NEWS
Apple IPM in Hard Economic Times
Optimal pest control may not be possible when budgets are tight. But, by carefully balancing the damage potential of the pests with the cost of various control measures, we can still achieve a reasonable outcome.
Critical Time For Codling Moth Management
The codling moth first generation egg hatch is underway in across Washington, and now is one of the most critical times to be controlling population growth to avoid late-season problems.
Post-bloom nutrition priorities for Washington tree fruit orchards
As orchards transition from bloom into early fruit development and rapid shoot growth, tree fruits enter a period of high nutrient demand and increasing root uptake efficiency. Nutrient management during this stage should target rapid…
Preharvest X-disease transmission risk
Warm spring weather may allow vectors to transmit X-disease in late May and June. We recommend broadleaf-specific herbicides and coordinating fruit fly sprays to also target leafhoppers.
The Biology of Shoot Blight
Shoot blight is caused by fire blight bacterium Erwinia amylovora. It is critical to understand the migration of E. amylovora through the plant tissue so that all infected tissue can be removed once symptoms appear….
Pruning out Fire Blight Infections
It is important to quickly prune out fire blight infected materials soon after an infection occurs to reduce the bacterial ooze which insects and wind can spread through the orchard causing new infections, and to…
Postharvest bin handling conversations in Washington State
Handling of bins after fruit removal varies widely. Researchers and industry in Washington state and other parts of the United States are collaborating to help guide future directions.
WSU Decision Aid System Update May 2026
DAS May 2026 Updates
From Invasive to Infrared: Tools for Quantifying Heat Stress in Apples
Sunburn caused by extreme heat events presents a critical challenge for Washington apple growers, often resulting in packout losses of up to 40%. This study evaluated temperature sensing technologies including thermocouples, infrared thermometers, and thermal…
Weather with AgWeatherNet: AgWeatherNet Launches New Mobile App
WSU AgWeatherNet has launched a free, bilingual (English/Spanish) mobile app that delivers station specific near real time weather and air quality data, soil conditions, meteograms as well as forecasts (and hindcasts) of temperature inversion, when-to-spray…
2026 Fresh & Processed Pear Committee Research Grant Awards
Based on the recommendations of the Pear Research Subcommittee (PRSC), the Fresh and Processed Pear Committees (FPC & PPC) approved $335,163 to fund seven (7) new pear research projects in 2026.
WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) Completes 2026 Funding Cycle and Sets Dates for 2026/27 Season
The WA Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) finished another successful funding cycle.
WSU is extending the Washington Grower Exclusivity Period for ‘WA 38’ through the patent expiration date of May 26, 2032
Written May 5, 2026 Washington State University is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Washington apple industry and deeply appreciates the continued investment, innovation, and stewardship demonstrated by our growers and nurseries across the…
LATEST VIDEOS
Assessing your Lacewing Shipment
WSARE Project SW24-004 “Developing best practices for releasing lacewings in apples.” Led by Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, USDA, Tianna DuPont, WSU
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
Survey: Improving Peach Twig Borer Monitoring and Management in Stone Fruit
The Utah State University is conducting a study to improve monitoring and management strategies of the peach twig borer (PTB) in the Western US in stone fruit (except cherry). This pre-survey (IRB: #15675) includes 28 questions and should take up…
Xerces Society Field Day: Building Farm Resilience with Pollinator Habitat
The Xerces Society and farm partners invite growers and agricultural professionals to attend an upcoming field day focused on pollinator habitat and farm resilience on May 29th at Zirkle Mattawa.
Roundup and Meetup – Join the Conversation on Extremes
The researchers and Extension professionals from the SPARC project invite you to catch the monthly SPARC Orchard Roundup podcast, and register for our Orchard Meetups live to discuss managing climate stress in fruit production
FIRA USA 2026 Press Conference
After four successful years in California, FIRA USA is relocating to Washington State, advancing its mission to accelerate the real-world deployment of agricultural autonomous solutions. Attend the trade show on Tuesday, May 12th at 9.00…
EVENTS
FIRA USA 2026 Press Conference
May 12 |
Pear Pest Management Discussion Group – Mites and Natural Enemies
May 14 | Henry Building
Virtual Orchard Meetup Webinar Series
Jun 11 |
Pear Pest Management Discussion Group – Secondary Pests and Natural Enemies
Jun 18 | Henry Building
Virtual Orchard Meetup Webinar Series
Jun 18 |
Lacewing Release Field Visit – Pateros
Jun 24 | 48.06971, -119.88436
Lacewing Release Field Visit – Rock Island
Jun 25 | CRO Rock Island
Lacewing Release Field Visit – Royal City
Jun 25 | Craver Orchards
Virtual Orchard Meetup Webinar Series
Jun 25 |
TEAM
Datta Bhalekar
Thiago Campbell
Tianna DuPont
Dani Gray
Gwen Hoheisel
Marcella Magby
Lexie McDaniel
Manoella Mendoza
Claire Murphy
Bernardita Sallato
Tory Schmidt
Corina Serban
EDITOR
The May 2026 edition of Fruit Matters was edited by Tianna DuPont, WSU Extension.
