Washington State University researchers are studying a competitive cherry orchard system that trains upright fruiting offshoots, called UFOs, along horizontal leaders. Trees are planted at 35° to 40° angles. Heading cuts are avoided under this system. Washington State University horticulturist Dr. Matt Whiting’s vision of a precocious, productive, and efficient orchard system that yields large, sweet cherries is now being tested throughout the Pacific Northwest in grower demonstration trials. He envisions an efficient cherry orchard system as one that catches optimum sunlight radiation; maximizes the use of chemical sprays; minimizes management; utilizes the cherry tree’s natural growth habit; and readily […]