NEWS
Start Clean to Stay Clean: Apple Bin Materials & Sanitation
Deciding which bin material to use is a very important matter. Studies show the risk with wooden bins spreading postharvest diseases and shed light on new sanitation strategies.
Before you Pick: Steps to Improve Fruit Storage and Quality
Delivering high-quality fruit to the consumer starts with a high-quality product in the field. Monitor harvest and, as a grower, watch your fruit run on the packing line.
WSU Decision Aid System Update August 2026
Codling Moth Sources
The Next Cherry Crop Starts at Harvest
Maintaining healthy leaves, mitigating heat and vigor, and replenishing reserves after harvest can improve next year’s crop consistency.
Developing Best Practices for Lacewing Releases in Apples Field Day
Dr. Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, USDA-ARS shared best management practices for lacewing release biocontrol in apples at field days last month hosted by WSU Extension.
Box Elder Bug and Stink Bug in Pear
As fruit continues to develop, box elder bugs and stink bugs will begin to migrate from the surrounding native habitat into orchards and damage maturing pears.
What Does It Cost to Produce Sweet Cherries in Washington? Comparing Four 2026 Enterprise Budgets
To help growers evaluate production alternatives, Washington State University recently developed four enterprise budgets representing typical commercial production systems: early-season mahogany cherries, mid-season mahogany cherries, late-season mahogany cherries, and yellow sweet cherries. The studies can…
Industry-Funded Carbon Analysis Tool Now Available to Apple Growers and Packers
The Pacific Northwest apple industry is taking charge of its environmental data. The carbon footprint tool is now available through the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.
Comparing MAP bags and Controlled Atmosphere storage to maintain sweet cherry quality
The study aims to provide information to optimize storage conditions and improve the preservation and marketability of sweet cherries.
WORKSHOPS
WSU-USDA Sunrise Research Farm Field Day
Please join us at the 2026 WSU-USDA Sunrise Research Farm Field Day on September 23rd from 2 – 5 pm to learn the latest tree fruit research!
OPPORTUNITIES
Climate Smart Farm Equipment Grant Opens September 4, 2026
The new climate smart farm equipment grant program helps farmers purchase equipment that reduces agricultural greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health, air and water quality, and operational resilience. Grant opens September 4, 2026 and…
Focus Group: Changes in Pesticide Use in Apples
Washington State University Extension, with help from the Washington State Department of Agriculture, would like your help in researching changes in pesticide use in apples from 2020 to 2026 for organic and conventional apples.
EVENTS
WSU-USDA Sunrise Research Farm Field Day
Sep 23 | WSU Sunrise Research Farm
WA 64 Sunflare™ Pre-Harvest Field Tour South
Sep 24 | WSU-Prosser Roza Orchard
WA 64 Sunflare™ Pre-Harvest Field Tour North
Sep 30 | WSU Sunrise Orchard
Oct 20 | State Fair Park, Yakima
TEAM
Datta Bhalekar
Thiago Campbell
Tianna DuPont
Dani Gray
Gwen Hoheisel
Marcella Magby
Lexie McDaniel
Manoella Mendoza
Claire Murphy
Bernardita Sallato
Antonia Sánchez-Labbé
Tory Schmidt
Corina Serban
EDITOR
The August 2026 edition of Fruit Matters was edited by Lexie McDaniel, WSU Extension.
