Written by Rebecca Schmidt, Washington State University, February 03, 2026
The WSU Tree Fruit Heat School will focus on understanding and managing heat-related challenges in apple and pear production. The program brings together research-based insights and applied discussions on sunburn physiology and mitigation, red color development in apples and pears, and the impacts of heat on postharvest storage and fruit quality. Each session will include an expert presentation, followed by a panel discussion with panelists from across the US.
This event will be held in-person at Wenatchee Valley College, with in-person regional learning hubs in Hood River (OR), Plattsburgh (NY), Highland (NY), Hart (MI), Biglerville (PA), or fully virtual through ZOOM. Registration is required for a meal to be provided for in-person registrants.
The event runs from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm PST (11:30 am to 5:30 pm EST) on March 11th, 2026.
Registration will close March on 2nd, 2026.
Contact
Rebecca Schmidt
Washington State University
Rebecca.a.schmidt@wsu.edu
Funding and acknowledgements
This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture – Specialty Crop Research Initiative project “Preparing U.S. Pome Fruit Production for Extreme Temperatures in a Changing Climate” (2024-51181-43289; Accession #1032988)
Additional information
Learn more about SPARC here.
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