WSU engineers are developing a vibrating actuator that will be used with a mechanical harvester to shake limbs and remove fruit without damaging the trees. A four-year research project that aims to make sweet cherry production more efficient, profitable, and sustainable marked the halfway point with an informational meeting and tour for growers. The four-year project is partially funded with a $3.9 million grant from the federal Specialty Crop Research Initiative and involves scientists and companies in Washington, Michigan, California, and Oregon. Horticulturist Dr. Matt Whiting and engineer Dr. Qin Zhang with Washington State University in Prosser are project leaders. […]