. Additionally, a small growth chamber will be installed to enable precise, small-scale experiments such as dormancy assays and temperature response studies.
This dedicated space and equipment will enable year-round research, improve the efficiency of experimental workflows, and support the development of innovative solutions for challenges facing the pear industry.
Contact:
Paige Beuhler, Administrative Officer
paigeb@treefruitresearch.com
509 665 8271 ext. 2
Ines Hanrahan Executive Director
hanrahan@treefruitresearch.com
509 669 0267
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